There is one thing I rarely spend money on and that is gift wrap. I know people who have entire gift wrap stations and even wrapping rooms. My gift wrap is contained in the drawer of the above desk. I wrap all my gifts the same for all occasions, white paper and black ribbon. Sometimes I'll use a white bag in which case I'll put their initial on the bag too. I never get bored of this combo and I think it looks quite chic all while being very cost effective.
I save all white or off white paper I come across in my daily life and then wrap it up with either this black twine or a prettier black ribbon.
I've reused this bag to Alex a zillion times! I believe this is an old Pottery Barn bag but I just sharpied it out until I got to the A. 😁 That's my signature wrap. What kind of wrapper are you? Fancy or plain? x
That is clever of you to keep it so simple. For Christmas, I use the brown craft bags and plain brown paper in rolls I find at Michaels or the Dollar Store. I also buy a couple rolls of wrapping paper each year at Ikea. They seem to always have my brown paper theme with a simple motif. I jazz them up with Christmas stamps in red or green and ususally tie up with red and white baker's twine or pretty ribbons I buy half price at Michaels. ( I bought a big roll of the bakr's twine on Amazon that has lasted years.) I love the way this looks under the tree, and by using coupons for everything, it's quite cost effective.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet, your gift wrapping is very simple but classy. It seems that I have an abundance of Christmas wrapping paper. Barnes & Noble carries the best paper I have ever bought so I usually try to get a couple rolls when it is reduced after Christmas. I don't exchange too many birthday presents at this age, if I do it's usually immediate family members and most often it is a gift card. (it's what they ask for)
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a great week!
Linda
xoxo
i like to use the comics section from the newspaper. I also use brown paper. I've also used old scrabble letters, as an initial or a short word or name. i use colored tissue paper in many combinations. And of course i buy christmas wrap at the end of the season, usually in white and silver, or white and gold combos .
ReplyDeleteLove the use of scrabble letters. Next time I see an old Scrabble game at Goodwill I’ll be buying it. Thanks
DeleteI have a collection of (after Christmas) purchased rolls of paper. I prefer a simple graphic. And I love brown kraft paper with bright red ribbons and a sprig of evergreen. I also collect and reuse any wrapping I fancy keeping. I like the idea of the bags with a nice ribbon.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I am alone in this--but the expectation of what is inside the packaging (when it is lovely) is so much more interesting that what is actually inside the package--most times.
I don’t think my first attempt to comment made it. I use the old pages from my Stendig calendar . I buy a Stendig every year and the pages are huge so plenty of paper all year long.
ReplyDeleteI used to be a big wrapper; no more; I've become a bag lady. Just took a baby gift to a neighbor with a blue bag from the dollar store (very cute; scenes of little blue elephants on it), just slipped the gifts in some tissue with a card...and, done.
ReplyDeleteMe, too, about wrapping stations et al; to each his own, of course but, man, I knew someone who bought a McMansion in the early 90s and she had one entire room outfitted for sewing and wrapping. Built-ins with a cabinet maker to her specifications/custom modifications and enhancements, where each roll of wrap was on a spindle or rod; you'd pull down how much paper and cut, as if it was a roll of paper towels. All the cubbies for ribbon/tape and then, of course, her sewing stuff, with a special built-in cabinet for her sewing machine; then, all of this framed by massive floor-to-ceiling cabinets with multiple shelves; a big work table in there, too. Sure makes things convenient when you can be so organized and have a place for everything; lots & lots of room/space. When she first moved in (5 bed/4 bath home with gigantic 3-car garage), I was eye-popping with the amount of storage in every single room including, of course, walk-in closets galore. (And she also outfitted one entire large room off a patio - - sigh; so nice, had a fireplace, too; like a den room - - with more floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, with a rolling library ladder; hundreds & hundreds of books. A beautiful desk...) I said to her at the beginning, 'It's just you and your husband (age 50s); you have enough storage and space forever.' She said, 'Yeah, and watch how fast we fill it up.' True; within 5 years, you'd open a closet and a tennis racket would fall on your head. And she had to have not one but TWO people come in to clean the house each week. Just that much stuff and that much square footage; a whole lotta floor to clean, from carpets, to tile, to wood flooring, etc. (And they kept a lovely, clean, neat & orderly home; but a very active couple with many interests and hobbies and collections; lots of sports, so a lot of equipment.) I've since thought a thousand times, I'll take my smaller home and my smaller life (a lot less cumbersome...and not nearly the expense!).
I think your black and white theme for wrapping is a terrific idea; always a neat, clean look, like in clothes. Elegant. Refined.
Wow, that sounded like a stressful environment to me. I get too easily overwhelmed.
DeleteThe white with black suits you perfectly, I love this! I generally go for brown Kraft paper with a substantial plaid ribbon, or sometimes velvet ribbon. I love ribbon and can go silly buying it.
