New Uses for Old Things: Holiday Edition

John LawtonSurprising 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 LawtonBook 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 LawtonConfetti 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 LawtonCake 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 LawtonStretchy 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 LawtonBranch 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 LawtonCD 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 LawtonDental 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 WojcikBeer 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 LawtonApple 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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