by D. Anderson

Created on: December 22, 2008

Often at Christmas time the dining table is adorned with a festive and colorful centerpiece ranging from candles to flowers to expensive centerpieces purchased in stores. But, have you ever though to create a centerpiece with Christmas Gifts? Time will be spend wrapping Christmas gifts anyway, so why not toss in a few empty boxes and wrap a few of those for a fun Christmas centerpiece.

The Table Tree: Purchase a small table-top Christmas tree and set it in the middle of a decorative platter or plate. A dab of hot glue or even a ball of clay will help adhere it to the platter, but not damage the platter when the holidays are over. Wrap small boxes (often small presents can be purchased as ornaments) and place them under the tree. For those with a few extra holiday dollars to spend, fiber-optic trees can be purchased for a light-up display.

Peeking In Present: Find a larger box, preferably one with a lid (like a shoebox) rather than flaps like a shipping box. Wrap the box separate from the lid. When wrapping the box, set the bottom of the box on the paper and bring the paper up around the sides, tucking the overlap inside the box and taping it. Then wrap the lid in a similar manner. Stuff tissue paper into the box, making a little nest of it inside, with pieces hanging out over the edges of the box. Then inside the box place a special "gift" such as a stuffed puppy, a wooden train or a rag doll. Take the lid and set it slightly askew onto the box so that visitors can "peek" into the box to see what the present is. Add a few drops of hot glue wherever the lid touches the box to keep it secure. Adding a gift tag is an option but cute accessory. Address it to the last name of the family, for example, "To: The Smiths / From: Santa."

Toppling Tower: Another centerpiece idea is to have a tower of toppling presents. Wrap 3 different sized boxes in any wrapping paper you choose (coordinating or clashing colors). Ribbons or tags are optional. On top of the larger present add some hot glue, and adhere the middle sized present. Then glue the smallest on top of the middle present. Glue them off-kilter from each other and not centered so it looks like they will topple over. A few askew bows glued to the sides or some dollar toys glued to the edges and sides as if falling off will complete the look.

Or, for a less messy look, glue the packages centered on top of each other. Place a wide ribbon under the bottom present and bring it up to the top package, glue or tape it in place. Then, do the same on the other side of the boxes so there is ribbon on all sides of the boxes. Tape or glue it into place and stick a large bow on top.

Gifts In A Bowl: Wrap a lot of small boxes in a variety of sizes. Ribbons are optional. In a large clear bowl, like a punch bowl, place all the presents. Some sprigs of holly or mistletoe poking out randomly will complete the look.

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