ReplyDeleteI just packaged up my nephew's Christmas presents (my brother lives in the north west territories of Canada and packages take 4-6 weeks to arrive!) and I used brown paper with twine but drew lots of Christmas images for little Felix with green and red sharpie markers. I love wrapping presents for me it's the best part of Christmas. XX
Last time I used brown kraft paper I couldn’t get the tape to stick to it. Anyone have a fix for this? I’d like to use brown and/or white paper with a variety of ribbons or twines.
DeleteI love your classy, classic wrapping selection, Janet. And I am thoroughly enjoying learning what other commenters like to use.
ReplyDeleteI inherited my father's love of gift wrapping (for Christmas he used a gorgeous combination of gold and silver foil papers (I believe even velvet wrapping on occasion), plus velvet and satin ribbons, unique tags). I always wondered where he found all these majestic materials).
I used to put a great deal of time and effort into wrapping gifts. Over the years, and as gift cards became popular, I ended up redirecting this creativity to artwork. Nowadays, massive gift giving is behind us. My husband and I now enjoy simplified, frankly more magical holiday seasons. Having said that, I miss those early days of joyful, beautifully wrapped gifts.
I'm often inspired by something off topic in your posts. On more than one occasion I,ve imagined that lovely gift wrap desk of yours painted in black lacquer. Just sayin'.
ReplyDeleteI do see the comment above and I see the desk black as well, but not a lacquer, but a well worn soft black, timeless and richly worn, in keeping with your home style. But the age wood in your home is also timeless.
ReplyDeleteAs for wrapping, I find so many mind thoughts to our similar taste. White for me as well, and although I love the black bows or ties of ribbon? I tend to go natural, some jute twine or oatmil whites. I will mix it up and also buy the 99 cent stores 3m pâper in the paper bag Burlap tone. Mixing the two. As for you keeping and reusing ummm! Here here!! that’s me as well, black sharpie blacking out? I often place a sticky white label over my advertising bag words.
Big tip, if I reuse a great piece of wrinkled up white wrap with folded seams? I will crunch up the paper and make it look more wrinkled and stressed, after it’s wraped up, I’m pleasantly pleased with the wrinkled wrapped gifts look with a simple white or natural tie, or ribbon bow.
I am going to make a new wrapping drawer like yours. You inspired a wrap drawer for my needs.
Xx
Dore
PS. Looking forward to your homes Christmas designs, tree soon? And will it be plain? Or white and black bows ?
Xx
I used to have one roll of gold paper and one spool of white ribbon which I used for every occasion. Somewhere along the line this changed, but it would certainly reduce clutter if I went back to it. Most weddings we give cash so I get more use out of a box of plain cards I bought years ago anyway.
ReplyDeleteYet another fan of the brown kraft paper here. No bows, just twine or a simple red or green. No tags as I usually write the recipients name on right on the paper. And since we are talking about it, I rarely buy greeting cards anymore either. I have a small selection that can be used for most occasions if I do need something. Other than the roll or two of paper I buy for the holidays everything fits in a small tin box that sits on the bookshelf in my bedroom.
ReplyDeleteJanet, I love this idea !! I have a huge collection of disparate papers and bags on a drawer. Never use any. I keep a few paper rolls in a French bakers bag which I DO use. I have just made an earth shattering decision. I'm putting all the coloured bags and papers that I haven't used in 5-6 years into my charity box,thus de-cluttering about a zillion items in one day (way ahead of my 5 a day quota) and thus giving myself a whole empty drawer. I'll switch to one colour scheme and just keep a roll of that and boy and girl paper for the grandchildren. Simples. Thank you SO much for the inspo! Hugs, x.
ReplyDeleteFANCY but with recycled stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!I will use old prints or old newspaper..........most of the time tissue paper...........with ribbon that I have had for years!I do not BUY CARDS for BIRTHDAYS!I use photographs I have taken or post cards I have bought at exhibits!XX
ReplyDeleteI love your black and white - very classy. I used plain brown paper for years, with twine and some sort of fancy metallic ornament or trinket tied on (we lived in the country, it worked). Now, I still use brown paper, but tied with tiny metallic cord, and a single "accent" paper with the same metallic in the pattern. This year it's a pink paper with gold pineapples. I bought a couple of rolls at Homegoods last year, it's SO pretty, I'm really looking forward to using it. I also have a couple dozen white snowflake shaped ornaments, the kind intended as tiny photo frames to hang on the tree, and use those for family gift tags. Everyone looks for their photo, who knows from what year - it's another fun element of our gift exchange.
ReplyDeleteI am also a big fan of the brown craft paper. Sometimes I will tie it with bakery twine, sometimes with a colorful ribbon, sometimes just with hemp gardening twine. At Christmas I either print my own tags from the computer or recycle the front covers of old Christmas cards as tags. For birthdays, especially children's birthdays, I like to use brightly colored tissue paper. Target has packs of 6 to 8 sheets in really cute designs for just a couple dollars. It doesn't feel as wasteful as a heavy, glossy wrapping paper. I've also sewn a quick drawstring bag out of scrap fabric. I save every scrap of ribbon from gifts received, press it and reuse it.
