It’s a Wrap - Holiday Package Trimmings

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Lorraine Shannon

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Photo Credit: Lorraine Shannon

Use simple wrapping paper to really show off your holiday swags.

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, and if you’re looking for something to make your packages stand out under the tree, try adding a unique finishing touch! Instead of the usual factory-made bows, create a handmade decoration using materials from your garden or trimmings from the extra boughs of your Christmas tree. From plants to pinecones, almost everything you need is right outside your door. In a few easy steps, you can create a fresh swag or spray that’s sure to please everyone on your gift list.

Begin by wrapping a gift in brown kraft paper purchased from a craft or hobby store, or use preprinted holiday wrap with a simple, natural design. Then bring your pruners out to the garden and begin gathering some sturdy plant materials. Keep in mind that the cuttings won’t have access to water, so choose plants that won’t droop after they’re cut and left in the open air. Some good choices include: cypress (Cupressus), cedar (Cedrus), boxwood (Buxus), juniper (Juniperus), Indian hawthorn (Raphiolepis indica) and the many varieties of holly (Ilex).
Plants with berries emphasize the holiday theme, and herbs such as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) add a wonderful fragrance to your work.

While you’re out in the yard, look for other natural materials such as small sticks, pinecones, acorns, chestnuts and moss to adorn your package. But beware of bugs! There are several ways to rid your outdoor décor of pests. One way is to place your findings on a cookie sheet and bake at 200 degrees F for one or two hours (but check on them often). Pinecones, sticks and nuts can also be boiled in a large pot of water for about five minutes and allowed to dry, or put them in a plastic bag and freeze them for a few days to eliminate unwanted pests.

Tips

You can easily get the kids involved in this project! Have them help you hunt down materials in the garden and gather them into decorative swags. While you’re tying the package ornaments together, your kids can embellish the brown wrapping paper with colorful holiday stamps.
Consider using a candy cane or a bunch of cinnamon sticks as the base of your decoration. Using festive ribbon, simply tie on a sprig of rosemary or holly to the candy or the spice to create a unique package topper.

Faqs

Q: What are some materials I can use to decorate packages in other seasons?
A: Consider dried herbs, seasonal flowers and colorful fall foliage to make swags and sprays during spring, summer and fall.

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