In all my wrapping workshops, I start with the same idea: wrapping is a little bit like baking. You wouldn't add three times more baking powder and expect a better cake. In the same way, three times more tape won't give you a better present. It makes it worse.
The same goes for paper and ribbon. Beautiful wrapping is about precision, not quantity. So here is my recipe for the perfect gift: six simple tips to help you measure, think and wrap like a professional. You can get everything you need on Amazon, and I've linked every essential along the way.
1. Everything goes in a box
This is my golden rule: never wrap anything that isn't in a box. A wrapped wine bottle is never going to look chic. If you're giving wine, put it in a hamper box and add something else alongside it, whether that's chocolates, a book or another little treat. Awkward shapes become crisp, elegant parcels the moment they go in a box, and a sturdy magnetic gift box makes a beautiful base every time.
Shop the magnetic gift boxes I use on Amazon
2. Measure your paper
You shouldn't have an overlap of more than two centimetres on either side. Any more than that and your wrap will look clunky, and your corners will never be sharp. Take a moment to measure before you cut, and you'll see the difference straight away.
3. Use fresh, sharp scissors just for paper
People underestimate how much a good pair of scissors matters. So often I see someone trying to wrap with the kitchen scissors, and I promise you, that's not the way to do it. Blunt or sticky blades tear and crease the paper, and you'll never get a clean edge. Invest in a fresh, sharp pair of tailor's scissors and keep them only for paper.
Shop the scissors I use on Amazon
4. Always use double-sided tape
I honestly don't understand why, in this day and age, anyone would use tape that isn't double-sided. It's so easily available and gives you a clean, seamless finish with no visible tape at all.
My favourite trick: with double-sided tape that has a white backing, you don't need scissors. Simply snap it with your fingers. It's quicker, and your scissors won't get sticky.
Shop the double-sided tape I use on Amazon
5. Colour drench your gifts
If we can colour drench our interiors, we can colour drench our gifts. Choose burgundy ribbon for burgundy paper, or navy ribbon for navy paper. It creates a beautifully elegant, tonal look, and it saves you the headache of matching different papers and ribbons. There's no need to overthink it.
Shop the burgundy wrapping paper and the perfectly matched burgundy ribbon on Amazon
6. Choose plain papers and buy tissue in bulk
Plain papers always look more refined. When it comes to tissue paper, never buy it in small packs from retail shops. You'll spend five or seven pounds on five sheets that aren't enough for what you need, with horrible fold lines you can never get rid of. Buy it in bulk online instead, and you'll always have smooth sheets ready to go.
Shop my wrapping essentials on Amazon
- Magnetic gift boxes
- Sharp paper scissors
- Double-sided tape
- Burgundy wrapping paper
- Matching burgundy ribbon
FAQs
How do you wrap a present neatly?
Put the gift in a box, measure your paper so there's no more than 2cm of overlap on each side, cut with sharp scissors and use double-sided tape for a seamless finish with sharp corners.
How do you wrap a wine bottle?
Don't wrap it on its own. Place it in a hamper box with something else, such as chocolates or a book, then wrap the box.
What tape do professional gift wrappers use?
Double-sided tape. It's invisible once the gift is wrapped and gives a much cleaner finish than standard sticky tape.
What scissors are best for wrapping paper?
A fresh, sharp pair kept only for paper. Kitchen scissors are often blunt or sticky and will tear the paper.
Where can I buy gift wrapping supplies?
Everything in this post is available on Amazon, from magnetic boxes and scissors to double-sided tape, paper and ribbon.
Let us wrap it for you
If you'd rather leave it to the professionals, our team would love to help. See how our gift wrapping service works, or visit us at Liberty London this Christmas.
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