Warm someone up by adding a handwritten note to a tea bag. Cut two hearts out of red construction paper using a heart-shaped crafter's hole punch (available at crafts stores). Use a metallic pen to write a short message on one of the hearts. Next, remove a tea-bag tag and, at the end of the string, affix two hearts, back-to-back, using double-sided tape or a stapler. Package bags to give as a present, or steep one in hot water and serve.

Stylish and functional, these storage boxes are treasured by Living's decorating editorial director, Kevin Sharkey: "It's a practical way to bring color into your home or your office." 

Covered in embossed matelasse paper with contrasting trim, the exquisite handmade containers come in a range of hues, shapes, and sizes, all the better to hold papers, shoes, and other objects. We've personalized ours with labels.

Download the Labels Here

Wish someone an auspicious new year with a jade plant, Crassula ovata. This easy-care succulent is said to bring prosperity. 

To wrap the pot, place it on a square sheet of decorative paper. Bring up two opposite corners, and secure to the pot with double-sided tape. 

Fold the other two flaps as shown; tape. Tie gold cord around the pot, and add a tag with a message.

Add extra charm to your holiday packaging with a little help from the great outdoors. Simply attach tiny pinecones -- pristine or spruced up with metallic floral spray -- to store-bought tags and cards using glue. The pattern can be anything from a mini wreath to a pretty cluster. For the pine-needle tree, use a fine paintbrush to coat the needles with craft glue; then place them carefully with tweezers.

Sources
Tags and mini envelopes, from Paper Presentation

Tamarack pinecones, from Winter Woods

Cast a sinister glow over any setting with a cluster of white tapers dripping with "blood" (actually red candle wax). Fill a cup or a small pail with sand, and plant white candles inside so they stand upright. Light a red candle and tip it over the white candles so the wax drips down the tops and sides, being careful not to burn yourself. Let wax cool completely before removing candles from sand.