With Christmas less than two weeks away, it’s time to get everything all wrapped up. Here are my top 5 wrapping papers available on the high street this year and some of my wrapping creations:
1. Caroline Gardner holly print – This is probably my favourite Christmas wrapping paper. You can buy it on a roll but the quality is much better per sheet and has accents of glitter as well. It goes best with pink, red, purple or green ribbon in silk or velvet.
Caroline Gardner wrapping paper from John Lewis (£2.50 per sheet), velvet ribbon from VV Rouleaux (£2 per metre), East of India tags (£2.50 for 6)
2. Sainsbury’s candy stripe – This print is a classic one for Christmas and suits children and adults alike. It also lets you be more creative with embellishments as it is quite plain. The paper itself is quite thin and a couple of layers might be needed to keep the surprise. It can be tricky not to rip it as well but at £2 for 4m you can’t really complain.
Sainsbury’s candy stripe wrapping paper (£2 for 4m roll), ‘Merry Christmas’ tape from Paperchase (£1.50), Muscial Santa toy from Sainsbury’s (£1.99), East of India tags as before
3. ‘Happy Christmas’ paper by Emma Bridgewater – This print is undoubtedly Christmassy. It’s a darker red so goes best with almost burgundy ribbon and plain twine. East of India do great ribbons to match. This print is available on a roll or per sheet. As ever, the sheets are better quality and they have reversible print which is great for making folds but the roll is useful for larger gifts.
‘Happy Christmas’ roll from John Lewis (£4 for 3m), reversible per sheet from Selfridges (£2.50 per sheet) Christmas soldier decoration from Marks and Spencer (£3), ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’ ribbon by East of India (£3.50 for 3m reel)
4. ‘Do not open until 25 December’ by East of India – Another great print with a handmade feel and perfect for impatient children or adults. The paper quality is good for a roll and East of India do lots of great matching tags.
East of India paper (£4.50 for a 3m roll)
5. Striped bow boxes by Meri Meri – These are amazing but quite expensive and it’s not as fun to just close a box as it is to wrap and tie bows. Meri Meri do lots of quirky packaging from muffin boxes to wine bags.
Meri Meri striped boxes from Selfridges (£8.50 for pack of 4: 2 red and 2 green)
Happy wrapping!
Kate Eva 