Seeing Red

Come July, I'll be asking Grace, 6, to get out the "Fourth of July" paper plates. She'll emerge from the pantry empty-handed and perplexed. When I say, "They're the solid red ones," she'll say, "Oh, you mean the Christmas ones." This scenario plays out year-round at our house since I've become a master "repurposer" of Christmas sale merchandise.

The elegant round, red, beaded placemats that adorn our table for Valentine's Day, the green tin ice bucket I use on St. Patrick's Day, the red glassware for Fourth of July parties, the red-and-green striped platter I serve chips on for Cinco de Mayo — all were purchased for next to nothing at Christmas clearance sales.

And don't get me started on gift bags and wrap. I love to pick up solid or simple geometric patterns in gold and silver that work beautifully for any occasion — pastel ribbon makes them "baby shower," a little white satin bow dresses them for a wedding, and colorful combinations make them birthday party appropriate. I also keep an eye out for ribbons. Solids, stripes and ginghams are perennial classics.

And there's always the obvious — shopping for next Christmas. Last year I bought two dozen ornament photo frames for less than $1 each. I stored them away, and this year I filled them with family photos — old and new — to create a small "family Christmas tree" on our entryway table. I added some sentimental keepsakes on and under the tree like baby shoes, silver spoons, rattles, and cups, costume jewelry, and handmade ornaments.

So I don't forget, I often note things on my calendar throughout the year so I'll remember to pull out my treasures at the right time.

When most people are taking a respite from shopping, I'm revving up my cart. With some imagination and a little bit of money, you can sneak a little bit of Christmas in all year long.