There will probably always be some last minute details, like the ingredients you have to purchase at the latest possible moment so they are fresh, or the special gift you have to snag on the fly because you didn't know that person was coming to Christmas dinner until 5 minutes ago. My advice? Do what you can ahead of time and then be flexible and go with the flow. It's going to be wonderful no matter what. :-)
Just in case you might still have some gift wrapping to do, here's a little inspiration and a few tips and tricks to make the process go smoothly. Enjoy!
Ever notice that the prettier the wrapping paper, the more expensive it seems to be? Get some "wow" factor on the cheap by wrapping your presents in an inexpensive "base layer" (like Kraft paper or a simple solid color, and then make a "belly band" around your gift using your prettiest paper as an accent around the middle. Garnish with some pretty ribbon and a bow and voilà! you have a beautiful package for a fraction of the cost. This is especially helpful with your larger gifts--there's few things more disheartening than using an entire roll of wrapping paper on one present.
Speaking of garnishes, if you are looking for some creative options, look to the great outdoors. Greenery is something you may be able to scavenge for in your own backyard (Home Depot and Lowe's also offer clippings from their Christmas trees for free--great for presents and holiday decor alike!). Other fun items to utilize include pine cones, berries, feathers, and twigs.
Make it fun! Have a gift wrap gathering with friends where you can socialize, swap materials and ideas for more variety, and share some tasty appetizers (some wine never hurt either). It's always easier when there are some additional fingers around to help you tie bows too. :-)
Although it's great to be able to bust out all the wrapping in one fell swoop, it can often become an ongoing process. If you can, find an out-of-the-way space to spread out and have a "wrapping station" (my mom stakes a claim on the family ping-pong table each year, which, of course, is a fabulous working surface, but not everyone is so lucky).
If you are like me and the only uninhabited open space is a cold, dark, unfinished basement, I suggest using a large Rubbermaid bin to contain everything* between wrapping sessions so you can tuck it away until it's needed again.
*Have lots of unwieldy rolls of wrapping paper? Use a small, cute trash bin to hold them all!
Let me know if these hints were helpful and good luck with all of your holiday endeavors!
xo
Jordan
These are great tips and beautiful pictures! I'm sharing with my friends!
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