Gift Wrapping: An Art Form With Some Dos and Don’ts by Marjorie Dorfman
page 2
If I had learned to properly disguise obvious gifts, I might never have had the tag problem discussed earlier. If one of your gifts every year is easily recognizable, like a certificate for example, put it in a box that resembles something. This is good exercise for the rest of the year when you could be cruising up and down your own street during garbage pick up days to see if any unusual containers have been thrown out. (Avoid this tack if the gift you are giving is for your neighbors. You could end up giving them their own unwanted container back.) Go for oblong or star shaped or anything that won’t reveal telltale edges. It can be fun searching the world for unusual gift containers. Too much of this activity however, may indicate that it is time to get a life.
Cutting off too much or too little paper to wrap a gift may not be a problem for everyone, but it certainly is for me. I am one of those who function like that age-old sign that reads, "plan ahead" with the "d" on the next line. Don’t let this happen to you. If your box is very big, you might have to measure before you cut paper off from its source. If you mis-calculate the amount of paper you need, it is hoped that you will at least be able to use your "mistake" to wrap another gift. Just remember when dealing with this problem to look before you leap and don’t forget to strike while the iron is hot.
Do not, I repeat, do not wait for the last minute to wrap your gifts. This can create much confusion and mis-labeling. Some people don’t wrap at all and just put tissue paper in a shopping bag and place it in the hand or under the tree. To me, this signifies not taking enough time to do it right. You may be less sensitive, so go with your feelings. Be prepared when you wrap, just like a good Girl or Boy Scout. Have the tape ready to seal and everything within your reach.
If you follow this advice, your holiday season may be less hectic. Then again, it might not. Have fun, whatever you do or don’t do.
Gift wrapping, according to former textile designer Birkett, is a feat to be accomplished and then admired. Her instructions include those both nimble and not. They range from covering a basic box to fashioning crackers for all occasions. There is something for everyone in these 150-plus different projects. Large color photographs, and tips on methods. A must for the holiday season.
Click for a printer friendly version of this article.
If I had learned to properly disguise obvious gifts, I might never have had the tag problem discussed earlier. If one of your gifts every year is easily recognizable, like a certificate for example, put it in a box that resembles something. This is good exercise for the rest of the year when you could be cruising up and down your own street during garbage pick up days to see if any unusual containers have been thrown out. (Avoid this tack if the gift you are giving is for your neighbors. You could end up giving them their own unwanted container back.) Go for oblong or star shaped or anything that won’t reveal telltale edges. It can be fun searching the world for unusual gift containers. Too much of this activity however, may indicate that it is time to get a life.
Do not, I repeat, do not wait for the last minute to wrap your gifts. This can create much confusion and mis-labeling. Some people don’t wrap at all and just put tissue paper in a shopping bag and place it in the hand or under the tree. To me, this signifies not taking enough time to do it right. You may be less sensitive, so go with your feelings. Be prepared when you wrap, just like a good Girl or Boy Scout. Have the tape ready to seal and everything within your reach. 
