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  4. Fresh Ways to Reuse Things in Your Kitchen
waste less, live better

Fresh Ways to Reuse Things in Your Kitchen

Real Simple Author
By Real Simple Editors Updated April 01, 2019
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kitchen-tools
Credit: Getty Images

From using ice cream cones as cupcake holders to re-purposing last night's to-go container as a paint palette, new uses for old kitchen items offer clever ways to reuse and upcycle—rather than throw out—kitchenware and kitchen gadgets sitting around the cookspace.

Kitchens cabinets and cupboards can easily be cluttered with kitchen tools and equipment,cookbooks, and other miscellanea. This isn't a bad thing at all—many of these kitchen items make life so much simpler—but it can be a little frustrating when a one-trick kitchen tool takes up a lot of storage real estate while only serving a single purpose. That purpose or function may be important, but that doesn't mean it does anything to lessen frustrations, especially when kitchen storage spots are full to bursting.

RELATED: The Cleverest Items of 2018 to Simplify Your Life

This is where new uses for old things in the kitchen come in handy. These upcycling ideas give a second (or even a third or a fourth) purpose to common kitchen items, so everything is an efficient multitasker. No more agonizing over how much space a muffin tin takes up or wondering if it's worth it to keep those to-go containers around. No more guilty feelings every time something gets tossed. With new uses for kitchen items, everything will have a second life serving another purpose, either while it's still in use for its original purpose or once its original usefulness is up.

Put these clever new uses and upcycling ideas to work in the kitchen, and then give the upcycling philosophy a try in other areas—office supplies,school supplies, and more all have their own creative repurposing opportunities to help reduce waste and increase the usefulness of everything in the home.

RELATED: 9 Genius Ways to Use Olive Oil Around the House

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Dish Towel as Wine Bag

Wine bottles wrapped with dish towels
Credit: James Baigrie

Place the bottle along one side of the fabric so that the bottle's top meets the top of the fabric. Fold the excess material at the bottom over the bottle, forming a pocket of sorts. Then roll the dish towel evenly and secure at the neck with ribbon.

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Cocktail Shaker as Egg Scrambler

Cocktail shaker as egg scrambler
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Whip up fluffy omelets by adding eggs, milk, and seasonings together in a cocktail mixer. Give it a few shakes and it's ready for the skillet. Submitted by: suziegirl

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Baby Food Jar as Easter Egg Decorating Aid

Baby Food Jar as Easter Egg Decorating Aid
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Design Rothkoesque Easter eggs. Fill a jar with dye, then dip half the egg in and let dry. Dip again, but only one-third of the egg. Repeat with both ends of the egg until you have stripes in varying shades.

Need a quick refresher on how to dye Easter eggs? Watch this quick video to learn how to hard-boil an egg, then check out these homemade Easter egg dye recipes.

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White Bread as Glass Magnet

White Bread as Glass Magnet
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

The next time a tumbler takes a tumble, sponge up the shards with a slice of bread. Even tiny slivers will cling to it.

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Cereal Box as Sweets Carrier

Cereal Box as Sweets Carrier
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

Attention, PTA members: Here's a practical Transport Alternative for the bake sale. Tape a cereal box closed, then cut away the front or back panel to create a tray for those top-selling brownies. Best of all, you can just "donate" the box.

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Colander as Knitting Assistant

New Use: Colander as Knitting Assistant
Credit: Jamie Chung

To prevent balls of yarn from tangling, string the end of each through a colander hole.

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Wine Corks as Cabinet Silencers

Kitchen cabinet with wine cork cushion
Credit: Gemma Comas and James Merrell

Silence cabinet doors that slam by slicing a cork into thin disks and sticking them onto the inside corners of cabinets to muzzle the closing noise.

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Chopsticks as Glue Stick

Chopsticks as Glue Stick
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

To get a tiny sequin in just the right spot during your next craft project, use the tip of a chopstick to nudge it into place without gumming up your fingers.

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Gift Box as Sugar Holder

New use: gift box as sugar box
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

More lovely to look at than the branded box from the store, but it still slides easily into the pantry for storage.

