Presenting Your Homemade Gifts

     Here are the most practical but effective ways I've found to package gifts.

- Foil bakeware- relatively cheap but festive looking, comes in all shapes and sizes. Cover with clear plastic wrap, top with a bow.

- Holiday decorated paper plates and boxes- every year these become more widely available. Check card shops, grocery stores, bakers' supply stores.

- Plastic berry, mushroom or tomato baskets- line with doillies to spruce them up, or weave with pretty ribbon.

- Glass jars-save all shapes and sizes(if they have re-useable lids) during the year. Add decorated labels.

- Coffee cans- cover with left-over wallpaper,contact paper, fabric etc.

- Baskets,decorated tins,bakeware(glass, aliminum, ceramic etc), clay flower pots, fancy canning jars, plastic kitchen ware, freezer containers,mugs, cookie jars etc.

- A bit of ribbon and a sprig of pine or holly add a special touch to any gift.