That's a wrap!

Last updated: 22 Dec 2008

Gift wrapping guide

As we all frantically try to wrap up everyone's present in time for Christmas Day, Britain's gift wrap guru Jane Means tells us how to do it

Wrapping tips

For awkward shapes, use flexible wrapping like tissue, cellophane and floral wrap
For sharp items, pad with tissue or bubble wrap first
Practice makes perfect so tackle those awkward shapes with newspaper
If wrapping a particular object is proving a disaster, rather than trying to correct it, take a deep breath and start again
Gift bags can be dressed and are an ideal way to tackle awkward shapes. Punch a hole at the top of the bag and tie a bow
Use double sided tape for that professional touch (or use small amounts of tape and cover with ribbon)
Keep your wrapping area organised and free of clutter, keeping any ribbon and paper remnants for small gifts
Make sure you have some sharp scissors for cutting ribbon. Blunt scissors are only good for cutting paper
If you are wrapping something round (i.e. a football) place a bowl underneath your paper to keep it still
When wrapping garments, fold neatly into a compact square or oblong and wrap with tissue. Fold the long sides first

Tips to beat the credit crunch

Brown paper is a real classic and packaging can be re-used. If it is heavily creased, scrunch it up in to a tight ball then iron out with your hands... this will give an alternative effect which detracts the eye from old creases.
Minor creases can be covered with a paper strip and ribbon
String and raffia can be died to you own colour. Just add a dylon tablet to a bucket of water and hang to dry on a non windy day!
Tie in fresh herbs from the garden - these will add a lovely aroma to your gifts as do old scented drawer liners. Rosemary and Bay (and Lavender) are an ideal choice
Collect sticks and feathers on country walks - these make stunning and inexpensive embellishments. Great for men too!
Tie cones in to your gifts. Wrap thin ribbon around the base of the cone and tie to your gift. These can also be sprayed with room scent or colour
Use old tassels from haberdashery fringing - this gives a classic and inexpensive finish
Re-use cellophane from bunches of flowers. Once it's tied around the new gift you won't notice the creases
Re-use ribbon remnants and any creases in fabric ribbon can be ironed out with a low heat
Use old oranges, slice them up and dry in a low bottom oven or airing cupboard. After a couple of days these can be tied in to gifts and also give a lovely aroma
Use any broken or unwanted costume jewellery or shoe buckles as dazzling embellishments. A diamante brooch will make a gift look a hundred dollars
Paint cream, gold or brown dots on brown paper for a shabby chic finish
Glue an old peg to ribbon which will hold the gift tag perfectly
Write on fresh leaves with a metallic gel pen. This is a great alternative to bought tags and Ivy, Bay and Laurel are ideal choices
Recycle last year's Christmas trimmings and tie them on to gifts instead of the tree
Re-use any plain brown paper carriers. Punch a single hole in the centre at the top. Add ribbon and tie a bow
Use baking paper for classic translucent wrapping
Use an egg box for an unusual gift box, ideal for cakes, sweets, soaps, small gifts etc.