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Holiday Tags as Drink Labels

New use: gift tag as glass label
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Merlot gone missing? A small, adhesive gift tag keeps each drink in the right hand.

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Colander as Toy Scoop

Colander as Toy Scoop
Credit: Erica McCartney; Styling: Kristine Trevino

One of the most popular kitchen tools also happens to double as a clean-up aid. Before draining the tub, use a colander to make scooping up small toys fun and easy.

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Colander as Splatter Blocker

Colander as Splatter Blocker
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

When frying, top the pan with an upside-down metal colander to protect yourself from burns while still allowing heat to escape.

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Wrapping Paper as Placemat

New use: giftwrap as placemat
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Turn rectangles of giftwrap into placemats you don't mind getting dirty. You can even write guests' names on the edges to designate seats.

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Rubber Band as Jar Opener

New use: rubberband as jar opener
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Get a grip on a tricky top; wrap a rubber band around a slippery or sticky lid to give yourself some extra oomph.

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To-Go Container as Paint Palette

New use: to-go container as paint palette
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Even a starving artist eats takeout sometimes. Use the plastic top from a to-go container as a palette for mixing colors; when you're finished, just toss.

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Cupcake Liner as Mason Jar Lining

New use: cupcake liner as mason jar lid
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Secure a cupcake liner over the top of a jar with a rubber band. It can be a temporary fix if you've lost the lid, a pretty solution to keep flies out of the lemonade, or a cute topper for a gift-in-a-jar.

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Tic Tac Box as Spice Holder

Tic Tac Box as Spice Holder
Credit: Erica McCartney; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Pack small amounts of your favorite spice (red pepper flakes, anyone?) in old Tic Tac boxes, to season food on-the-go.

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Use a Wineglass as a Candleholder

New use: wine glass as candle holder
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Give some height to a candle display by perching a pillar on an upside-down wineglass.

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Paper Towel Tube as Linen Organizer

New use: paper towel roll as linen organizer
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Keep linen placemats and runners crease-free; roll them around a paper towel holder instead of folding.

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Wrapping Paper as Tray Liner

New use: paper as tray liner
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Turn an old tray into a special serving piece with a single scrap of pretty paper. Use double-sided tape to keep it secure.

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Holiday Lights as Night Light

Mason jar filled with battery powered Christmas lights
Credit: Levi Brown

Fill a large Mason jar with a strand or two of battery-powered lights to add whimsy to a walkway or a nightstand.

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Cereal Bag as Crumb Maker

Cereal Bag as Crumb Maker
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

These durable bags can take a beating. Fill one up and give it a whack with a rolling pin to make crumbs out of crackers, cornflakes, or candy. Remember to twist the top closed to prevent flyaways.

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Ribbon as Utensil Holder

New use: ribbon as utensil holder
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

When utensils are wrapped together, guests can grab what they need in one go—great for a buffet table.

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Cupcake Liners as Garland

New use: cupcake liners as garland
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Using a large sewing needle, thread a string through the alternating colorful cupcake liners to make a ruffled garland.

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Cereal Box as Photo Saver

Cereal Box as Photo Saver
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran. Photo in box: Renee Keith/Getty Images

Sending Grandpa a shot of the all-star soccer team but don't want the postal journey to bend it (like Beckham)? Sandwich the picture between the large panels of a flattened box.

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Turkey Baster as Pancake Shaper

Leaf shaped pancakes
Credit: Levi Brown

Use a baster full of batter to squeeze custom pancakes onto the griddle. Start with easy letters and shapes, then work up to more complicated designs, like these leaves. (The trick is to draw the outlines and veins first, let them brown, then fill in the gaps with more batter.)

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Muffin Tin as Large Ice Cube Tray

Muffin tin used as ice tray
Credit: Levi Brown

The cold, hard truth: Small ice cubes melt fast, leaving a pitcher of lemonade watery. To make long-lasting jumbo cubes, use a muffin tin. Pop them out by running the back of the tin under hot water for 30 seconds.

