Top tips for a tidy home

During Christmas, I have a different set of fairy lights hung in every room. To keep them organised when I packed them away for the next year, I used some old washing-tablet boxes I'd collected. I stuck a room label on each one before wrapping up the lights and popping them in the correct box. When it's time to decorate again next year, I'll know exactly which lights go where.Lucy Hodson, Hoylake, Wirral

When my son's Batman birthday cake had been eaten, I decided to recycle the empty cake box. I cut out the images, then punched holes in them to create gift tags. I also stuck one to a plain gift bag. They looked amazing and cost nothing to make. Michelle McGuire, Cleethorpes, Lincs

I've found a great way to use up leftover Christmas pudding. Rather than throw it away, crumble it into soft ice cream, add a little brandy if you wish, then spoon it into a plastic container. Freeze it until firm. You now have a delicious dessert which was quick and easy to make, and will last for ages in the freezer. Heather Sutcliffe, Hebden Bridge, W Yorks

I was given a lovely set of toiletries that came in a small wooden crate. When the crate was empty it seemed too lovely to throw away, so I sewed some simple rectangular covers and pillows from scraps of material and turned it into a bed for a doll. It made a lovely gift for my niece.Karen McGuire, Cleethorpes, Lincs

One of my party nibble bowls got smashed and I didn't want to spend money on new ones. Instead I cut the bottoms off empty drinks bottles, and smoothed the sharp edges with a warm iron before filling them with crisps. They work perfectly and cost nothing. Michelle Watson, Workington, Cumbria

My cotton pads were all over the place and I wanted to keep them tidy. I covered an empty crisp tube with glittery material, then carved a half moon shape at the bottom. I filled the tube with cotton pads and now I have my very own dispenser which I can top up whenever I like.Jayne Graham, Chesterfield, Derbys