Three Quick Homemade Gift Ideas For The Table

Three Quick Homemade Gift Ideas For The Table

When time is short but the thought still matters, a little effort at the dining table goes a long way. These three simple ideas use fabric, chocolate and tableware to turn everyday items into gifts worth giving.

A wrapped bottle with a personal touch

A bottle of something fizzy or homemade is always a welcome gift for new friends, and wrapping it in fabric makes it feel considered rather than last minute. IKEA's DITTE pre-cut fabric is generous enough to wrap a bottle with fabric to spare, and plain cotton takes paint well if you fancy adding your own pattern, even something as simple as rolling a paint-dipped corncob across the cloth. Once unwrapped, the fabric has a second life as a table runner, which suits long summer evenings when the dining table doubles as the centre of the home.

A wrapped bottle with a personal touchA wrapped bottle with a personal touch
DITTE pre-cut fabric, natural, 150x300 cmDITTE pre-cut fabric, natural, 150x300 cmDITTE pre-cut fabric, grey, 150x300 cmDITTE pre-cut fabric, grey, 150x300 cmDITTE pre-cut fabric, white, 150x300 cmDITTE pre-cut fabric, white, 150x300 cm

Shop DITTE

A sweet treat for the chocolate fan

For anyone who loves chocolate, a handful of dipped spoons makes a thoughtful and genuinely tasty gift. Melt a bar, pour it over the bowl of a spoon, and leave it to set before adding a topping or mixing two chocolates together for a marbled effect. IKEA's DRAGON spoon is the right shape and size for this, and a set from the DRAGON cutlery range means there are plenty to go round. Once set, the spoon gets stirred into hot coffee or chocolate, melting slowly as it is used, which makes the gift last a little longer than most.

A sweet treat for the chocolate fan
DRAGON 24-piece cutlery set, stainless steelDRAGON 24-piece cutlery set, stainless steelDRAGON teaspoon, stainless steel, 13 cm, 4 packDRAGON teaspoon, stainless steel, 13 cm, 4 packDRAGON coffee spoon, stainless steel, 11 cm, 6 packDRAGON coffee spoon, stainless steel, 11 cm, 6 packDRAGON salad/dessert fork, stainless steel, 16 cm, 6 packDRAGON salad/dessert fork, stainless steel, 16 cm, 6 packDRAGON spoon, stainless steel, 19 cm, 4 packDRAGON spoon, stainless steel, 19 cm, 4 packDRAGON spoon, stainless steel, 17 cm, 6 packDRAGON spoon, stainless steel, 17 cm, 6 pack

Shop IKEA Dragon

A glamorous table setting as a gift

For someone who likes their dining table to look the part, a small set of smart tableware makes a lasting gift rather than a disposable one. Pair a darker plate or bowl from IKEA's VARDAGEN range with shiny wrapping paper and folded napkins to create a look with real contrast, well suited to a romantic dinner or a New Year's Eve table. It is an idea that works year round in Malta, where entertaining often moves between kitchen and balcony, and a few well-chosen pieces can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

A glamorous table setting as a gift
VARDAGEN jar with lid, clear glass, 1.9 lVARDAGEN jar with lid, clear glass, 1.9 lVARDAGEN glass, clear glass, 31 cl, 6 packVARDAGEN glass, clear glass, 31 cl, 6 packVARDAGEN glass, clear glass, 43 cl, 6 packVARDAGEN glass, clear glass, 43 cl, 6 packVARDAGEN measuring jug, glass, 0.5 lVARDAGEN measuring jug, glass, 0.5 lVARDAGEN stand for jar with tap, dark grey, 20 cmVARDAGEN stand for jar with tap, dark grey, 20 cmVARDAGEN measuring cup, set of 5VARDAGEN measuring cup, set of 5

Shop IKEA Vardagen

Small, handmade gestures like these often mean more than anything bought in a hurry, and the basics for all three are easy to order online for delivery to Malta and Gozo.

More dining room ideas

Back to blog