One year I made a decorative item from used books, ribbon and pine cones. I found a cache of Reader’s Digest Condensed Versions of novels. When the dust jackets were removed, the books were quite attractive with a solid color spine and a patterned cover with gold leaf on the edges of the pages.

I stacked two books together, tied them with a two-inch wide wired Christmas ribbon. I made a big double bow and clipped the ends of the ribbons in a V. Then, using a hot glue gun, I attached plastic or real pine clippings, small colored ornaments, pine cones, nuts, small wooden toys and any of the myriad of Christmas decorations available at any craft store. The result was a beautiful, long lasting table decoration, which only cost a few dollars. I made 15-20 of these gifts and gave them to the management people at my office building, casual acquaintances who had done a kindness for me during the year and friends who joined our family for Christmas Eve, but for whom I couldn’t afford a more expensive gift. The response was overwhelming with people mentioning their beauty several years later.

Another year I purchased red and green produce baskets, which I lined with plastic and tied with a big, wired ribbon on the handle. I then made a second liner of red/green tissue paper placed at angles so the points stood up. I filled the baskets with small 2” live plants and one 4”poinsettia, which I purchased at a garden center. I stuffed Spanish moss between and around the pots for stability and to hide the plastic pots. This gift got rave reviews and cost under $20.00. One person told me it was the most beautiful Christmas arrangement she had ever seen.

Fruit, gourds, nuts and squash sprayed with silver, gold and bronze metallic paint are beautiful! Wash them thoroughly so the paint will adhere, spray and allow to dry. Place them in a similarly painted basket and adorn with a wired ribbon and shiny metallic ornaments and you have a rich, expensive-looking centerpiece.

Rusty or brightly painted tin cans are also a fun project. Use the sharp end of an old-fashioned “church key” or bottle opener to cut triangle-shaped holes along the top and bottom edges. Stencil the front of the can with a graphic and place a votive candle holder and candle inside and watch it flicker. They make an unusual table setting or mantle piece.

Old wine or fancy liquor bottles make great gifts when stuffed with dried chili peppers and orange slices. First, soak off the labels and wash thoroughly. Stuff with assorted fruit, veggies and herbs. Top off the bottles with white vinegar and a tablespoon of peppercorns. Reinsert the cork. If the corks are missing, hardware stores carry a supply of corks that work beautifully. Tie a one-inch wired ribbon around the necks and gift tags and you have a festive hostess gift.

Keeping an eye open throughout the year when shopping, visiting thrift and craft stores or perusing magazines provides a plethora of creative and cost effective ideas.