Photography: Kristina Soljo / Styling: Lucy Gough
We may well judge a book by its cover and a wine bottle by its label, but can we take the argument so far to say that it’s the wrapping paper that counts? There is a joy to be found in Christmas gift wrapping – a pile of presents under the tree that have a certain consistency, look, or hue. And for the recipient, there’s nothing so breathtaking as a present well wrapped. That bow, the embellishments, the personalised touches that make it more than a present, but a true gift.
Wrapping your gifts at Christmas can be a joy or a trial, depending on your point of view. Love it or hate it, there are ways to ensure success every time, no matter whether you’re wrapping a hardcover book or a single gardening tool with all the jagged, awkward corners. If you’re the kind of present wrapper who ends up having to shave sections of paper off the partially-wrapped gift using scissors, or you have to patch the finished product with extra squares of paper to cover what lies beneath, we have the essential tips to achieve a perfect Christmas gift wrapping result every time.
These tips will make it easier to endure the Christmas gift wrap process – you might even enjoy it!
1. Get your paper in order
A disorganised gift wrapping station, drawer or box is sure to bring out the Scrouge in you. Get your supplies well beforehand, and organise the wrapping essentials so you’re not scrambling for scissors and tape come Christmas Eve. Plan ahead and buy paper early, even before shopping for gifts.
Bespoke Letterpress founder Alischa Herrmann says that starting with beautiful wrapping paper can make all the difference. “I absolutely adore gift wrapping! It’s such a wonderful way to show a little extra love and create a lasting impression. I always start with beautiful gift wrap – preferably eco-friendly, like our heavyweight double-sided gift wrap or our eco-friendly gold-foiled gift wrap rolls,” she says.
Make paper, tape, gift tags and ribbon – and anything else you need to get the look you want – first on your list. Armed with your Christmas gift wrap paraphernalia, set up a wrapping station. A small table is fine or, if possible, make it portable so you can move from room to room with your supplies. A little bar or art trolley would fit the task perfectly. If you plan to wrap your gifts using fabric this year – a beautiful, eco-friendly option that reduces the inevitable waste throughout Christmas – practice the process well before Christmas Eve using our Furoshiki fabric gift wrap tutorial so you know you can do it.
Add these items to your checklist for gift wrapping success.
- Paper – buy in bulk or stock up on complimentary colours
- Ribbon – a few different colours or stick to one to make it easier
- Gift tags – buy extra just in case
- Embellishments – bells or baubles to top gifts
- Plenty of sticky tape
- A good pair of scissors
- Pens for writing tags
2. Cut the right amount of paper for each gift
Less is more. Don’t allow too much extra paper “just in case”. Instead, be as strict as possible when cutting paper to size for each gift. Rather than folding excess at the ends, trim with scissors for a flatter fold against the gift.
3. How to wrap awkwardly shaped presents
Don’t get yourself in a muddle with oddly shaped presents. This is where a gift bag or box comes in handy, but take care with the presentation of either. If using a box, choose one close to the size of the gift and carefully pad around the gift with fresh tissue paper. Gift bags come in all sizes and benefit from a little padding with tissue to conceal the gift and add a little drama. In each case finish the package with a box and a beautiful tag.
For oddly shaped objects, such as bottles, start wrapping without the gift inside. Create a cylinder with a sturdy base then place the bottle upright. Once inside, fold over the top of the paper and secure it in place. Tie a ribbon around for decoration and, for beverages, add a garnish of dried fruits in a complementary flavour for extra pizzazz.
4. Avoid last-minute gift wrapping
Take your time. Rather than leave your wrapping until the last minute, wrap purchases and put them under the tree as you go. This is where your mobile wrapping station comes in handy as you can grab your supplies and knock over a couple of gifts at any time. If doing it all at once, set yourself up to watch your favourite Christmas movie to get you in the spirit.
Rather than leave your wrapping until the last minute, wrap purchases and put them under the tree as you go.
5. Make the wrapping personal
Have fun with it! Don’t be afraid to make it your style with quirky wrapping. If you’re not into the tinsel and trinkets of Christmas, change it up with old maps or all-white craft paper and an unconventional cord tie. Your friends and family will appreciate your efforts and look forward to your wrapping each year as much as what’s inside.
Save some cash and cut down on waste by seeking out generous remnants of fabric at home that, with a simple knotting technique can create a reusable fabric gift wrap. Or, combine the wrapping and present in one using a beautiful silk scarf or a new tea towel or tablecloth to wrap a related present.
For an embellishment that doubles as a sweet personal touch, include a letter tag. Simply take the first initial of your recipient’s name and tie it to the gift with a ribbon, just like you would a gift tag. To create a bright accent, opt for metallic shades or a hue that’s in the pattern of your paper.
If you’ve left it too late to embellish your gift, use Christmas decorations you don’t mind parting with or top the gift with a few sturdy twigs, holly or other greenery.
6. Don’t forget about the ribbon
“Pair it with a coordinating ribbon for that extra touch. I love to pick an accent colour from the wrapping paper to match with the ribbon and, for added flair, a double ribbon in contrasting colours always looks stunning,” says Herrmann.
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