I have been thinking about this year’s Christmas celebrations, and I think it’s time for the big wrap. We set aside an evening for wrapping, where over nibbles and a glass of wine we start to wrap and label gifts of various shapes and sizes.

It’s much simpler to wrap a box than trying to deal with a rounded shape, so an assortment of various sized cardboard boxes will make wrapping easier. For fun, I like to use a box that makes it harder to guess its contents.

Remove any price tickets from the gifts, and neatly fold any flexible or fabric items. I also write a tag for each present, so I don’t lose track of who is to receive what. I set out an assortment of tissue and wrapping papers, ribbons, twine and gift bags, ready for action.

I like everything to be coordinated. This year I’ve decided to go bold with warm and clashing colours: deep cerise pink, dirty tangerine orange, and glossy red detailing. Here’s my take on the essential steps when wrapping a present:

1. Your work surface needs to be flat, clean and large enough to rotate your largest present.

2. You need sharp scissors. Sticky tape in a sturdy dispenser reduces frustration.

3. Correct measurement is vital: too much wrapping paper is your enemy! Roll out your wrapping paper, placing your box on one of its edges, and roughly measure enough paper to cover all four sides of the box, plus allow “half a surface” extra for overlap.

4. Make your first straight cut from the roll or sheet of gift wrapping: you will now have a rectangle or square of paper.

5. Follow steps 3 and 4 for the other two surfaces of the box, trimming the paper down to size.

6. You are now ready for sticky tape. Centre your box on your paper, then fold one side of the paper up the side and onto the top surface, placing a small piece of sticky tape to attach the paper to the top surface.

7. Turn your present 180 degrees and firmly fold your loose paper over the side and over the top. I like to fold this edge in 1 to 1.5 cm, creating a neat straight edge. Attach this edge with another piece of sticky tape. Make sure that you keep your paper tight and firm for a tidy finish.

8. Now work on the paper either side of the partially wrapped box. Hold down one of your side papers, and at the other end fold in each corner to form a triangle. Your final fold is to bring the triangle back up to the side of the box, and stick it down.

9. Turn your parcel 180 degrees and repeat step 8 for the paper at other side of the box.

10. Long lengths of contrasting leftover paper can be used as a “belly band”, instead of using a ribbon.

I wish all readers a safe and happy Christmas season.

Published in the December 2022 Issue of The Trentham Trumpet