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Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Gift wrapping tricks and tips The holidays are here and that means shoppers have started to stockpile gifts for those they love. Once the shopping rush is over, the time to wrap all of those great finds and treasures has come. Although some people are gift-wrap gurus, there are many others who feel that their wrapping skills are lacking. Regardless, anyone can create delightful wrapped gifts with a little knowhow. Prepare The first step to wrapping is to have all of the supplies in one place. There are some people who have actually dedicated small rooms as gift-wrap stations. While you don’t have to go this far, find a large table and keep your tape, tags, paper, ribbon, scissor, pen, and other accessories nearby. Also, sort out the gifts according to recipient and have any gift receipts handy to wrap up with the gift. Wrap at a time when there are no distractions and you can devote your attention to the task at hand, like after children have gone to bed or during the day when no one is home.
Paper or Bags? When purchasing wrapping paper, it may be tempting to skimp on the quality of the paper to save money. However, a thicker, higher quality paper will make wrapping go more smoothly. That’s because it will be less likely to tear on boxes or when you’re rolling out and cutting it. Thicker paper means you’ll also be able to achieve more intricate folds and better creasing around boxes. It also may be more forgivable around oddly shaped items. Gift bags are the go-to wrapping medium when you’re short on time or have items that are not easily wrapped with paper. Because they come in a variety of sizes -- and even giant plastic bags to contain large gifts -- they are often more convenient.
• Buy neutral-patterned wrapping paper that coordinates with other papers. This way if you run out of one type of paper you can stagger other pieces and make a collage of papers so there’s no waste. • Use ribbon to dress up a gift and direct the eye away from any imperfections. • Keep a stack of paper scraps and use it instead of tissue paper to fill in gift bags. • Keep scissors sharp for clean cuts. • Pack smaller items or oddly shaped things into a different container that is easier to wrap. • Roll up clothing and place into a paper towel tube to turn the wrapping into a candy cane shaped gift. Practice often makes perfect when it comes to wrapping gifts. Having the right paper, a few Other Tips There are different tips that can help with decorative supplies and some patience can ensure that gifts look festive this year. wrapping.
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Perfect Mac & Cheese
roni like the package says. Cube up the rubbery Velveeta, the Recipe from Mark K. Campbell smaller the cubes, the faster it melts. When the mac is ready, drain but The holidays are full of ancient family recipes for things like stuff- don’t rinse then stir in all that other stuff. ing and cranberries and other junk. STIR CONSTANTLY (like Rice Not everyone eats those things but Krispies Treats, incessant stirring is all will relish this simply macaroni vital). and cheese concoction: Soon, everything will be creamy and unbelievably delicious. · 1-pound package of macaroni; Don’t worry about adding crum(Elbow is OK but if you get bly stuff to the top or baking anysmall shells, you can tell thing on it to spruce it up. kids that they’re eating teeny The kids (and finicky adult eaters) cornucopias then you can will be delighted that something acexplain what a cornucopia is tually edible is on the holiday table and that they were around – and you can chuckle at the food before the Hunger Games snobs while you gorge. while the water boils) Nod politely when you’re scolded · 1/2 pound of Velveeta for making such poor nutritional · 1/2 cup of milk choices. · 2 tablespoons of butter or Then say, “More for me!” and get margarine your second helping. · 1 tablespoon of salt Serves 10 (or 1 if you take it all for Salt the water and cook the maca- yourself).
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