Christmas Gift Wrapping
With a few special touches to ordinary Christmas paper, you can create beautifully presented packages that you'll be proud to give, and only too happy to receive. An extra few minutes is all it takes to make a gorgeous presentation from even the smallest of gifts.
The essentials: Scissors, ruler, sticky tape, wrapping paper, ribbons, tags and pens.
Sharp scissors are a must, but there is also a great new cutting tool called a Gift Wrap Cutter from Scotch 3M. It gives easy, clean and straight cuts and is a great time saver.
For tapes – if you have a lot of wrapping to do, go for a heavy dispenser available for just a few dollars from stationery stores. Smaller portable packs of tapes are handy and the Wrist band pop-up giftwrap tape dispensers from Scotch 3M are a great idea.
Wrapping Papers: Always go for wide, strong paper that's not see-through and remember, Christmas wrapping paper isn't the only option this season. A beautiful scarf, a fabric remnant, brown paper even newspaper can all look fantastic as gift wrap.
Whatever you decide on, do try and keep to a colour theme, that way your gifts will look amazing when piled under the tree.
Ribbons: Ribbons may require a few extra minutes of time, but a knot here or there or a nice bow can make an ordinary gift look incredible. A good money saving tip is to go budget on your paper and spend up big on your ribbon.
For a modern look, go for a tone on tone combination such as red wrapping with red ribbon or gold paper with gold ribbon.
Gift bags: are great for giving things that don't have a box or for gifts that have difficult shapes. Everyone loves taking a sneaky peek so use tape to close the top of the bag and make it feel 'more' by stuffing the bag with layers of tissue.
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Boxes: Boxes come in all shapes and sizes and can help disguise what's inside! Always line the box with plenty of tissue paper that compliments the color the box or paper. It holds the gift safely and having to shuffle through layers of tissue makes a gift feel even more special.
The main thing to remember when you're wrapping a box is to resist the urge to use too much paper. It makes it harder to wrap and the ends far too bulky. The rule of thumb is to measure ¾ of way up the sides of the gift and cut the paper to suit. This gives you nice, neat edges.
How to wrap odd shaped gifts like socks and clothing? A quick way is to fold or roll them in sleeves of cardboard. You can then wrap them easily for a stylish presentation.
Embellishments: Its not just about ribbon and bows when it comes time to decorating your gifts. To really personalise them attach things like Christmas ornaments, jewellery, natural elements, even old belt buckles can look fabulous. The good thing about adding the extra touches is the decoration becomes part of the gift too.
So go the extra mile with your wrapping this Christmas, for your effort you'll have so much fun giving your gifts and your family and friends will just love receiving them.
Wrapping Papers: Always go for wide, strong paper that's not see-through and remember, Christmas wrapping paper isn't the only option this season. A beautiful scarf, a fabric remnant, brown paper even newspaper can all look fantastic as gift wrap.
Whatever you decide on, do try and keep to a colour theme, that way your gifts will look amazing when piled under the tree.
This year metallic gold papers are hot, as are red and white combinations. But if you're not a big fan of traditional Christmas colours, how about a bright, vibrant palette of magenta, lime and tangerine? (I will have examples of all colours).
