All the wrapping paper, bows, ribbons and bells looked beautiful sitting under the Christmas tree, but what happens now that the presents are opened? All of that work usually gets thrown in the trash, but no longer! These six ideas from design specialist Stacy Nelson will give your wrapping a second, or even third, life for holidays to come.
New Year's magic
Your leftover silver, red and gold Christmas paper can work perfectly for your New Years Eve party. Simply cover your everyday placemats with festive holiday wrap to refresh your table design. Pick coordinating colors and patterns and the possibilities are endless: wrap coasters, line serving trays or even cover wine and champagne bottles.
Valentine's Day decorations
Pretty winter images of snowflakes and reindeer work all the way through March, so save your red and white holiday paper for Valentine’s Day. You could whip up a string of festive flags, make origami hearts or craft a beautiful, holiday-appropriate wreath to dress up your home in February.
Line drawers and shelves
Larger pieces of wrapping paper are a gold mine of drawer liners! Simply measure and cut the right size and you'll have festive drawer liners. Keep the look neat by folding the edges into a straight line and securing each corner with a thumb tack. We especially recommend this idea if you have a cabinet, shelf or drawers used specifically for Christmas items.
Personal thank you notes
How great would it be to send a thank you note for a holiday gift in the same gift wrap it came in? If you received a special present from an out-of-town loved one, be sure to send a thank you note that's just as meaningful. Use the wrapping paper to craft a mailing envelope, or to embellish your note card.
Beautiful bows
Make fantastic bows that can top gifts throughout the year out of old paper. Simply cut used paper into even strips and curl with scissors. You can create sunflowers by cutting used paper into 3 or 4-in squares, fold into a "V" shape and attach in the center. Or make long strips and curl them into a rose. These bows are so beautiful, you'll forget they were originally wrapping paper!
Scrap crafts
Don't throw away the small stuff! A bit of pre-planning now can save you lots of time next year by breathing new life into your decorations. Cut gift tags from holiday paper to save money on next year’s supplies or create personalized bookmarks for friends and family out of leftover paper and cherished photographs.
Just shred!
If you don't want to go to the trouble of arts and crafts, just shred it! It'll act as table confetti for upcoming celebrations or as packing material that will save you money year round.