In five steps to the most beautiful gift
– HOW TO IMPRESS –
I would gladly skip the hustle and bustle of the holidays, because I find it all a bit overwhelming. What should not be forgotten, however, is giving presents, because that is what I enjoy the most. First, spend a long time browsing online until you find the most fun gift, and then, yes, then the real party begins. So I never click on the standard wrapping service, but take my time at home to do it properly. Because a nice content is one thing, but something that has a ribbon around it and is wrapped in a nice paper is at least as fun. So here it is: a guide to the most beautiful gift.
Be original
They indeed have nice Christmas wrapping paper and also Sinterklaas can definitely be found, but be a little more original. I understand that the paper is the basis of wrapping, but you don't have to immediately grab the most standard paper available. You can also use other wrapping paper that you just have lying around at home, as long as you brighten it up a bit with the necessary accessories. Sticking a golden Christmas ball on the package or putting a few ginger nuts in a bag is also quite funny to add, then you still have a reference to the holiday. Or you just take white A3 sheets of paper, color and chalk them with the sweetest messages, and wrap the gift with that. Only then do you make it your own. Check out Pinterest, there are really hundreds of ideas to make a gift cozy.
The accessories
I find the absolute best part of the whole wrapping process. Tags, bows, ribbons, stickers, stamps, tapes… You can do something just a little extra with them. For example, with paper tape (which is available in all kinds of prints and colors, even at HEMA nowadays) you add a small extra detail. Just a bit more fun than standard tape. And ribbon also does a lot of good, because then you immediately give a touch of luxury to the gift. My house has exploded with things I collect as gift accessories, because that can always come in handy. Check out sites like winkelvanpapier.nl, buitendelijntjesshop.com, and likestationary.com. They have delightful crafting inputs to make your gift the prettiest.
Do keep the rule ‘less is more’ in mind. It’s not a surprise you’re making, it remains a gift.
Wrap neatly
Oh, this really feels like a motherly remark, but beautifully wrapped gifts are simply appreciated more and also ensure that the gift inside is much nicer to receive. You’re not doing papier-mâché, you’re wrapping. Ribbons are nice, but leave out the stickers. You can have the most beautiful wrapping supplies, but if you make a mess of it, no one will be happier for it.
Give it something extra
Of course, you have already done that with all those nice accessories, but also do something inside the gift. For example, at Jo Malone and Chanel, every package is provided with a little spray of perfume. It makes it even more of an experience. You can do that too. But it can also be done by writing a personal message on a card or putting a sweet little craft in the box.
Finishing touch
A gift should arrive neatly at its destination. So not in an Albert Heijn bag, but in a suitable packaging. Read: a nice bag. That bag can either be transparent (then your wrapping skills are immediately on display) or pretty, which immediately indicates the value of your wrapping skills and the gift.
Okay everyone, this was the guide. I assume life is going to be a little more beautiful now. And watch out, I’m keeping an eye on you. If I suddenly see poorly wrapped gifts appearing on Instagram, shame on you. Then just start back at point 1, practice for a year, and let’s agree that 2016 is really going to be the most beautiful year ever.
