It's all about the packaging!

Well we have survived yet another Christmas. Like most people I enjoy the Holidays but feel they seem to be lacking when they are all said and done. One reason for this is I feel is that we don't take time out of our busy schedules to pay attention to the things that can make a difference. Here are some things to think about for next Christmas.
For anyone that knows me they know gift wrapping is a big deal for me. I am anti gift bag! For those of you that choose to use the gift bag that is fine but think back to your childhood the days before the gift bag. Don't you remember the thrill you had as a child tearing into that paper and breaking the four pieces of tape your Mom put to kid proof the gift. Even if it wasn't the exact He-Man action figure or Barbie you wanted there was still the trill of the unknown. Gift bags just don't have the same reaction. Yes, I know gift bags are easy and I am not saying that I have never used them but show your friends and family some love. If you wrap a $5 gift like a $100 gift it will be noticed.
Here are a few tips to consider when you begin think about next Christmas. I personally like to coordinate my gift wrapping so it matches my Christmas tree's decorations. Yes I know this sounds insane but it looks good. Plus for those of you who are parents it makes a perfect back drop for that Christmas card picture. Always, always, always use boxes! They are so much easier to wrap and they don't make it look like your gift was a last minute decision. Stick-on bows are a no no! If you are going to use ribbon buy wired ribbon. This can be purchased anywhere. It is a little more expensive but you can buy it in bulk. If you don't know how to tie a fancy bow don't worry with wired can make the simplest bows look great. Ribbon isn't the only solution, try raffia and small decorative ornaments even candy canes. Use you imagination!
This year I didn't put up a tree so for the first time in a while I was free to wrap however it saw fit. So I got my inspiration from one of the most recognizable wrapping jobs out there, Tiffany's!

So, I canvassed the Atlanta area for gift wrap that was Tiffany's-ish. I will admit that it wasn't the easiest color combination but I think it was worth the little extra effort in the end. What do you think?

I know this is a lot to chew but try it next year and see what reaction you get from your friends and family. I guarantee that it will be worth the little bit of extra effort you put in. Remember I am not know for my wrapping because I cram everything down in a gift bag! And if a gift bag is absolutely necessary PLEASE use matching tissue that is NEW.