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Chopstick as Brewing Tool

Chopstick used as brewing tool
Credit: Levi Brown

For mess-free tea, tie a bunch of bags to a chopstick and rest it across the pitcher's rim (use 2 bags per cup of boiling water). Brew for about 4 minutes, then lift and discard the bags.

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Contact Lens Case as Travel Spice Holder

Contact Lens Case as Spice Holder
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Pack small amounts of salt, pepper, and spices for a camping trip.

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Binder Clip as Sponge Stand

Sponge being held by a binder clip
Credit: Levi Brown

To prevent a smelly, waterlogged sponge, air-dry it in a binder clip away from the sink.

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Rubber Bands as Sandwich Labels

Rubber band used as sandwich ID
Credit: Levi Brown

Distinguishing chicken salad from tuna is no picnic. Next time you're packing sandwiches, stretch a thick rubber band around each one and label it with a permanent marker. Divvying up lunch will be a snap.

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Chopsticks as Lint Remover

Chopsticks as Lint Remover
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Pluck the lint buildup from a clothes dryer's trap.

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Cupcake Liners as Candleholders

Cupcake liners used as candleholders
Credit: Levi Brown

Nothing holds a candle to dining al fresco, unless it's so dark you can't see the food in front of you. Place tealights in foil cupcake liners for a little glow at your next outdoor party. They're cheap enough to use by the dozen, and cleanup is a piece of (cup)cake.

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Bowl as Garlic Peeler

Bowl as Garlic Peel Remover
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Peel garlic. Place cloves in a bowl, cover with another bowl to form a sphere, and shake. The peels will flake off.

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Salt as Iron Cleaner

Salt as Iron Cleaner
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Eliminate sticky residue from an iron. Run the hot iron (no steam) over plain paper sprinkled with salt.

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Colander as Laundry Aid

Colander as Laundry Aid
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Hand-launder delicates. A colander shields them from any residue in the sink that can harm the fabric, such as peroxide from toothpaste or caustic agents from cleansers.

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Sponge as Envelope Sealer

Sponge as Envelope Sealer
Credit: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Safeguard your taste buds during holiday card season. Replace a dried out ink pad with a damp sponge and use it to seal envelopes and attach stamps—no licking required.

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Salt as Homemade Drain Cleaner

Salt as Drain Cleaner
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Get a slow-moving drain flowing again and pour a solution of ½ cup of salt for every quart of hot water down the pipe.

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Newspaper as Refrigerator Odor Absorber

Newspaper as Odor Absorber
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Absorb odors in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer with a lining of newspaper.

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Olive Oil as Sap Remover

Olive Oil as Sap Remover
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

If dragging and decking out fresh spruce leaves you with sticky digits, pour a tablespoon of oil onto a cloth, then rub until clean. Bonus: The oil is a great moisturizer for dry winter skin.

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Aluminum Foil as Party Garland

Aluminum Foil as Holiday Decoration
Credit: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Twist foil into links to make a sparkly garland for an almost-instant party decoration (or a rainy-day distraction for the kids).

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How to Clean Stainless Steel Without Any Chemicals At All

How to Clean Stainless Steel, stainless steel slow cooker
Credit: Getty Images

Both durable and shiny, stainless steel is the ideal material for kitchens and bathroom. But as anyone who's owned stainless steel kitchen appliances knows, the name is somewhat of a misnomer. The material is prone to fingerprints, streaks, and water stains. The name "stainless" was originally used to describe the metal's ability to withstand heat and humidity without corroding. Although this material is tough, harsh abrasives can scratch it or make it rust, so it's important to learn how to clean stainless steel the right way. Follow the steps below to get your stainless steel shiny and have it live up to its name. 

RELATED: Cleaning Kitchen Appliances Checklist

What You'll Need: 

  • Soft cloth
  • Mild dish soap 
  • White vinegar 
  • Baking soda 

Follow These Steps: 

1. Check the manual: Before you clean a stainless steel appliance, it's a smart idea to check the manufacturer's recommendations. Lost the manual? Don't worry, you may be able to find it online. It's important to check the directions for your specific appliance, because there are numerous grades of stainless steel that may be more or less durable, and some appliances are treated with a clear-coat finish, which can be stripped by certain cleaning products.  

