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With a few snips of your scissors, you can transform basic self-adhesive bows into sumptuous flowers. (gentl & hyers) |
Ask Martha
When a thoughtfully chosen gift is wrapped with equal thought and care, it feels all the more special to the person who receives it. Here are some innovative ways to package items big and small for everyone on your gift list.
Bows all over
When it comes to these dainty decorations, more is more. Instead of embellishing packages with a lone bow, tie on several, and experiment with different styles. Seam binding, which is both attractive and inexpensive, is perfect for the task; buy it by the roll at notions stores. Establish a palette for bows and paper, and the bundles will look even more tied together.
Doily decorations
The lacy patterns on paper doilies conjure images of snowflakes, making these decorations a natural choice for decorating holiday gifts. If you like, snip around the doily's edges to create realistic, pointed patterns. Thread the paper with ribbon, and then tie one or several doilies to wrapped boxes.
Kitchenware tins
Homemade confections are twice as nice when offered in pudding molds, loaf pans, and other culinary containers. You can find a variety of types and sizes at kitchen-supply stores. Long after the delicious contents have been devoured, the equipment will still prove useful in the kitchen.
Revitalized ribbon
With a few snips of your scissors, you can transform basic self-adhesive bows into sumptuous blooms. For each "flower," cut the loops of one small bow and one large bow at an angle. Then affix the smaller bow to the empty center of the large bow. Coil a short length of matching ribbon; place coil in the center of the small bow and secure with double-sided tape. Showcase a single bloom, or pair with more matching ribbon.
Jingle bells
What could be more appropriate for decorating a Christmas parcel than a bell that recalls the sound of Santa's sleigh? Purchase the bells at crafts stores, and use lengths of thin ribbon or cord to secure to packages.
Tasteful tags
Gift tags are even sweeter when they happen to be crisp cookies. To make them, cut gingerbread dough into shapes or letters, punch with a small hole for threading with cord, and bake. The cookies can be eaten while the gift is unwrapped or hung on a tree as ornaments.
Quick jar covers
Top jars of homemade chutney, fruit sauce, or preserves with cupcake liners, available in many colors and patterns at grocery and party stores. The paper liners resemble old-fashioned fabric jar covers. Invert a liner (or two, for stronger color), and secure around jar with a rubber band. Tie with ribbon, then remove the rubber band.
Decorated gift bags
Spruce up inexpensive paper sacks with small trinkets such as buttons, sprigs of holly, or candy canes. Start by folding down the top of the bag twice. Thread two buttons with waxed twine. Glue one to the folded portion of the bag, and the other several inches below it; wrap excess thread around buttons to secure. Or punch two holes side by side through the folded portion; thread with a rubber band from the back, and use ends to secure decorative items.
Adapted from Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Questions should be addressed to Ask Martha, care of Letters Department, Martha Stewart Living, 11 W. 42nd Street, New York, N.Y., 10036. Questions may also be sent to mslletters@marthastewart.com. Please include your name, address, and daytime telephone number. Questions of general interest will be answered in this column. For more information on the column, visit marthastewart.com.
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