real simple's 50 best "new uses for old stuff"...and that coaster idea? been doing it for years!

http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/new-uses-for-old-things/favorite-new-uses-00000000019718/index.html

honor your ancestors - decorate!

an easy way to honor your family and personalize your home is by adopting some of their hobbies. my grandfather's collection of swizzle-drink stirrers looks BEYOND pretty sitting in a julip cup on my bar- and some sticks are over 50  years old! my favorite women in the world: my mother, my grandmother and my aunts, all collected limoges boxes. today my sister and I add to our collections by giving limoges boxes to each other as a fond reminder of a special trip or event.  and don't be afraid to let the world know about your collections - it makes gift giving much happier and easier for all involved (you are simply doing everyone a favor by educating them).  petite collections are great decorating tools in smaller spaces such as shelving and desk tops. but a group of vintage napkins or table cloths can be displayed neatly folded in a basket or framed along an entire kitchen wall.  tip: to keep collections from exploding, be specific about your pieces. for example,  i only collect the green/blue and pink mccoy pottery vases and pots - it looks better/cleaner in clusters and works with the other colors and designs in my home.  have fun!