Feature of the Month
'White is the new black'
by Chloe Bird
Add simplicity to your wrapping by using just one colour to wrap gifts. Create beautiful and intricate wraps using a variety of folding techniques and layering to create texture
White eminates feelings of purity, simplicity and tranquility. Perfect for the minimalists out there who prefer the less is more approach
Proof that beautiful wrapping does not need to rely on lots of different materials. Choose one colour and push the boundaries
Brown Paper is a real classic that will never date
It is not only cheap and easy to buy from your local Post Office but it's so versatile
You can add natural raffia available from Garden Centres or earthy coloured ribbons, cords and twines. Make sure you add good quality trimmings as plastic ribbons will make it look cheap and nasty
Add sticks and cones from your garden, even a sprig of fresh holly or bay will make it look refreshing to the eye
Children can also paint or stencil their own designs on it too
Less is more and Recycling is 'in'
Recycling and Eco Friendly are finally being taken seriously
You can recycled old wrapping paper and ribbons and add small touched like cinnamon sticks and bunches of rosemary to give a more upmarket look.
If your paper is slightly creased or damaged, you can cover this with a band of paper or remnant of wide ribbon.
Lots of households are struggling with pennies right now so make some homemade gifts like chutney, handmade cards and biscuits, or paint a cheap wooden tray from IKEA for a handy gift - I gave some handmade and hand finished gifts a few years ago and everyone loved them!
You're wrapping (and wallet) won't have to suffer and you can be kind
to the planet too
Shabby Chic is still very polular this season
I bought this paper from good old Primark and also it isn't plastered with a Christmas design, I'm being eco fiendly and can use all of the leftovers throughout the year instead of throwing it away
I've also used some velvet ribbon and lace remnants (I bought off Ebay!)to give a very stylist finish...even better this gift has only cost about £1 in materials
Jewel Colours and Luxury Textiles are a must
So many elegant ribbons and textile finishes can be found on the market (Paperchase and M+S have some great velvet flock wrapping paper and luxury ribbons in their larger stores)
I love the sensual jewel colours which are so fashionable now.. Rich Plum, Petrol Blue and Emerald Green are a favourite with jewelled embellishments which you can easily pick up in Christmas shops in department stores.. just buy a beaded garland and chop it up to add on your gifts to give that luxurious WOW factor!