There is something so satisfying about watching someone’s expression when receiving a beautifully wrapped gift. In fact, one scientific study conducted in 1992 actually concluded that gift wrapping and decorating is a visual signal associated with happy events in a person’s life. It would seem as though going the extra mile to make a gift look pretty could make the recipient like it even more.
If you’ve been busy creating some delicious food gifts this season, have some fun by adorning your little parcels of awesomeness with cute decorations. Here is a roundup of some of my favorite gift decorations for the holidays…
Cocktail Napkin Poinsettia Flower. Cocktail napkins aren’t just for brainstorming! They can also be transformed into a beautiful flower, thanks to Lia Griffith’s awesome tutorial. If you’re looking for other decorating ideas, be sure to browse her site. She’s got loads of great decorating ideas!
Bow Tie Clips. You can make anything look so dapper with these handsome bows, and these would be great for closing bags full of goodies. Check out this easy tutorial to make your own at Jessica Jones’s blog, How About Orange - she is an incredible graphic designer with loads of great DIY ideas.
Paper Snowflake. Speaking of How About Orange, Jessica Jones also has a tutorial for this gorgeous lacy snowflake.
Hanging Ornaments. Try attaching a Christmas ornament to your gift, making the embellishment a gift on it’s own too! One of my favorites are these cute, hand knit bauble ornaments from SlopeGirlKnits by my talented friend Emily (Psst! While you’re there, check out her other custom knit goods for holiday gift giving ideas…she’s got some great Black Friday deals going on through Dec 2!).
Spices. Try finding earthy and rustic items from around your house, such as a cinnamon stick. Using a ribbon (or twine), attach it to your gift and voila: you’ve got a quick and fancy-schmantzy looking parcel. Check out my previous post on Mulling Spices for an example of this easy decoration.
Holiday Gift Tags. Of course you can’t beat a pretty gift tag or label describing the awesome food inside of your gift. I’m really digging this cute set of woodsy tags by Elli.com as well as Lia Griffith’s holiday chalkboard set as well!
Happy gifting!
Melissa :)
Great ideas. Makes gift giving even more special.
Thanks Susan! And you’re so right - there are a lot of great resources out there to make the perfect gift :)
I really like the paper clip / bow idea, Melissa. That is gorgeous and so smart! Best, Shanna
Thank you Shanna! I’ve really got to thank Jessica Jones for that one - she is so creative with her blog!
I have a very crafty friend - I will send her your way (and Jessica’s), Melissa. Warmly, Shanna