Holiday Presents Tablescape

Wrapped gifts can do double duty as part of a beautfiul holiday table.

Wrap varying sizes of boxes in coordinating colors of striking paper and assorted ribbons, then arrange them on a runner to anchor the look. Use your gifts to dinner guests to mark their places at the table and let the festivities begin!

1. Cover your table with the tablecloth.
2. Arrange the runner on table, or create your own runner by folding and pressing fabric into a runner; lay the runner down the center of the table.
   
3. Arrange your unwrapped boxes on the runner to decide how many you will wrap and what shape and size you need to compose an attractive tablescape. Then decide what colors and patterns of wrapping paper and ribbons to use on the boxes. It is helpful to write your ideas directly on each box so you will not forget the arrangement as you wrap. Be sure to also wrap one gift per guest.
   
4. Set out the place settings by setting a dinner plate at each place. Fold the napkins and place one on each dinner plate, then top each with a salad plate. Place one wrapped gift on each salad plate. Arrange the glasses and flatware on the table.
   

Materials Needed:

• Textured white tablecloth
• Textured fabric or table runner in red or green that matches wrapping paper colors
• Red or green napkins
• Varying sizes of gift boxes (Keep in mind the size of your table and the manner in which you will stack them.)
• Assortment of wrapping paper in coordinating colors (suggestions: stripe, solid, metallic look)
• Assortment of ribbons in coordinating colors
• Solid white dinner and salad plates in the same or similar patterns
• Stemmed glasses
Flatware