Individuals concerned about the environment are saying "No" toglitzy gift wrapping paper and ribbons that are neither biodegradablenor recyclable. Instead, they are choosing ecology-safe paper andrecyclable trim.
"There are many ways to wrap gifts without using products thatare harmful to Mother Earth," says Deborah Kravitz, co-owner ofPro-Pak, a professional packing and shipping company in northsuburban Northfield. "It's also a perfect holiday project for thefamily. Today's schoolchildren learn about protecting theenvironment and can add their own original ideas to the project.Grandparents, too, should get involved."
Kravitz encourages her four youngsters to participate in thegift-wrapping sessions. "We start by using 100 percent biodegradablebrown Kraft paper, which the children decorate by using watercolorpaints. We cushion the inside of each gift with biodegradable,water-soluble "peanuts" that protect breakable gifts and/or help asmall object to snugly fit into a large box."
Go outside to find the perfect trim, Kravitz suggests. "Pinecones, branches with berries, nuts and leaves are lovely gifts ofnature," she said. "To wrap a large or oddly shaped item, use arecyclable plastic garbage bag. Tie with a jumbo bow and artificialflowers that you have sprayed with cologne.
"This kind of gift-wrapping project not only protects theenvironment, but it is also short on money and long on love. Justopen up the dining room table and begin!"
GOURMET TIDBITS: Cream butter with a dollop of curry powder andput on freshly cooked peas. This is delicious with roast leg of lamband oven-browned potatoes.
BEAUTY BRIEFS: When planning a party, schedule at least an hourto recharge your psyche. When your pre-party chores are completed,you should have time to indulge in a warm, relaxing bath. Pour in 1cup of baking soda to soften the water and your skin. Allow enoughtime to dress leisurely so that you sparkle along with the star onthe Christmas tree when your guests arrive.
DECOR DELIGHTS: The traditional poinsettia will enhance thebeauty of any home during the Christmas season. It makes a beautifulgift, and with a bit of care the poinsettia can be enjoyed throughoutthe holiday season.
When buying a poinsettia, look for tightly clustered smallflowers with crisp, bright foliage. Foliage that's green all the waydown to the soil indicates the plant has healthy roots.
Water your poinsettia when soil is dry to the touch. The plantshould have plenty of natural light. Poinsettias thrive in highhumidity. Avoid cold drafts or high heat from appliances, radiatorsor ventilators.
TIMELY TIPS: An open-house party is an ideal way to entertainfriends and family during the holiday season. If you are inviting alarge group, stagger their arrival times on the invitations. Inviteone-third of the group to arrive at 4 p.m., another third to arriveat 5 p.m. and yet another third to arrive at 6 p.m.
At an open house, most of your guests will not tarry long. NewYear's Day is a great time for an open house. It has become atradition for many families. Renting equipment can helptremendously when you are entertaining large groups. You can rentcoat racks, wine coolers, coffee urns, chairs, tables, glassware,silverware, china - almost everything you will need. Check "PartySupplies - Renting" in your Yellow Pages.
DEAR DORSEY: In our hard-water area, we often get a buildup oflime deposits on the inside of our faucets. I poured some limeremover into a plastic sandwich bag and tied it onto each spout. Iused a wire twist-tie to secure it. The lime bubbles away with noeffort on my part. I've enjoyed your column over the years. If youuse this letter, please send the $5 to the Naperville Humane Society.
CHAR MASSA
DEAR DORSEY: I enjoyed your TV show and still use a wire coathanger to retrieve objects that fall behind the piano. I alsoelongate the hanger to light the furnace. I save mesh bags that holdonions and potatoes and use them to hold charcoal briquettes. I hangthem in the basement to prevent musty odors.
I also used the charcoal bags when I bought a car that had beenowned by a cigar smoker. The obnoxious odor disappeared in a fewdays. Keep up the splendid work!
MILDRED KOVACICH
Many thanks, Mildred, for the fine hints.
Send your helpful hints to Dorsey Connors, Box 3600, Chicago60654. If your letter is used in this column, we will send you $5.
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