You’ve been wrapping your Christmas presents all wrong – here’s how to do it using NO cellotape or scissors
WHEN you buy the perfect Christmas present for a loved one, you want them to be impressed and excited before they even open it.
Which is why the art of gift wrapping is so important - but don't worry, even if you find it a struggle, there are tips and tricks to ensuring wrapping those tricky parcels doesn't have to be difficult.
Gift wrapping expert who hosts online courses, says: "It's really important as first impressions count. It is the same as fashion on a person and it's all in the detail.
"More than ever we need to feel special and valued and a beautifully wrapped gift shows that you care. It also makes the gift looks more luxurious.
"With the correct materials, gift wrapping can be easy. Ensure that you don't have too much paper and measure before you cut to avoid waste."
Here, Jane provides her expert tips and we take a closer look generally at how you can save yourself time and effort to achieve gifts worthy of being displayed proudly under the tree....
Perfect presents
Instead of reams of wrapping paper, for large items, Jane recommends using a paper tablecloth.
She says: "These easily mould around large objects like luggage and can easily be purchased from party suppliers and supermarkets.
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"Awkward shapes are best wrapped with flexible materials such as tissue, crepe paper, cellophane, netting and fabric.
"Tissue and cellophane are easy to work with and both can be purchased from your local florist.
";Small gifts or favours can be wrapped using paper napkins. Gather round the item and secure with string or ribbon."
No cellotape or scissors? No problem
While tape and scissors are handy when it comes to wrapping gifts, Jane says: "Fabric remnants are a way to re use and recycle.
"Simply place the item in the centre of the fabric and gather. Tie a knot to secure and you have an eye catching gift."
Using material like this is also a clever way to wrap presents without cellotape if you've run out.
Alternatively, you can also use a glue gun or wrap the gift in something like tissue paper that is malleable, and then use ribbon to secure in place.
Going potty
When wrapping certain items you also need to bear in mind the present itself could cause wear and tear and undo your efforts if not careful.
Jane says: "Potted plants are best wrapped with fabric or paper tablecloths as they don’t disintegrate when soggy.
"If you are using paper or tissue ensure that you cover the base with clingfilm or tin foil."
If buying a nice gift bag, ensure it is strong enough to carry the weight of the present too.
Decorations
Adding decorations to your gifts makes an eye catching feature.
Jane says: "It’s also a great way of distracting the eye if you make a mistake with your wrapping.
"Tie in some fresh greenery to give some fragrance and a fresh twist to you wrapping.
"Best greenery to use is ivy, laurel, bay and rosemary but best tie it in at the last minute."
Tag trick & trends
Jane also suggests if you run out of gift tags, fresh leaves can be written on with a metallic gel pen.
She adds: "Rather than throw away old Christmas baubles, recycle them and add them in to your gifts for a festive touch.
"For a more natural and 'masculine' look opt for twigs and cones from country walks.
"Cones can easily be wired with some craft or florist wire or attached with a glue gun.
"Recycle old tassels and fringing by tying them on with narrow ribbon - tassels are still a huge trend even at Christmas."
Personalised presents
Want to add a special, personal flourish to really ensure your presents stand out?
Jane says: "To personalise your gifts glue some wooden initials or scrabble letters on to the gift tags.
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"Spritz your gifts with some festive room spray.
"Your gifts will not only look great, but smell delicious too."
