Mounds of ribbon, bags, and tissue paper aren't just for the holidays. You can also use these containers for serving food or as attractive lunch boxes. Visit a paper-and-party supply store for inspiration. Organize your odds and ends of ribbons, bags, and boxes, and you'll be surprised how many treasures you discover. These tips will get you started. After you make your creative containers, use them to serve any of these yummy recipes:

Packaging Tips

• Shop craft or variety stores for bargains on paper products, ribbons, and gift bags throughout the year.
  
• Save paper scraps and ribbon pieces to incorporate into packages.
  
• Purchase Chinese take-out containers or colored boxes from party stores. Fill with tissue or shredded paper.
  
• Decorate boxes using a variety of shades in a single color or mix-and-match colors.
  
• Enhance containers with dried flowers and decorative items secured with a glue gun.
  
• Wrap and tie containers with a thin fabric, lightweight dish towels, or colorful cloths. These can also be used as napkins or place mats.
  
• Punch holes in paper bags, and weave ribbon or fabric through to make a design.
  
• Line glazed flower pots or baskets with decorative dinner napkins to make great serving pieces.
  
• Select a theme, and decorate round and square containers using markers, sponge paint designs, or stickers.