Wonder and Joy: How to Wrap a Christmas Present That's Almost Too Pretty to Open

Who doesn’t love the sight of Christmas presents wrapped with pretty paper, bows and decorations, arranged under a glowing Christmas tree? Unfortunately, not everyone can achieve this charming ideal.

Many people admire a nicely wrapped present but find their own efforts fall short.

While you might consider gift wrapping an art, the truth is, all you need to learn how to wrap a present beautifully is practice and patience. In fact, wrapping presents is a skill you can master, once you know the steps and a few designer tips.

Before you begin, assemble your supplies. You’ll need:

A Christmas present

Wrapping paper

Ribbon and bows

Tape

Scissors

Gift tags

You may also want:

Decorative Christmas picks, ornaments or accents

Florist wire

Wire clippers

Start with your choice of wrapping paper. During the holidays, there’s no shortage of colorful Christmas gift wrap. Red and green, blue and white, silver and gold - the selection is endless.

As pretty as printed Christmas paper can be, you aren’t limited to Santas and snowflakes. Brown craft paper and white freezer paper work just as well. Plus, they create a clean background for a glamorous ribbon.

Shimmery Christmas ribbon and a dramatic bow are the equivalent of icing on a cake. They elevate even a plain package to stunner status.

During the holidays, you can find rows of ribbons and bags of bows wherever you go. But if you want your present to be a showstopper, consider using ribbon with some extra holiday style.

Red velvet ribbon is classic; so is plaid. Gold and silver ribbons are always in style, and you can’t go wrong with a green Christmas ribbon.

However, for added impact, consider non-traditional ribbon colors and styles.

For instance, pair brown craft paper and a wide burlap ribbon printed with red reindeer. Wrap a sheer silver snowflake ribbon around white paper. Teal, blue, pink, purple and even black or black and white ribbon add elegance and drama to a wrapped Christmas gift.

A ribbon tied with a bow looks lovely on a gift box, but for next-level wrapping, finish off a Christmas present with a decorative accent. Small sprigs of artificial greenery, berries, pinecones, faux flowers and decorative Christmas sprays and picks – even mini Christmas ornaments – can add interest and shine to your Christmas gifts.

Tuck decorations under the bow or tie them onto the ribbon for a top-notch professional presentation.

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Instead of a source of frustration, let wrapping Christmas presents become one of the simple joys of the season.

Plan your gift wrap session in advance, so you have all the trimmings at hand. Turn on some Christmas music, get comfortable and settle in to create picture-perfect Christmas packages.

The friends and family who receive your beautiful gifts will appreciate your efforts!

We welcome you to visit Christmas Central and browse our full selection of Christmas ribbons and artificial Christmas floral picks and sprays.