Wrap Party

There is just something about a tree with glittering, shiny and colourfully wrapped presents laid out beneath it. As children we cared little about the how-to, the expense and the time involved with carefully wrapped presents, we only knew the sparkle and frippery signified an abundance of new stuff; symbols of the adventure and mystery to come. As adults, let's face it--I'm probably talking to the ladies here, using the right ribbon with the right bow with the right paper has taken on a significance comparable to matching shoes with a purse. It's all about the bling. Why? Who cares? The bottom line is that a pretty present is a delight to all who receive one as the care we take with the wrapping can be indicative of the care we feel for the person receiving it. And it's just plain fun to do.

I love thinking up new ways to do something creatively and wrapping presents offers a plethora of opportunities for creativity. Just grab a magazine geared to women, or visit their websites and you'll be left with more ideas than you could possibly utilize in three lifetimes. My favourite thing is to add little trinkets and doodads to gift tags and to slip in small christmassy items in a gift basket or bag. The trick is to include an item that reflects the receiver personally, for example, a kid that loves soccer could get a "bouquet" of pencils topped with soccer ball erasers with a whistle and lanyard acting as a bow embellishment.

This year my focus is on using unique and cheap wrapping, emphasizing the cheap or even possibly free. There is an ancient japanese way of carrying everyday items as well as parcels that can be applied very well to wrapping presents. It is called furoshiki and it consists of a square cloth, either reversible or not, that is then sewn to finish selvages or to add styling. They can vary in size depending on both the size of the gift to be covered and the usefulness of the cloth after receiving it. The gift receiver can then use it themselves as a furoshiki on market day or numerous other errands involving carting things about. They can also use it for wrapping their presents next year and thereby spreading the re-usable message and alleviating their money burden somewhat. For a how-to on wrapping with a furoshiki go to canadianliving.ca/furoshiki and furoshiki.com/techniques.

Going on a nature walk with the family or just you and the dog can yield up some interesting decorating ideas for embellishing a gift. Twigs, pinecones and some good looking berries can look nice on a gift when gathered with other nature-themed items such as an animal charm, or a photo taken the day of the walk, in a keepsake frame. A trip to a secondhand clothing or retail store can provide other embellishments such as costume jewellery you can remove pieces from, ribbons, novelty items such as funky belt buckles and the like.

Here are some other ideas to help you wrap a unique and practical gifts.

• tea towels and aprons make great 'paper' for gifts for cooks
• old maps and travel posters can be re-used for wrapping 
• paper bags decorated with the kids using paint and baubles
• old boxes from shoes, tea, electronics etc, covered in fabric or paper
• scrapbook papers and embellishments can do more than dress up a photo
• old wreaths, garlands and other decorations that can be cannibalized for parts instead of the whole thing decorating a landfill.

Happy wrapping! And remember, as with most things, the wrapping fun multiplies when shared with family and friends so grab a bunch of friends, some wine and nibbles and get creative!