New Uses for Old Things: Holiday Edition


John Lawton
John Lawton

Surprising new uses for ribbon, cookie cutters, wrapping paper, and more.

Cupcake Liner as Decorative Snowflakes

Create a winter wonderland in the entryway. Flatten white paper liners (foil ones will work, too), fold into halves or quarters, then snip out shapes along the folds. When you open them back up, voilà: snowflakes you can string from the ceiling.


See More: Elegant and Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas






John Lawton
John Lawton

Book as Misleading Gift Box

To foil present-guessers, hide the real gift in a hollowed-out book. Using a box cutter carve a space just large enough to hold the small item.

See More: 21 Easy Holiday Gift-Wrapping Ideas











John Lawton
John Lawton

Confetti as Packing Material

Don't ditch excess confetti or shredded paper. Use it to cushion breakable items so they arrive in one piece.

See More: Throw the Easiest New Year's Eve Party Ever












John Lawton
John Lawton

Cake Stand as Soap Dish

Glam up a bathroom or vanity. Stock soaps and washcloths on top, or showcase your prettiest perfume bottles.

See More: Timeless Home Decorating Advice












John Lawton
John Lawton

Stretchy Bracelets as Wine Charms

Snag a couple of your child's stretchy bracelets to identify guests' glasses at your next party. Bonus points if the shapes match your party's theme.


See More: How to Host a Wine Tasting Party











John Lawton
John Lawton

Branch as Gift Wrap

Spruce up a wrapped gift. Tuck pretty sprigs into the ribbon in place of a bow.

See More: Quick Gift-Wrapping Upgrades












John Lawton
John Lawton

CD Case as Photo Place Card

Assign seating at a holiday dinner. Slide festive photos of various family members into a case and prop it in front of a place setting.

See More: Holiday Dinner Party Made Easy












John Lawton
John Lawton

Dental Floss as DIY Popcorn Garland

String a popcorn garland for the holidays (after a pit-stop in the medicine cabinet).

See More: Wintertime New Uses for Old Things












James Wojcik
James Wojcik

Beer Can as Noise Maker

Cut down on drinking? You can still start 2012 off with a bang--or at least a rattle. Drop a dozen coins into a clean, empty beer can and seal the opening with tape. When the clock strikes 12, shake some noise.

See More: How to Stock a Party-Worthy Cocktail Bar










John Lawton
John Lawton

Apple Container as Ornament Storage

Store delicate tree decor where the fruit once went to protect items from bumps and bruises. (You can also use wine boxes or egg cartons.)


See More: New Uses for Old Things: Holiday Edition



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Holiday Decorations From the Stationary Store