Labors of love as pretty as home-baked cookies shouldn't be hidden by paper or cardboard. Here, neat rows of chocolate-espresso wafers and orange-ginger rounds are rolled in cellophane, and the ends are finished with ribbons.
Leftover dessert doubles as guest favors when packaged in boxes that are as pretty as, well, pie. Photocopy template at 400 percent; trace onto card stock. Cut out the image with scallop scissors along scalloped edges and regular scissors on solid lines. With a straightedge and a bone folder, score paper along dotted lines. Fold along scored lines, and secure tabs with double-sided tape. Line box with parchment paper, place a slice inside, and tie on a tag.
What could be sweeter than a village of bite-size houses built from bricks of chocolate-gingerbread cake? To make these party favors, cut a sheet cake into 75 one-inch squares. Cut 25 of the squares in half diagonally, creating 50 triangles. Place a triangle, cut side down, on top of each remaining square, using a dab of frosting to adhere. Tuck in small pieces of red licorice for chimneys, and dust with confectioners' sugar before arranging on place cards.
This Valentine's Day, offer loved ones homemade treats wrapped in paper that echoes your heartfelt sentiments. All you need to transform plain waxed paper into lovely gift wrap is some tissue paper, a heart-shaped craft punch, and an iron. Use the paper to wrap cakes, stacks of cookies, and other goodies. Then finish each package with some waxed twine and a colorful gift tag.
Earn bonus points for original packaging with these deconstructed Valentine's Day notes: The envelopes don't hold the cards -- they are the cards.
Embellish holiday parcels with mistletoe made from felt leaves.
