Gift Guides & Inspiration
How to wrap your Christmas presents like a pro
Six smart gift-wrapping tips to elevate your presents – and the under-tree styling – even further
Love it or dread it, Christmas gift wrapping is an unavoidable task at this time of year. While the thought of finding the best wrapping paper ideas and sourcing fun and fabulous finishing touches might feel daunting, sitting down to wrap presents can, in fact, be a fun – and, if done right – mindful activity.
Whether you're called to uncover the most expensive-looking gift wrap or try creative hacks that look unique as well as chic, these are the smart (expert approved) styling tricks that we swear by. Let's get wrapping!
Stick with tradition
Whether you opt for traditional holly berry designs, red-and-white candy stripes or timeless metallics, classic wrapping paper designs never fall out of festive favour. Feeling extra sensible? Pick plain kraft paper as your base, then let your bows, ribbons and extra trimmings sing!
A little more off-the-wall
Have you been decorating recently? Turn your wallpaper leftovers in to unique gift wrap; as it’s stronger than traditional wrapping paper it's great for wrapping funny-shaped or heavier presents. Struggling to fold the paper around some items? Make it into an envelope first, then pop individual gifts inside.
Playful gift tags
You don't always have to buy tags: you can use your existing kraft paper or wallpaper leftovers to make them (and match your wrap). With patterned paper, try cutting out the details – such as leaf motifs or stars – to make luxe-looking, affordable gift tags. Simple luggage tags also have a neat appeal, and match pretty much any present.
One to do with the kids
Looking for a way to keep the kids entertained this Christmas? Roll out a load of plain kraft paper on a big flat surface, then get them to draw and scribble all over it with chalk pens. It’s brilliant fun, kids love it and every present wrapped in this hand-finished paper will be completely unique.
The wow-factor wrap
If you really want to wow people with your wrapping, think furoshiki. The Japanese art using cloth to wrap goods so they can be easily carried is perfect for boxes or books. So stylish it appears complex, but is actually incredibly simple to master. Here's how:
1) Use a square scarf or napkin (or buy a metre of fabric and cut it up) and place your gift in the centre on the diagonal.
2) Fold the top corner across and under your gift, and tuck it in. Then repeat with the opposite corner.
3) Pull the remaining two corners together in the centre, and tie in a reef knot. Et voilà, all wrapped up! The scarf can be part of the gift too.
Wrapped with all the trimmings
Finally, the finishing touches! Whether you ask a fashion stylist, interior designer or Christmas elf, any expert will tell you that great style is all in the accessories. Christmas gift wrapping is no different. Bows are BIG news this year, so finish your presents with a twist of striped twine or luxury velvet ribbon – in shades of pine, burgundy and/or ochre, which will never date. Then place under the tree, ready for Christmas morning.
