Brown Paper Packages {Tied Up With String}

Sorry to quote Julie Andrews at you on a Friday morning, however brown-paper-packages-tied-up-with-string really are one of my favourite things. At the risk of sounding like a crazed Christmas elf, I love shopping for presents, choosing the perfect present, making presents, and wrapping presents. And of course giving them.

So as you can probably imagine, I am very much looking forward to the Christmas gift wrapping session that will be taking place on my living room floor at some point this weekend. The fairy lights will be twinkling, Lyra will be tucked up in bed, and Heart Christmas will be on the telly. This present wrapping extravaganza is going to incorporate several rolls of kraft paper and some of the following ideas …

1. Paint-splatters

I had so much fun creating this paint-splattered effect. Which didn’t actually involve paint – I didn’t have any, so I used Tippex. If you are going to try this at home folks then I would recommend covering up your carpet (it’s a good thing my carpet is silver. Praying Rich isn’t reading this.) and be aware that your hands will end up plastered in Tippex. However the fun factor and the end result more than makes up for it.

2. Figurines

I love the idea of using figurines as gift tags. The tiny lion toy in the image above has been spray painted gold and had a name tag ribboned to his belly.

3. Sharpies

Because, who needs gift tags when you’ve got a sprig of eucalyptus and a gold sharpie?

4. Baubles

Call me soppy but I think receiving a bauble or any other Christmas decoration is always a lovely present – it’s something you will use year on year and there’s always a memory behind it. Even better if said bauble is an extra prezzie and used to decorate the parcel, like the 3D kraft star in the slider above.

5. Pine cones

I keep meaning to take Lyra on a bit of a scavenging mission to find pine cones, sprigs of holly, and other foliage to pop on the top of those brown packages.

6. Jingle Bells

How cute is the combination of bells and pom pom ribbons? Raid your Christmas decorations/craft/sewing box – you just need the teeniest bit of colour and texture to transform a plain parcel.

7. Bunting

I would be pleased as punch to receive a parcel wrapped in bunting – it’s like two presents in one. The delicate bird bunting in the slider above also comes in kraft and printed. Gorgeous. Or if you’re handy with a sewing machine, you could have a go at making your own.

Is anyone else planning on transforming their lounge/office/kitchen table into a flurry of sellotape and Christmassy wrapping paper this weekend? Have you got any tips for prettying up those prezzies?

{PIMP MY PRESENTS}