2. Go with the grain: Just like wood, stainless steel has a grain. Check out the striations on the surface of your appliance, and wipe in that direction, beginning at the top and working your way down. 

3. The quick clean: In most cases, wiping down the stainless steel appliance with a clean cloth dipped in hot water should do the trick. But for more stubborn stains, add a drop of dish soap to the water and use the sudsy solution to wipe the surface. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.

4. The steam clean: To sterilize stainless steel, you can also use a steam cleaner with a nozzle attachment. The steam will disinfect the surface, which can then be wiped dry with a soft cloth. Because stainless steel can scratch easily, avoid using a brush attachment or any stiff cleaning tools. 

5. Try vinegar: For stubborn grease spots or water scaling, wet a soft cloth with a diluted solution of 2 parts water to 1 part vinegar. Wipe the entire surface from top to bottom, but never let vinegar sit on the surface. Follow with a complete rinse and dry.

6. Baking soda scrub: Burned or caked-on messes on stainless steel pots and pans or countertops typically need a bit more attention. Make a soft paste out of baking soda and water and apply to the stain, allowing it to sit for about 20 minutes. Then, scrub the area with a cloth dampened in a solution of water and dish soap. It's important to use a soft cloth and work parallel with the grain to avoid scratches. Be sure to fully rinse and dry. 

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Olive Oil as Cat Food Supplement

Olive Oil as Cat Food Supplement
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Prevent hair balls. Add ⅛ to 1¼ teaspoon to your cat's food for easy digestion.

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Salt as Stain Remover

Salt as Stain Remover
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Remove coffee and tea stains from the insides of cups by rubbing with a salted citrus peel.

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Parchment Paper as Musical Instrument

Parchment Paper as Musical Instrument
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Make a kazoo by folding a piece of parchment or wax paper over a comb's teeth (the paper should hang over about an inch).

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Cornstarch as Makeup Protector

Cornstarch as Makeup Protector
Credit: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Balance the oiliness of moisturizing makeup. Brush on a thin layer as a finishing touch.

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Felt Pads as Cutting Board Anchor

Felt Pads as Cutting Board Anchor
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Anchor a cutting board's corners to make prep work easier and safer.

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Soda Bottle as Pasta Measurer

Clear plastic soda bottle holding dry pasta
Credit: James Wojcik

Said good-bye to soda? Fill the mouth of a dry 20-ounce bottle with uncooked spaghetti; the opening holds enough for a hearty single serving.

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Belt Hanger as Kitchen Towel Hooks

Belt hanger as kitchen storage
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Hook extra dish towels and pot holders on a belt hanger for easy retrieval.

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Binder Clip as Chip Clip

Binder clip as chip clip
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Secure half-eaten bags of potato chips with a binder clip for an easy way to keep your favorite snack fresh and crunchy.

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Cake Stand as Soap Dish

Cake stand as soap dish
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Glam up a bathroom or vanity. Stock soaps and washcloths on top, or showcase your prettiest perfume bottles.

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Cereal Box as Drawer Organizer

Cereal box drawer organizer
Credit: Levi Brown

If you're the flaky type, cereal boxes (including the single-serving minis) can corral desk-drawer chaos. Slice off the tops and the bottoms and fill them with loose odds and ends.

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Pipe Cleaners as Drink Labels

Pipe cleaners as drink labels
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Skip the fancy wine charms and use an array of brightly colored pipe cleaners to identify guests' drinks at your next get-together. Submitted by: LassieBV

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Collapsible Laundry Bins as Garbage Bins

Collapsible laundry bins as garbage bins
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

During seasonal cleaning binges, soft-sided, handled laundry bins can double as trash cans. Submitted by: HookemSuz 

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Chip Clip as Bookmark

Chip clip as bookmark
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Attaching a chip clip to each side of your cookbook will not only keep your place while whipping up dinner, it will also help keep the book open. Submitted by: kriehl5

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Silverware Holder as Bathroom Drawer Organizer

Silverware holder as bathroom organization
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Use a utensil tray in your bathroom drawer to keep small items like tweezers, nail clippers, and makeup brushes organized. Submitted by: Margaret2580

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Melon Baller as Jar Scoop

Melon baller as jar scoop
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Scoop and strain from a narrow-mouth jar at the same time by using a melon baller. Works especially well for foods like capers and pimento. Submitted by: KimEH1

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Sugar Dispenser as Kitchen Twine Holder

Sugar dispenser as kitchen twine holder
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Keep kitchen twine from tangling and jamming your drawers by using a glass sugar dispenser as a spool. Simply place the twine in the jar and thread through the open hole.

