Making Christmas and Hanukkah gifts look good isn’t difficult
if you know the basics and have the right tools.
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By Mary Thurwachter
Preparing for the holidays comes with enough stress. Wrapping presents need not add to the angst.
Natalia Woodworth, one of the wrap demonstrators at The Container Store’s weekend Wrap Parties at Boca Raton’s Town Center, says gift-wrapping can be fun and even simple, once you know the basics.
“Get your shopping done early and maybe plan a wrap party with your girlfriends,” suggests Woodworth, who frequently presides over the store’s Gift Wrap Wonderland, a collection featuring hundreds of holiday gift wraps, ribbons, bows, totes, tie-ons, boxes and other gift packaging solutions. “Have some cider or wine. Make it fun.”
Here are some of her wrapping tips:
• Use paper with a grid on the back. It makes measuring easy. Then allow 2 inches on the ends of a box before you begin to fold.
• When choosing a wrap, remember that typically, small patterned wraps work best for small boxes. Wraps with larger designs work well on bigger boxes so that the entire pattern may be seen. It’s always a nice touch to select a wrap that speaks to the personality or tastes of the recipient.
• Create your own, unique presentation using a variety of materials and techniques. Experiment with ribbon in a basket weave pattern, use stickers and decals instead of tape.
• A good pair of scissors is essential for cutting paper straight.
• Use two-sided tape. You won’t see the tape on the outside of the package at all.
• Pick a theme. Paper designs at The Container Store are mostly made in America but some come from other countries. There are special designs for gifts for boyfriends, pets, kids, teachers, etc.
• Choose embellishments for extra allure. Ornaments often are used for this purpose and can go on the tree after the present is opened.
• If your gift is large, like a surfboard or a bike, create a little game with clues that eventually lead the recipient to the garage where you’ve hidden the gift. Bulky toys and other gifts can be stuffed in a bag.
• Put a bow on it! Making one isn’t as difficult as it may look. Wrap experts at the store will show you how.
• Personalize presents with creative gift tags you can buy or make yourself.
• Keep all of your wrapping supplies neat, accessible and protected. Depending on how much space you have, you can find solutions for storing these materials on a shelf, under a bed or in a spare closet.
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