With Christmas an astonishing 12 days away, I started thinking about some more creative ways to give away my jewelry gifts instead of the traditional gift box.  We carry some really cute red velvet gift bags that I love, for a great price too.  I think these are more fun than your basic run-of-the-mill gift box and they're particularly good for large or oddly shaped jewelry. 

 

 

 

Over the weekend I threw a small get together for a few of my closest girlfriends, for whom I had beaded a necklace and earring set each.  As I was setting the table for our little tea party, flowers in the center, a candy cane on each placemat, it occured to me that I should incorporate their gifts into the table setting.  So I displayed each girls' gift on her cocoa mug so that she'd see it when she sat down.  It turned out to be a pretty big hit!  All three friends could tell where they were supposed to sit based on the jewelry I had made them because it fit their unique style- but this would be fun to do with little decorative cards designating each person's seat too, if you have a larger party.

 

You could also add a fresh flower or two to your beaded surprise and really make the day of your gift receiver.  Poinsettias would work perfectly during the holiday season!  Another fun idea is to attach your piece of jewelry to an ornament.  This way your friend can gets a seasonal treat to go along with a piece of jewelry that she will no doubt wear all year round.