WRAP IT UP

WRAPPING WITH FABRIC The Japanese art of wrapping with fabric is called furoshiki. Use an old tablecloth or T-shirt – as well as dishtowels, scarves or napkins. PLAIN WHITE PAPER Use a word search or a drawing by your children. Grannies love this. Print out photos of your family members. Attach some wax crayons with some washi tape, the kids can use the paper to draw on after they have unwrapped the gift. BROWN PAPER A firm favourite, brown paper can be pimped to create fun and happy wrapping. Use a black marker and ask your kids to decorate it. Add some photos or pom poms. Fresh greenery is a great way to glam up brown paper, use rosemary or another herb and create a little wreath. We feast with all our senses, wrapping can be a beautiful starter to the gift inside. GIFT WRAPPING FOR WORDS Words are so much more important than things, and words of affirmation have lasting effects on us. Put money, love letters or words of affirmation into a fun, pretty balloon. Use pretty toiletry bags, or make home-made envelopes out of old magazine pages. Take two pages and sew them together on your sewing machine. These ideas are great for gifting gift vouchers as well. Speaking about vouchers, have you heard that Talloula has awesome vouchers available for their Garden Spa? UPCYCLE Let’s not waste this year, get out your old magazines, calendars even newspapers – they can all make lovely, creative wrapping.

Some General Wrapping Tips:

•Choose a theme and co-ordinate your gifts around this theme – think beyond traditional Christmas paper. •Cut paper to the right size. Don’t waste, too much paper equals messy wrapping. •Use ribbon and twine and lovely threads to add to the gift wrapping. •Using boxes makes wrapping easier, as

TALLOULA’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE NEVER FAILS TO IMPRESS AND INSPIRE – AND THIS YEAR’S CREATIVE GIFT WRAPPING IDEAS ARE SIMPLY FABULOUS

it avoids strange shapes. A gift in a box is also exciting, it builds anticipation. •Wrap kids presents individually rather than altogether, the more gifts the merrier. Put them under the tree early. Research shows that anticipation is a powerful emotion that can help us live happier lives. •Tags or cards are so important, don’t be tempted to leave them off – nothing is more important than the gift of words. •Scissors, twine, ribbon – have it all ready! •Be eco-friendly. Choose unlaminated paper – paper with no sheen and glitter. If it crinkles and bounces back it has plastic on it. No sticky tape!

Calm down the chaos, and make this Christmas matter. And remember, it’s not all about the gifts – but sharing and giving time, love, food, hope and thoughts. *