Gift wrap storage helps you save money

I love the holidays and Christmas in particular. Every year I go a little crazy with the wrapping, buying ribbon, loads of paper and other trinkets. I love making my own big bows and name tags — I think a gift means so much more when you put time into it, inside and out. It never fails though, my left over wrapping supplies get shoved in the closet come Dec. 26 and never survive the year.

Since I’ve utilized the proper storage for my wrapping hobby, my supplies last so much longer and I am not re-buying every year. It’s a huge money saver and I don’t feel so guilty about throwing out crumbled and bent up rolls of gift wrap.

Vertical storage

Gift wrap storage is nothing new, I know, but a lot of the organizers I have tried in the past fell flat — literally. I was really excited to find these awesome vertical gift wrap bins from Sterilite. The up-right design is great because it fits in closets and other tight spaces a lot easier. The organizer is very sturdy; the Sterilite design stands upright no matter how much or how little you have in it! The regular size is made to hold up 25 rolls of paper measuring up to 30 inches high. The larger size is made to accommodate rolls measuring up to 40 inches high. The large one even has a compartment in the lid for ribbon!

Horizontal storage

The vertical storage may not be as great of a fit for you as it was for me. Perhaps you prefer something to you can stash under a bed or on a storage rack in the basement. In the case, the wrapping paper storage box is a great solution. This classic design is a long plastic bin with a matching red lid. This bin also fits rolls measuring up to 30 inches in length.

Ribbon and bows

If you’re like me, you wrapping doesn’t end at paper. Having the proper storage for ribbon and bows is also a big money saver. This ribbon storage box and dispenser is a huge help all year long. Yes, it keeps expensive fabric ribbons neat, but it also helps dispense them when wrapping. This box is designed with a removable divider and a storage tray for scissors, tape and more.

If you prefer the peel-and-stick bows, you can get storage too. This latching bin is perfect for an entire bag of ready to go bows. This bucket style-bin has a latching lid with a handle so it easy to tote around the house, and the small size is easy to store anywhere in the home.

 

Wine glass drying rack makes entertaining easy

The holidays are the perfect time to pop the cork and enjoy a nice bottle of wine with friends or family. My bar ware tends to see most of its action during the holidays and the cleaning is always the worst part.

I feel like no matter what I do my favorite wine glasses always end up with water spots. I leave them upside to dry, towel dry them… but there are always smudges. And once they are clean and put away, they collect dust on my dry bar and look a mess. Hand washing and drying delicate stemmed wine glasses is a difficult task for clumsy people like me. So image my delight when this awesome wine glass drying rack passed through my office.  All these problems and more are solved.

This sturdy, steel organizer features three prongs that can hold up to six large wine glasses. Whether you’re searching for an easy way to clean or store your stemware, this rack is a great addition. The bottom rack is made from rubberized plastic, perfect for storing on your kitchen counter top or inside cabinets. The strong wire prongs snap into place for a reliable hold.

This rack is designed so that wine glasses slid in upside down. This way, stemware can air dry without spots from trapped water droplets, or can be stored without collecting dust inside the bowl of the glass. The bottom tray has a raised lip to contain water and allow proper air flow for quick drying. The dark gray color is sure to blend in with any kitchen decor and compliment any home bar.

So break out the stemware and your favorite bottle for guests without worrying about making a cloudy, smudged or dusty impression.

RSVP International’s endurance colander voted best by America’s Test Kitchen

colanderAs we get closer to the holiday’s, the main concern isn’t decorations or tinsel — it’s food. And the best way to get the best holiday meal on the table for your family is stocking your cabinets with the right tools. We love when we can offer our customers awarded products. Most recently in this list is the Five Quart Pierced Endurance Colander from RSVP International.

This stainless steel, perforated colander recently came out on top in a rigorous testing of 16 kitchen colanders. America’s Test Kitchen recently tested these colanders and chose RSVP’s model based on performance, design and clean up. RSVP’s model won because it is dishwasher safe, has great ground clearance to keep draining contents from sitting in sink water, it features slim handles that are easy to grip AND the tiny perforations allow you to drain anything from angel hair to orzo without loosing pieces.

Check out the video:

This fall recipe is the perfect excuse to add this colander to your arsenal:

Pumpkin gnocchi

2 cups pumpkin puree
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 – 2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt

  • Directions: Mix pumpkin puree with the egg yolk and add the salt. Once this is combined, start mixing in flour slowly until you have a soft dough. You want a high moisture dough, but you do not want it to be too sticky. Knead the dough for one minute and then separate it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 1/2 inch thick roll. Use a knife to cut rolls into 1/2 inch pieces. Once your pieces are cut, use a gnocchi board or a small fork to roll gnocchi. This gives the dumplings the ridges that hold on to yummy sauce.
  • To cook: Boil a large pot of water and add the dumplings in batches. Allow them to boil until they float then drain by scooping out and allowing to rest in a colander.
  • (adapted from closetcooking.com)