Have you waited to wrap your holiday gifts until this week? Are the mountains of packages piled up? You are not alone. I once waited until the night before Christmas and then stayed up into the wee hours trying to get everything wrapped. When I was done, the packages under the tree were stunning, I was covered in paper cuts, and I vowed to never, ever procrastinate on my gift wrapping again! This year, I’ve discovered some gift wrapping inspiration for you, if you need a bit of a boost. Here are some of my favorite gift wrapping ideas!
Traditional plaid can’t be beat for a jolly holiday look. A vivid red Royal Stewart plaid is the tartan most often associated with Christmas. I personally have tree skirts, footstools and blanket throws that feature this festive plaid.
But, there are so many others! Try a Buffalo Check for a more contemporary vibe or a Black Watch plaid for an elegant feel.
Going for a country look? Nothing beats simple brown kraft paper. It’s so adaptable! Add a charming plaid bow, a ribbon of textured burlap, or embellishments such as greenery, berries or wooden cutout ornaments. Brown kraft paper can also become a magical reindeer with the simple addition of eyes/antlers/nose.
Or, try white chalkboard marker for a completely custom pattern or heartfelt message.
Another incredibly versatile option is white wrapping paper for a slightly more sophisticated feel. White paper works with any style – pair with a vibrant “Christmas red” bow, rustic country check, or mounds of colorful curling ribbon. White paper also works for any holiday, from birthdays, to anniversaries, to Valentine’s Day. So, you’ll never need to make an emergency run to the all-night grocery store for more paper!
Ready to go for the gold… or silver? Foil paper is sleek and elegant with an instant “wow factor.” Although foil is available in beautiful patterns, my absolute favorite look is to use foil in solid colors with a contrasting wired velvet bow. Try muted gold foil with a deep green ribbon, silver foil with a burgundy bow, or red paper adorned with a snowy white topper.
If you have children, you know that the artwork tends to, ummm… pile up. Why not reuse some of your little Rembrandt’s best work to wrap special gifts? Grandparents especially, adore receiving this personal treatment. Don’t want their efforts to end up in the recycling bin? Scan them and print on oversized paper. If you are adept at Photoshop, you can even create a repeating pattern of favorite scribbles for a “real wrapping paper” look!
If you hate the thought of piles of paper and bows ending up in the landfill (and trust me, I reuse and recycle bags, wine tubes and bows like mad each year), you can try a more environmentally-friendly option. Wrapping a gift with a gift, is one of my secrets. For example, you can wrap a book with a scarf, a framed photo with a sweater, and just about anything in a wicker basket! Or, use fabric, which can be washed and reused countless times. Gift tags offer another opportunity to recycle. Save old Christmas cards and create beautiful new tags using pinking sheers.
Hard to wrap gift? You could resort to a gift bag. Or, think outside the box (or inside the box, as the case may be!). Tins, wooden crates, burlap sacks, vintage drawers, flower pots, crocks, and wine tubes offer fun options for difficult to wrap items.
And, once your package is beautifully wrapped, add the finishing touch that makes it truly memorable. Topper ideas include candy canes, tiny wreaths, jingle bells, unbreakable ornaments and of course, the perfect gift tag.
Now, that you have some gift wrapping inspiration, it’s time to get started! Happy Holidays!
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Named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone, Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style. From must-have fashion and accessories, to gorgeous gardens, stunning interiors, plus the latest products and ideas for chic parties, you’ll find it here. Editor Susan Conforte McNeill is an author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!