Simply Wrapping

I love gifts!

I’m a gift giver and gift receiver kind of gal. Wrapping gifts is the creative extension of giving. 

Christmas is the ultimate gift giving time… It can be stressful with all the to-dos, shopping, parties, gifts, teacher gifts, etc. So much to remember, so much to do and wrapping may end up at the bottom of the list. Right? 

It would be easier to use a gift bag or card to present your gift. Trust me I do this too! However, there are ways to make a present special with keeping it simple and the costs down. What works for me is to be prepared. I think ahead… like seasons ahead. Having the supplies or the basics on hand can be very helpful when you’re ready to wrap.

True story… When I was little my mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I vividly remember saying… “I like things bland.” Haha. What my 10-year-old self was really saying… I like things neutral. That’s me I guess, bland and neutral! It’s not that I don’t appreciate trends and different colors, but when it comes to how I choose my design and décor, it’s neutral. Why am I telling you this? This style may not be everyone’s preference… But I’ve noticed in the years that keeping the big items neutral and adding trends in small ways will cut down the costs and keep design timeless. 

This same idea can be used in wrapping. Buying “Kraft paper” or solid color gift wrap are great basics to have on hand year-round. You can simply dress them up or down with ribbon, twine, or gift tags. I then will add 1-2 patterned or trendy gift wrap. This year I added black and white buffalo plaid and natural gold snowflake wrapping. It’s just the right amount of pattern without adding too much under the tree.

Photos by MySeattleFarmHouse

Quick tip

Part of planning ahead… I purchased extra rolls of this buffalo plaid wrapping from Target last season knowing that I would want to use again for this year. Sometimes items are SO good that you know you need to stock up in case it doesn’t come back. Well sure enough Target didn’t have this wrapping this year or anything similar and I’m so glad I purchased these for $2.50 a roll last season. Stocking up can be a great way to save for the next year and finding clearance items is even better. Who doesn’t love a good deal? The only trick is you need to remember those items and where you’ve placed them. Haha. I keep my wrapping all together year round in my office area, so it’s not easy to forget. 😊

Oh, what fun...

When it comes to a little splurge or making a gift more personable that’s really fun… I found this adorable gift wrap at Homegoods this year… they had the best selection of these thick nice papers in simple sweet festive designs. I couldn’t resist the light pink for our girls. Our girls adore the color pink and when I saw those papers, I knew this could be a fun (trendy) addition under the tree.

Wrapping specifics

1. Twine was my key accessory this year with wrapping. I actually found this utility twine in our garage and scored! I’m waiting for a spider or little creature to come out. Eek! Twine adds texture to these gifts and is so festive. I wrapped the twine 3-4 times around the present and tied on the side. Voila… done! Then I added fresh pine sprigs from our Charlie Brown Christmas tree. I would suggest waiting to add the fresh greenery until you’re ready to give the present, otherwise you’ll have a crispy mess. I also added faux pine cones by attaching with my hot glue gun. Just another fun and festive way to add life to the present. So sweet and so simple.

2.  Use different ways to wrap a present… creating visual interest. With this small present I added one strip of burlap (tied in the back) then used the twine again to complete the look. This once plain kraft papered present now feels festive with textured ribbon and greenery.

3. On this buffalo plaid gift I used one strip of jumbo wired ribbon (that looks like burlap) with a classic styled wrapped twine. Gift tags are another fun way to add interest. Grab a couple styles and mix within your wrapping. I like things eclectic yet consistent. The trick is keeping within the same color palette and adding various shapes and sizes.

Here’s the breakdown:
1. Use different styles of wrapping the ribbon to add interest
2. Add multiple ribbons in various sizes… Keep within the same family of colors
3. Final sparkle… use greenery, festive berries or pine cones either faux or real.  Time saving and dollar saving look outside for these items or on your live tree.  😊

enjoy the simple things

 Gift giving is a small token of what is natural in our heart… Giving brings great joy. I know wrapping may be a detail of the big idea and frivolous to some, but you can bring beauty in this simple task. I hope I’ve brought you some easy tips and inspiration for you next gift giving. Keeping things neutral can be used throughout the year, not just the Holidays. 

 

Merry Christmas from my family to yours and thank you for reading. Happy wrapping friends! 😊

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Hi, I’m Stephanie!

Wife. Mother of 4. Designer. Sharing styling inspiration and home decor tips. Thank you for stopping by, and please say hi if you have any feedback! 

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