ReplyDeleteI used to make gifts into such wondrous packages, rarely appreciated. I stressed about a coordinated look; nobody else cared. My sil also worked out a different theme each year for hers.
ReplyDeleteNow we have totally reduced. It took me 7 Christmasses to use up all the paper... Today it's a supply of white tissue paper & brown paper I also use for sending parcels. And I reuse if I'm given a good bag or have something suitable. Still using up the ribbon stash, also washi tape. I cut the ribbons out of clothes for bows (they only get in my way anyway!). I wrapped my granddaughter's birthday gift in a cheap cotton triangular kid's scarf she can wear all year round, with gold kitties & tassels, possibly a greater success than the gift itself!!
I also used to go all out with my wrapping, mainly because I enjoyed it. But when we bought our little retail shop over 20 yrs. ago, we used plain brown kraft shopping bags & painted a seasonal theme on them...they were a huge hit. We also kept rolls of kraft paper in case something needed to be wrapped in a box. I still have plenty of those bags & paper, even though our shop is closed. I personally love the plain brown with an upscale satin ribbon, a drab or dark green is my favorite...to which I add boxwood, berries & pinecones in the winter...from the yard.
ReplyDeleteSadly I don't give many "gifts" these days...a gift card seems to be the in thing now. But I am going to a surprise birthday party in December & will use the plain brown kraft for my gift.
I just love your idea of a signature wrap...it's so you!
Anita ~ the cabin on the creek
I love your idea of black & white. I save all gift bags and bottle bags also any padded envelopes for if I have to post anything and any paper that is not too wrinkled.Last Christmas my daughter who is very houseproud. bought expensive paper which had silver glitter stuck to it, it went everywhere it stuck to our clothes to the chairs and little piles on the floor, I think her motto was never again.!!
ReplyDelete"I know people who have entire gift wrap stations and even wrapping rooms." No! Really?
ReplyDeleteThe first photo is so serene, just looking at it makes me feel relaxed.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago I cut up an old (thick) white sheet and sewed gift bags of different sizes. I use them every Christmas with a different ribbon/string and homemade gift tag every year. It does rely on asking the gift recipients to return the bags after Christmas!
Your wrapping is gorgeous.
Two sources, one local and the other not, have helped me simplify Christmas wrapping. At least four years ago at a nearby Dollar Tree, I discovered rolls of stiff brown paper printed with little gold stars. It was one of the those heart-pounding moments. I loved it that much. Still do. At $1 per roll, it appeared in the store up until recently and thank goodness I restocked for as long as I could. There is an Offray Ribbon factory outlet in Hagerstown MD about 2 hours away. There I buy pretty ribbons at rock bottom prices and in colors: gold, cream, deep chocolate, berry red and evergreen. For the little ones, Dollar Tree provides papers with cute Santas and snowmen. As in an earlier comment, I make tags out of cards I save. Some are so pretty, they deserve to be enjoyed one again.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet,
ReplyDeleteI still like fancy-pants wrapping paper with matching ribbons. Every Christmas I have some special smallish tree ornaments (usually bought overseas on holidays) that I tie to our granddaughters' parcels with ribbon. They now each have their starter collections for their own trees in years to come. My Christmas tree ornaments come from all over the world (Russia, Burma, Thailand, France, Italy, Germany, HK etc)- many have been gifts - and they all have memories attached. They look great on the parcels. Our family love the special gift wrapping and would be disappointed if I use brown paper wrap. But each to her own. Best wishes, Pammie
I too have a very simple approach for wrapping gifts. For children I still use rather traditional paper because I remember ripping off the paper was most of the fun. All other gifts are simple brown bags with tissue and usually plain black or black and white checked ribbon. I save tissue paper all the time to reuse. If it's wrinkled I just give it a quick press.
ReplyDeleteKathy
Instagram- kcarr
Love the idea of black and white and simplicity. But I am sooo different! I have an antique Queen Anne chest that holds my gift wrap and ribbon, and ribbon is one of the things that I love most--especially silk ribbon that is wired! The Paper Source is one of my favorite places to look at the different gift wraps because I do love the colors. I think a beautiful monogram stamp with black, gold, silver, blue or green ink would look lovely as a simple embellishment to your gifts. And a stamp and ink take up so little space! But, black and white are beautiful and classic on their own.
ReplyDeleteLovely, and totally elegant. I've bought expensive wrap in the past, it's just a waste of resources and money, when you can create something beautiful for a lot less yourself....
ReplyDeletelove A x
My family has laughed at me for years because I, too, save every scrap of paper I can to reuse. For Christmas, I now buy Christmas fabric on sale after the holiday and make bags of varying sizes to use instead of wrapping paper. It just pains me so much to see the mounds of paper trash following the holiday.
ReplyDelete