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At dollar stores or shopping after the holiday clearance sales, I try to get a couple of the decorated lightweight disposable tablecloths and store them in my box of gift-wrapping supplies.
Many times a gift or the box that the gift comes in is too large for the usual size bolt of wrapping paper, necessitating piecing several pieces taped together to cover your item. I get out my disposable table cloth, cut it to fit (I always have a lot more left over) and tape it. The lightweight flannel-backed cloths are also very flexible. Clear packing tape will securely hold the wrap for the heavier weight cloths.
By Tahloolabelle from Ventura, CA
When wrapping larger Christmas gifts, instead of using a lot of wrapping paper and tape, buy a holiday tablecloth (Dollar Store or equivalent), and tie it at the top with ribbon. It works wonderfully! This can be done with any holiday or birthday present and is such a time saver.
By Dreamwvr from Spokane, WA
If you have an over sized gift to give, use a vinyl tablecloth to wrap it in. Wrap the gift and the recipient receives two gifts in one. My daughter was thrilled to receive a tablecloth to cover her dining room table during craft time.
By Jo Anne Buford from Louisville, KY
To wrap a very large present, buy a party paper table cloths. I just buy plain white ones when on sale, but they are very cheap to begin with. I cut a potato into a star or moon shape (something easy) to use as a stamp then use whatever paint I have handy to decorate the table cloth.
I had a large (24 inches long by 12 inches wide by 12 inches high) box to wrap as a wedding gift and couldn't find any wrapping paper that large. Large white, plastic garbage bags wouldn't work either because all the writing on the box showed right through, even using 2 or 3, and I didn't want to use a black trash bag for a wedding gift!
My solution was to find a pretty but inexpensive ($2.50 at Big Lots) flannel-backed, vinyl tablecloth and wrap the box in that. I used wide grosgrain ribbon (the wired kind) and clear mailing tape. Then if the recipient wants, they can even use the tablecloth as well as the gift!
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When you need to wrap a very large gift item or an odd shaped gift item which is too large for a gift bag, go to the local dollar store and purchase a vinyl/plastic tablecover in a solid color or appropriate design for the occasion. It not only works great but saves on the cost of gift wrapping. I used this idea recently to wrap a rocking chair for my grandson's birthday.
By Janet from Havertown, PA
For wrapping really big presents, buy paper or plastic holiday tablecloths at your local dollar store and wrap away!
By Celia from North NJ
Excellent idea! I also use discounted tablecloths for curtains. (12/20/2005)
By Peggy in KS
