As a professional organizer, I am frequently called upon to help people manage the clutter in their lives.  With that in mind, I encourage my clients to give gifts of time or gifts which are consumable, not only during the holiday season but for birthdays and other special occasions as well.

This is a great gift idea for teachers, hostesses, or anyone on your list that needs a break during the holidays.  Make a gift of decorative and color coordinated paper products to use during a holiday meal.  This can add a festive touch to a hurried meal after a day of shopping or pagaent rehearsals.  It gives the gift of time and is consumable – which means no clutter.

Materials needed – cost is approximately $7.00:

• One package of decorative dinner plates
• One package of decorative luncheon napkins
• One package of decorative luncheon plates
• Votive candle
• Prism film or shrink wrap
• Decorative ribbon or bow

Step 1 – Stack the napkins on top of the dinner plates.

Step 2 – Stack the lunchon plates on top of the napkins.

Step 3 – Stack the votive candle on top of the luncheon plates.

Step 4 – Wrap the stack in prism film paper and tie with a decorative bow.

Add a tag which reads:

• Take a break from doing the dishes and enjoy a relaxing holiday meal.

You can add products to suit your style and budget – after dinner mints, restaurant gift card, plastic utensils, cups – whatever you might think of to individualize your gift.   Or just choose to keep it simple.