Turning old to new

Every month, Real Simple unearths hidden uses for everyday household items. Here’s a look at this month’s surprise items:

Votive-candle holder: Original purpose? Throwing a little mood lighting over your spaghetti.

Aha! Use: Holding toothpicks at your next party. The squat glass adds a design accent to your table while keeping the toothpicks within easy reach of the antipasti.

Real simple reward: A novel way to take your ‘pick.

Marbles: Original purpose? Shooting for the hole while playing for keepsies.

Aha! Use: Alerting you when you need to add more water to a double boiler. Place a few marbles in the bottom pan; they’ll start to rattle when most of the water has evaporated.

Real simple reward: Melted chocolate that remains unscorched.

Pencil erasers: Original purpose? Getting the lead out.

Aha! Use: Keeping your hanging art on an even keel. Cut the erasers off a pair of No. 2’s and glue them to the bottom corners of a frame. They’ll keep everything straight and prevent scratches.

Real simple reward: Walls that stay in picture-perfect shape.

Toilet-paper tube; Original purpose? Moving the toilet tissue ‘round and ‘round.

Aha! Use: Storing an extension cord. Coil the cord into a hank about 1-1/2 inches thick, then slide it through the tube for a neat package that won’t come unwound.

Real simple reward: Tangle-free power wherever you need it.

Emery board: Original purpose? Shaping nails neatly between manicure appointments.

Aha! Use: Removing small stains from suede. Gently rub the file (either side) across the problem area a few times to get rid of the splotch and refresh the nap.

Real simple reward: Swell-looking leather – without the cleaning bills.