Beautiful Contrasts

These gift wrapping ideas are not just for Christmas. The presents are wrapped in contrasting papers and ribbons that please the eye. You may find that you probably already have the material for to create your own. Just have a look in your gift-wrapping drawer and check what could work. Then combine what you like best. Regardless of whether the patterns or colors match or not, the main thing is that you love it. The ideas are suitable for various occasions and not only for Christmas.

The small gift above, wrapped in black paper with white polka dots. The box is tied with a wide black and offwhite ribbon. A very playful look.

This present is wrapped as luxurious as it gets. The paper is made with recycled cotton. It’s printed with a gold brocade pattern of pineapples. The design was inspired by a vision of 18th century England nobility, when the aristocratic elite lived in luxury and reigned with opulence and elegance. With such a wonderful paper the black and offwhite ribbon has to be just as luxurious.

Below instead of a large bow a silk chrysanthemum adorns the present. Use enough ribbon to make it overlap a bit. Attach the chrysanthemum in the center of the ribbon with hot glue or sew it on. The ribbon can be held together on the bottom with double sided tape or a needle.

Either version is festive enough for a special occasion such as a wedding or birthday.

Black, white, red. The simplicity stands out. The box above is not very big. The graphically very effective paper was made an eye-catcher with bright red ribbons. A wide ribbon was wrapped around the present and attached to the bottom with a pin. And at the end, a somewhat narrower ribbon was tied into a bow. It just pops!

2011