Give bits of ribbon left over from gift wrapping a new life as merry tree ornaments. The ribbons' colors and patterns don't need to match exactly, since their simple shape will tie the look together. Begin by knotting scraps into basic bows around a few inches of floral wire. Next, twist the wire to secure the bows to tree branches, indoors or out. To remove the ornaments, untwist the wire, and store flat between layers of tissue paper.

With just a little retrofitting, an old-fashioned Mason jar can become a new sewing kit with a built-in pincushion on top. To begin, separate the lid's sealer and screw cap. Trace around sealer on cardboard. Using a compass, draw another circle on linen or cotton, 1 inch larger in diameter than the first. Cut out both circles; make cushion by placing batting between fabric and cardboard. Turn screw cap upside down, and apply hot glue to inside edge of rim; quickly press cushion into lid until cloth protrudes smoothly above screw cap's opening and cardboard is flush against rim. Apply hot glue around edge of cardboard, fold over excess fabric, and press down. Glue top of sealer to cardboard. Fill jar.

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.

Giving red envelopes filled with coins is a custom at Chinese New Year (which starts January 26), designed to bring good fortune to the recipients. Here's how to share the luck with dinner guests. 

1. Rubber-stamp a red envelope with a New Year's greeting -- in any language -- using a gold-ink pad. 

2. Fill it with change, and then lay it on a folded napkin wrapped with a band of patterned paper. 

3. Tie in back with gold cord.