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Cake Stand as Counter Organizer

Cake stand as counter organizer
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Curb countertop clutter. Drop keys and bills on the stand instead.

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Plastic Easter Eggs as DIY Maracas

Plastic easter eggs as maracas
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Fill emptied plastic eggs with puffed rice cereal and silver-ball cake decorations to make impromptu maracas for kids.

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Cupcake Liner as Decorative Snowflakes

Cupcake liner as decorative snowflakes
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Create a winter wonderland in the entryway. Flatten white paper liners (foil ones will work, too), fold into halves or quarters, then snip out shapes along the folds. When you open them back up, voilà: snowflakes you can string from the ceiling.

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Votive Candle Holders as Place Cards

Votive candle holders as place cards
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Arrange a luminous table setting. Write guests' names on strips of parchment paper and wrap them around votive holders, securing the ends with tape. As an alternative, remove the candles, cut snapshots of guests to match the height of a holder, and then curl around the inside wall.

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Cupcake Liner as Halloween Decoration

Cupcake liner as halloween decoration
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Show what a creative Halloween party "ghost-ess" you are. Turn white liners upside down, attach spooky googly eyes, and display them by a boo-fet of seasonally inspired treats.

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Pastry Tip as Place Card

Pastry tip as place card
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Set a sweet table and use scalloped pastry tips in fun colors as place-card holders.

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Gravy Boat as Unique Soap Dish

Gravy boat as soap dish
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Fill an antique gravy boat with a bar of soap to transform it into an elegant soap dish.

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Cake Stand as Display Stand

Cake stand as display stand
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Show off. Display small photos and mementos, which look more important on a platform.

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Drink Holder as Fruit Protector

Drink holder as fruit cushion
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Rough commute? Slide a drink cooler over an apple to keep it from bruising in your lunch tote.

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Cupcake Carrier as Knickknack Organizer

Cupcake carrier as knickknack organizer
Credit: James Wojcik

For the 359 days of the year when you're not hauling cupcakes, use the cups to store jewelry or craft supplies.

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Straw as Ketchup Unclogger

Ketchup and straw
Credit: James Wojcik

Insert a straw until it reaches the bottom of the glass bottle. Shake the bottle, then pour, leaving the straw inside. The airflow provided by the straw breaks the condiment-stopping vacuum.

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Paper Doily as a Cake Decoration

Cake decorated with a paper doily
Credit: James Wojcik

You baked the cake. Now you're expected to frost it, too? Take a break from the sticky stuff and use a doily to stencil on a pretty sugar topping. Press a doily flat on top of a round cake and, using a fine-mesh sieve, sprinkle confectioners' sugar liberally over the surface. Use two hands to carefully remove the doily post-dusting.

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Beer Koozie as Shaving-Cream Holder

Beer koozie as shaving-cream holder
Credit: James Wojcik

Protect your bathtub rim from rust rings by slipping this foamy college relic over a can of Barbasol (rather than Budweiser).

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Zippered Plastic Bag as Pencil Case

Plastic bag as pencil case
Credit: James Wojcik

Always have your pencils and PTA notes (or toddler's crayons and doodle paper) in the same spot: Just punch holes along the nonzippered edge of a sandwich bag, then click it into a three-ring binder.

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Coffee Beans as Pie Weights

Coffee beans as pie weight
Credit: James Wojcik

When prebaking a piecrust, use beans to keep it from puffing up or shrinking into the pie plate: Line the bottom and sides of the cold dough with foil and fill to the brim with beans.

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