Wrapping for tomorrow today
Ever since the Charlie Brown Christmas show we've all been aware that the holidays can be lost in a a world of consumerism, and this year--with the economy on everyone's minds-- nothing speaks more than tradition. Taking the lessons of the past and creating new ways to live our modern lives. So if you can recycle paper, fabric and other goods to wrap packages and gifts you are well on your way. But this year more than ever is a time to think twice and bring back some desperately needed creativity that offers a savings both to the environment and our wallets.

For me, any chance I get and whenever possible, I save various and sundry items that I may not have a use for at the moment but invariably become a source of inspiration when I need to wrap a gift. But this is not just another "oh this is how I can reuse paper idea" - it's much more than that. It's creative alternatives that were once a part of our everyday life and it's about time your hear about them again.

That said, I have several ways to use everyday materials (such as wallpaper and burlap fabric to name a few) . All make a natural, organic statement and are suitable for any occasion. But my creative insparation does not stop there.

The sitcom way of wrapping
Remember those 70's and 80's show? Whenever a present was presented and one just needed to be open on camera it was opened from by simply opening the lid--never unwrapping or breaking any paper. That's this my inspiration. Years ago I began to take good quality boxes (I find them in discount stores throughout the year) and wrap them in this fashion and encourage the recipient to do the same. A simple project that anyone can do. If I need it to stay closed I always add a fresh ribbon to secure the box.

The generational gift box
If you're anything like my grandmother you may save a box or two because it's just so well made. Taking a sturdy colored box (either a recycled one or newly-purchased ) and begin a new tradition this year by using the inside lid to tell the story where the box has been. I have a box that is over ten years old that my family and I have been using and there is no sign of stopping. [MAR: put some examples here, even if you have to make them up. Example: Christmas 1999, from Aunt Gloria to Hugo; Christmas 2002, from Alan to Marie on our first Christmas together; Father's Day 2005, to Dad from Caroline--you're the best! xoxo. etc.] Soon we will need a new lid. Graduation present, Mom's birthday, Father day 2008, Christmas or just because.

Alternate Papers, or "Paper-it-Forward"
I like to look for unusual papers that I can recycle; it gives great texture and interest to each gift. Unused ends of wallpaper are great to use. When wrapping with wallpaper, remember that it is quite stiff. This feature allows it to fold and hold a crease better than most ordinary gift wrap. Therefore it's best for a larger gift. All types of unused paper can work. for example, a roll of butcher paper paired with shiny ribbon makes a chic contrast. For a more nostalgic approach, recycle paper from gifts you've received--if you can resist tearing into your gifts like the Tasmanian Devil, you can keep and re-use paper on smaller gifts. This is most charming within families; there is some wrapping paper with a dancing snowmen pattern that anyone in our family would instantly recognize!

Wrapping with a garden style
Purchase quality color boxes and begin a new tradition this year. Begin a new generation of "that old box" – You'll need: Biodegradable jute twine, Boxwood clippings, Silver Christmas balls (1 1/4 inch) already wired (available at any holiday supply store), Tape.

Wrap the gift using minimal tape and hide the tape whenever possible. This gives a cleaner and more professional look.

Before cutting the twine, wrap it around the box to determine how much you will need. Now, double that length. I like to double the twine because it looks more substantial. Start at the top of the box with both strands and wrap it under the box, twist it and bring it up and around to the top. Tie it in a knot. Tie the ends of the two strands together is a small knot, cutting off any excess. Slide small boxwood clippings under the twine with the ends pointing to all four corners of your package. Now, slide the wires of the silver Christmas balls under the twine but on top of the boxwood clippings and twist, pulling them tightly together. Tie a loose, simple bow in the center.

Burlap wrapping: (for the more advanced wrapper)
Natural burlap fabric is available at fabric stores, or you can use garden center burlap. To make it pop, you'll accessorize with French wire ribbon, Green Christmas balls (1 inch) already wired, Pinecones (small), Garden wire to attach pinecones, and tape .

Secret wrapping tip: Wrapping with burlap fabric requires a substantial amount of tape to secure it to the box. I remove the tape that is visible later once the ribbon is tied and the burlap is secured by the ribbon.

