As we hurtle into mid-December, many of us are now all consumed by Christmas preparations. This either brings you much, much joy or a surge of dread. If you find yourself in the former category, then you will know that wrapping gifts is almost as much of a joy as giving or receiving them. There is something almost meditative about the process; with Christmas music on and a glass of mulled wine in hand, it can take even the biggest scrooge to a cosy state of festive cheer.
When it comes to picking wrapping paper, many of us are only too aware how the plastic-heavy, glue and glitter-covered, non-recyclable wrapping paper of days gone by is pretty horrendous for the environment. That said, for some of us, the idea of wrapping our presents in reusable cloths or fabric, whilst extremely wholesome and very laudable, is just not realistic. I think it's better to have one or two beautifully chosen, beautifully packaged, and beautifully wrapped presents than a glut of gifts chosen with haste over heart. So, which paper to choose?
Set some time aside to wrap your presents, switch on the radio, and pour yourself something utterly delicious. My top tip? Wrap your gifts on top of an ironing board. This will save your back from aching and your feet from tingling, and you can lay out all your bits, tape, pens, paper, and ribbon.
The Best Christmas Wrapping Paper
As someone who is obsessed with the mid-century celestial trend, this wrapping paper is a firm favourite. Pair it with a big gold bow, and if you're feeling particularly generous, top the gift with a luna-inspired Christmas tree decoration, like this beaded moon tree decoration from John Lewis.
A beautiful Christmas wrapping paper inspired by William Morris Prints and filled with characters from the twelve days of Christmas carol. This paper is the most expensive of the lot, so probably one to reserve for that special someone. Frankly its so pretty it looks more like wallpaper than anything else.
I adore this retro wrapping paper and have ordered ten sheets, really, all it needs is a simple ribbon, and you needn't stick to red or green. I would opt for a thick mustard velvet ribbon like this, available at Graham & Green, or if you do want to stick with green, I would opt for more of an olive or moss colour, rather than deep emerald green, something like this velvet ribbon available at Amazon.
This paper is really magical, with darling little illustrations of all things that remind us of Christmas. Zara Home has really jumped feet first into Christmas this year, and if you're taken by their wrapping paper, then be sure to pick up their festive tapes, like this Christmas tape, which makes the whole affiar even more joyous.
If you want to keep the overall look very simple and understated, then chose a deep green thick paper like this one. To make it truly beautiful, add a sprig of greenery from the garden, of course mistletoe is the obvious choice, but most of us don't have mistletoe on hand, look around the garden - witch hazel, ivy or rosehips would look beautiful tucked under some simple twine.
This playful festive interpretation of the classic Toile de Jouy pattern is inspired, and I would pair it with a simple but classic scarlet ribbon and thread a paper Christmas decoration through the ribbon, like these ruby paper decorations available at H&M.
At Christmas time, my garden is always teeming with hellebores, and I love to plant them up in a pot topped with moss for the Christmas table. This beautiful paper is scattered with illustrations of white hellebores, holly, and mistletoe, and looks beautiful with a simple green ribbon.
Rowen & Wren can never put a foot wrong in my book, and of course, their collection of handmade wrapping paper is no exception. The set includes three colours, each handcrafted in Nepal, made from Lokta paper, sourced from the bark of Nepalese mulberry bushes. This is for those who like a hushed, unrushed, peaceful Christmas and have no time for the fast and furious noise of the season. Wrapped in a simple twine or ribbon, this is pretty special.
Still retaining the eco credentials, but with an entirely different aesthetic, this reusable fabric Christmas wrap from Selfridges is a riot of colour and joy, but it is plastic-free and 100% fabric. If you think fabric wrap is the way forward, but don't want to skip of Christmas cheer, look no further than this spangled wrap/
Usually, at my house, all of the tags come off the presents almost as soon as they are placed under the tree, either the cat swipes them off with glee, or as more presents pile up, they simply drop off. If this rings true for your family too, then use a gift tag label, like these simple kraft paper stickers.
Remember, Christmas is a time for family, love, celebration and merriment, so as beautiful as your wrapping may (or may not) be, it's the thought that counts, and if that means wrapping your gift in a bin liner at midnight on Christmas Eve, so be it.
