Christmas is a special time of year when your gifts are part of the holiday decorations.
Gifts may be on display for up to a month before to them being opened, so they should look their best.
Here are the steps for how to wrap gifts for Christmas like a designer.
photo courtesy of HarshLight flickr.com/photos/harshlight/11901798453
Select Your Gift Wrap
Designers typically do not use cartoon wrapping paper.
Designer wrapping paper is generally a solid color or it has a graphic print.
Consider getting several graphic wrapping papers that coordinate with each other to add interest and color under your tree.
Another designer idea is to use plain brown kraft paper #ad for wrapping all of your gifts. You really can't go wrong with plain brown craft paper, which is good for most any occasion.
You may also want a ribbon and a bow made out of fabric, twine, burlap, metal, or whatever you can imagine, but avoid plastic bows and curling ribbon.
A more modern trade off or addition to a ribbon and bow would be a Christmas ornament, Christmas floral, or photo of the gift recipient.
Your gift wrap, ribbon, bow, and any other accessories should color coordinate with the Christmas tree it will be placed under for the longest period of time (if you plan on keeping it under your tree for several weeks then bringing it to grandma's house to have opened, then color coordinate it to your Christmas tree). 
photo courtesy of the Classy Kat flickr.com/photos/classy-kat/5368333815/
Wrap Your Gift
Before wrapping any gift, ensure that you have removed all price tags.
Gifts should be placed in a sturdy box that is taped shut.
Make sure to put the gift receipt in the box unless you plan on putting it inside the gift's card.
Start by placing the box upside down on top of your wrapping paper. One edge of the wrapping paper should be folded over the side of the box so it is only about 2 inches on top of the box.
Tape that 2 inch section in several placed directly to the box using scotch tape.
Fold the other side of the wrapping paper around the box so it overhangs the side by about 1 inch and cut it from the roll.
Go back and crease all of the corners of the wrapping paper at the corners of the box.
Fold over the end so it meets the corner of the box perfectly.
Tape the end of the wrapping paper to the edge of the box using double sided tape.
To finish the sides of the box, fold in each side and tape it to the box, then fold down each top and tape each end.
Cut excess wrapping paper if it is too long.
photo courtesy of Droid Gingerbread flickr.com/photos/63259711@N04/5754481003/
Ribbons, Bows, and Accessories
Your ribbons, bows, and accessories will make the gift extra special and add designer flair.
To add a ribbon around your present, turn the box upside down with the ribbon underneath. Pull each side of the ribbon up and twist it in the middle of the bottom. Turn the gift right side up and tuck each end of the ribbon underneath the center ribbon and tie it in a knot.
Apply your bow or accessories to the center of the ribbons.
Make sure to add a card or label so you know whom the gift is for.
You Might Also Like