Cut a piece of fabric burlap large enough for box as you would with paper and secure it with the tape. You can cheat with rubber bands if you need help. You will want the ribbon to be large enough to secure the fabric. For this box, I used two inch ribbon. Starting at the top, wrap the ribbon around the sides, twist underneath and bring it up around the other two sides. Tie in a knot and then a bow. Cut three additional lengths of ribbon long enough to tie into nice bows. Slide one length under the original bow and tie another bow. Continue with the other two pieces of ribbon making a beautiful fluffy bow. Make a cluster of the small Christmas balls by twisting the wires together at the ends. Secure the balls in the middle of the bow by wrapping the wire underneath the bow. Wrap a small piece of wire around each cone towards the broad end and twist. Now secure the pinecones in the same manner as the balls. Nestle the balls and pinecones in the center of the bow. Trim the ends of the ribbon and remove all visible tape. Voila, you're done.

The wine bouquet
A perfect gift for your host or hostess is a nice bottle of wine. We have all seen the velvet wine bags sold in stores these days - they're nice, but they lack individuality. Even worse are the plastic bags that your liquor store will offer. Don't do it! This holiday season you will likely be going to many parties or dinners and you might be thinking "well, what should I do, then?" Over the years, I have created a wine bouquet wrapped around any bottle of wine that I offer as a gift. It takes little time, and people will stop and notice this charming way you are presenting a bottle of wine.

What you need for this project:
A good quality bottle of wine without a price tag. Ask your liquor store staff for help if you are not sure what to select.
Raffia
Garden string
A package of Moss (available at any garden center or craft shop)
Flower or evergreen clippings from your yard or garden center.
1/4" satin ribbon

Steps to a wine bottle bouquet: Take your bottle and place it on the side (be careful that it does not roll off the table). I place a large book on each side to support the bottle from rolling.

Break off a handful of moss the size of your palm and place it on the bottle stem. Take your garden string and tie the moss tightly to the bottle. Now, we will build from here. Take your clippings and flowers and secure them on the moss by tying the garden string around the throat of the bottle.

Wrap the raffia around the throat of the moss covered bottle and over the flowers and clippings and tie a small bow about 4-5 inches for a whimsical look. Lastly, add a silk bow around the bottle.

With practice, you will master this wine bottle bouquet as I did. Practice makes perfect. For other boxed gifts, I always have interesting papers, fabrics, raffia, gardening string, and a variety of ribbon and fun stickers. Now let's also consider the idea of recycling paper grocery bags, fabric, wallpaper and yes, even burlap! I've been known to do it all with great style—and no complaints. Just keep it clean with some wonderful ribbon and you too will have yourself a beautifully wrapped gift that comes with great thought and consideration for the environment. Taking your time and not using an endless amount of tape works best on any gift. I sometimes challenge myself to wrap with no visible tape involved. It takes practice to become a pro at this. For most of us, a tasteful gift is complete when the packaging is in harmony with the gift. A small flower bouquet including a dramatic hydrangea bloom tied with a beautiful ribbon makes a visual splash.

Card today for a name tag tomorrow
Lastly, I leave you with the dearest project closest to my heart, recycling yesterday's cards for today's gifts.
Keep those cards!

I hope you save those memorable cards of well wishes, thank you (and even sadness too) because they can give a new smile on someone's face. With a pinking scissor and a hole punch I can sometime use the images on one card in two to three new ways. All it takes is the resourcefulness and the drive to do this project. This is not really about saving money as much as it is about nostalgia. It always reminds me of holiday time when I was a child: Mom would put an album of carols on the hi-fi, and we would sit around the kitchen table with last year's cards. The kids' job was to invert a glass over the card image and trace around the outside of it with a pencil; mom's job was to do the actual cutting. Any that we didn't use for gifts became ornaments on the tree. Now when I do it it's a way for me to honor traditions and add charm to my gifts.

I leave you with one last message: discover the endless ways to enjoy what you receive today, finding new way to recreate for tomorrow. Or, as I like to say: "toMARrow!"

And there you have it.