Wrap it up: How to present your presents beautifully

Have you ever received a gift so gorgeously wrapped, it was thrilling just to look at?

A gift wrapped with panache can elevate the entire giving experience. But even if you don't have a knack for wrapping, impressing family and friends with your gift-giving skills takes only a few extra steps.

"Never underestimate the impact of a beautiful gift that shows you've taken the time to create something special," writes Carolyne Roehm, author of "Presentations: A Passion for Gift Wrapping."

At paper store Papyrus, with locations in Seattle, Bellevue and Lynnwood, color trends are coming back to more traditional reds and greens after last year's funkier lime greens and bright reds, said Rachael Parker, assistant manager at the University Village store. Strong graphics such as argyle, polka dots or enlarged prints also are popular for whimsical or edgy wrapping.

Roehm suggests mixing ribbon textures, or pairing striped paper with striped ribbon. Try new color themes, such as a muted green-and-brown combination for Christmas, or classic combinations like navy and white. Wrap a box in paper, then wrap it again in tulle for an elegant exterior. Or stamp brown paper for a custom wrap.

"A big part of a gift is the care and creativity that go into its presentation," Roehm writes.

Easy wrapping ideas

• Even ordinary items can be used to wrap a gift — with the right embellishments. Brown paper bags look elegant with a lily and a natural raffia bow.

• Dress up a craft box or plain brown shipping paper with natural packing material and raffia, then tuck in leaves and berries. Use stamps to personalize the paper.

• If your wrapping paper and bow look too ordinary, tie a pretty ornament in with the bow as a topper and added gift.

• Tie a colorful swirled lollipop into the bow.

• Freshen up Christmas gifts with live greens and pinecones you've collected outside.

• Right before you present your gift, tuck a couple of fresh flowers into the ribbon for a lovely scented bonus.

Oddly shaped gifts

Take your time and keep the corners tight, said Parker of Papyrus. Try taping paper together for oversized gifts.

And if all else fails, put it in a gift bag, buy a bigger box or bring it to a store.

Try this tip from Martha Stewart to wrap wine bottles:

• Lay the bottle lengthwise on a vintage dish towel, two inches from the edge, roll it up and fasten it with pins. Fold the bottom sides like you would wrap a box. Pin it and cinch the top.

Gift-wrapping tips

• Wrap gifts as you buy them.

• Stock up on paper and trimmings at after-Christmas sales.

• Assign a paper color to each family member so you don't need gift tags.

• Cut paper with scalloped scissors and fold it in half to make matching cards.

Supplies

Stock an assortment of wrapping paper, ribbon and toppers. Roehm suggests these basics:

• Wrapping paper: Buy white and black paper, craft paper, gold and/or silver foil, and paper in your favorite colors. Don't forget to buy matching tissue paper, as well as white.

• Ribbon: Buy ribbons that match your paper in various patterns and textures. Try choosing one color and picking different materials such as satin, taffeta, velvet and grosgrain in varying widths. Keep basics like white, black, navy and red ribbon. Also buy natural fabrics like raffia or hemp cord.

• Decorations: Look for paper, cotton, velvet or silk flowers; collect pinecones, leaves and pods; or try shells, miniature toys or ornaments. All can be used as accents on a gift.

• Other essentials: Double-stick tape, scissors, hole punch, decorative inks and pens.

Nicole Tsong: 206-464-2150 or ntsong@seattletimes.com