One of the simplest gift wrap ideas is to choose a single color and buy or make your paper and ribbons (or other decorations) in just that color.
You could choose a color scheme you think the person you are giving the gift will like.
Or, if you aren't sure, then stick to the colors we associate with Christmas like red, green, white, silver and gold.
If you have some gift wrap sheets you just love and but they have more than one color, then just choose one main color to work with, as shown in the photo.
The paper is icy blue with shiny silver snowflakes, so a simple silver ribbon is all that is needed to beautifully finish of the present.
Here's what to do:
- Buy a roll of plain Christmas gift wrap paper
in your chosen color, or at least heavily dominated by that color. It doesn't have to be Christmassy.
- Buy a length of wide, satin ribbon in the same color.
- Choose a decoration in the same color - a large silk flower or bow works well.
- Wrap the present in the paper.
- Cross the ribbon over the gift and secure at the back.
- Secure your decoration to the top and you are done.
- If your gift is really large, you may like to offset the ribbons and decoration and put them more to one end. Other wise they may look a little lost floating in the middle.
If you'd like more detailed instructions, just read the next section.
Simple Gift Wrap Ideas
Gold on Gold
For a really lavish gift, nothing beats all gold paper, ribbon and decoration.
You will need:
Box
Gold wrapping paper
Scissors
Double sided adhesive (cellophane) tape
Wide gold ribbon
Florist wire
Small plastic fruit (bunch of grapes, apples, pears) or pinecones
Antique gold spray paint
Step 1.
If your gift is not already in a box, then place it in a box that will fit snugly. Pack with tissue paper if needed.
Lay your box on your gold wrapping paper and trim the paper so that it will overlap comfortably in the middle and by about 3in at the ends - this stops unsightly bulges. (Yes, Miss Trixie, I will try to trim 3in off my waist )
Step 2.
Use the double-sided tape to stick the paper into place. The advantage of this type of tape is that you can seal up the package neatly with no tape visible. Of course, you can use normal tape if that's all you have, but it will look much better if you can't see the tape.
Step 3.
Measure your gold ribbon and tie it around the box. It should go around the box, cross underneath and come back to the top to be tied off firmly. Trim off any ends - you're going to add a new bow and decoration so you don't want any loose bits getting in the way.
Step 4.
Take your gold ribbon and make a large bow.
If the ribbon is floppy you may find it easier to tie the bow straight onto the ribbon already in place on the box. You could do this twice, teasing the loops of the ribbon away from each other so they can be seen.
If the ribbon is stiff and self supporting you could make six loops or so and secure them in the center with the florist's wire. Use a new length of ribbon to tie the bow in place on the box.
Step 5.
Spray the plastic fruit with the gold paint and leave to dry.
Once it is dry fix the florists wire onto each piece of fruit and attach them alongside the bow on the box. You may need to fiddle with them a little first to make sure you like the arrangement.
So, there you have it. Gift wrap ideas that are so fast and easy you'll never be tempted to hand over a gift in its store bag again!
