Photography: Brigid Arnott / Styling: Lucy Gough
There’s nothing worse than leaving it to the last minute and being stuck with ho-ho-hum Christmas wrapping paper on the biggest day of giving each year. If wrapping is your thing you’ll know to get in quickly to ensure you get the pick of the bunch of Christmas wrapping papers, ribbons, tags and the odd flourish on offer each year.
Remember that Christmas paper doesn’t need to be red and green or have baubles all over it – some of the most stylish gift wrap is born of creativity – scour your local reuse store or think outside the square to use items around the home, special touches foraged from nature or start a pact with loved ones to use the same furoshiki wrap each year when exchanging gifts.
What happens to wrapping paper after Christmas?
Think of the environment when shopping for your gift wrap this year and choose earth-friendly options where possible. CHoose uncoasted wrapping over the cheap, plastic-coasted variety and, once all the opening is over, instead than collecting all of the wrapping into a big garbage bag for landfill, sort through what can be reused and separate ribbons, cards, tags and trinkets to be kept for another gifting session.
5 ways to reduce waste this Christmas
- Reuse wrapping paper, fabric & ribbon – let their beauty do double duty!
- Make your own gifts – cook or craft with the kids for unique gift giving
- Gift experiences – create a memory rather than something they won’t use
- Combine the Christmas wrapping as part of the gift – like these furoshiki wraps
- Choose an eco-friendly option – a house plant or collection of seed packs are gifts that keep giving!
What can I do with leftover Christmas wrapping paper?
A little planning goes a long way and many of the beautiful papers below can be ordered online, or pop them on your shopping list and grab a stash next time you’re out and about. Rather than buying too much and be stuck with the patterns, instead opt for a “Plan B wrapping” that’s more neutral in design than Christmassy, then you can use it for gifting all year-round.
How do you store Christmas wrapping paper rolls?
The best way to store gift wrapping paper is to leave it on rolls and collect them into a basket or box large enough to hold them upright or with a lid to keep them tidy and organised. Store in a cupboard or the attic to avoid dust collecting until next year and remember to check your supplies before you purchase more!
If you are on a tight budget but can’t resist a beribboned gift, buy just a few rolls of fancy paper and cut wide sections along the width of the roll, approximately 10cm wide. Wrap gifts in affordable plain paper, such as butchers paper or brown paper from a supermarket and add a wide band of patterned paper on top. Add a coloured (even handmade) card and matching ribbon and you’ll have nothing short of a beautifully wrapped offering.
Stylist tip:
Shop Christmas wrapping paper
