Since 1976, Department 56 has captured the imaginations of families with the tradition of displaying lighted Village build ings throughout the home. For truly inspired decorating, be sure you're starting with genuine Department 56 buildings and accesories. You'll find our name embossed on the bottom of each handcrafted piece.

a. Attachments such as chimneys and church towers are sculpted separately, then skillfully added at a later stage of production.

b. Door and window openings are hand-cut with extreme precision. Each opening requires four to six individual hand-cuts.

c. Many buildings include custom, die-cast metal trim and details. Some lighted Village buildings include motion or sound, while others can be personalized or decorated for all seasons.

Step One. Two buildings offer new opportunities for creativity when you play with angles and heights. We've elevated one building on a Department 56 "Snowy Platform," but you could also cut Styrofoam to any shape you desire.

Step Two. Create a forested backdrop of trees at 'ground' level with others atop birch logs for added dimension. Garland or trimmings provide festive touches.

Step Three. Neatly hide Village light cords by securing them to the side of the mantel with appropriately colored tape.

Warm up a corner of a room with a beautiful but simple table or desk arrangement. Complement your arrangement with different items to add your own personal touch.

Step One: A few hardcover volumes make a perfect backdrop for "Jenny's Corner Bookshop." Complete the look with Department 56 accressories, such as "A Treasured Book," a dusting of snow and a bare branch tree.

Step Two: With a little imagination, even a basic display, featuring a single building with a few accessories, adds a warm glow to the room.