Nearly-Instant Hostess Gifts from the Stash

If you have this same problem and you have an invite to a swank soiree on New Year's Eve, fear not! With just a quick rummage through your scrap pile, a hot glue gun and some creativity, you can dress up a last-minute bottle of wine into a fun gift for the host or hostess who was gracious enough to invite you over (even though they probably know you're a Last-Minute Lulu like me).

First, take a piece of 8.5" x 11" paper and fold it in half lengthwise. Cut a shape that tapers at the top and has a hole in it to slip over the wine bottle as shown. For reference, mine is about 5.5" from the base to the "shoulder."

Find a scrap of fabric slightly larger than your paper base.

Working in small sections, run a bead of glue around the outside edge of the paper and affix it to the wrong side of your fabric. I use hot glue because it's quick like a bunny, but if you have time and prefer a different fixative, by all means, use your preferred method.

As you spread your glue, try to get right up to the edge of the paper -- this will help seal the fabric and prevent fraying.

Once your glue is dry, trim the fabric, using the edge of your paper as a guide. Don't forget to cut out the hole for the neck of the bottle!

Now that you have a fabric base to your bottle decor, trim it however you like!

Once all trim is applied, use another scrap of fabric to join the back edges of your bottle cover together. I just glue everything in place, so I can slip the whole thing over the bottle without having to use any closure elements like snaps or velcro.

For my first sample, I went the Santa route, trimming it with white fur scraps and a belt made from a strip of grosgrain and a buckle cut from craft foam.

For my second sample, I went with a more mod style, and used two different types of vinyl to create a layered floral adornment.

I love quickie, silly projects like this because you can easily tailor your design to the recipient's taste, and they take about 30 minutes to bang together. Instant fun, and you don't look like a schmuck who just ran by the grocery store on the way to the party (even if you did).