Trend: Christmas Gift Wrap

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If like me, you're a last minute wrapper, here's a little DIY inspiration as well as a few of my favourite products from the High-Street. Styles range from printed textures, woodland themes, star prints and a detailed look at Katie Leamon's current Christmas wrap collection.


So, of course I had to include marble because I am STILL obsessed and probably always will be. Whether it's of a stone effect or an ink-swirled print, it makes for the perfect minimalist accompaniment for under the Christmas tree. In-keeping with the still ever so popular trend, I love how marble-paper transforms presents into cubic stone. Paper by The Minimalist and The Paper Kit gives that mineral illusion, whilst other marbling styles are splattered like the handmade paper by Normans Printery, or even camouflaged into the marble trend such as the snow print by Mr. Printable. And for a statement gift tag, a marble dip adds a personal touch; I'd love to see this done with gold for an even more festive look.

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Raw textures and organic wrapping styles fall perfectly into this trend and inspire ways to reinvent brown paper and make it your own. A detail that is so simple and effective, is adding just a sprig of fir, holly or ivy to your present for that alternative festive feel. Neutral colours are a base, whilst string, gift tags and stamped imagery do all the talking. Similar to marble, this wood grained paper by Paperchase is a novelty but tasteful substitute, and when mixed with other printed papers of the same colour, a distinct woodland theme can be recognised amongst all of your presents. If you want to go more decadent, The Rifle Paper Co. has a newly launched Christmas paper range featuring the iconic illustrative style that we all know and love. And recently spotted on Design Sponge are these delightful gift tags that can be instantly downloaded to print, accompanied with gift wrap by Linda & Harriett. I like how the presents look almost framed, with each label being the centre point of the gift.

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Big stars, little stars, ANY STARS - they are always the perfect simplistic design for a magical Christmas wrap. Even without any glitter, dazzle or shine, they always seem to twinkle, and I like how all of these starry papers are printed onto thick, textured paper for that homely, hand-made aesthetic. Sewing straight onto brown paper gives even more dimension, a nifty DIY trick spotted on Little Empty Room, and Marks & Spencers go for the constellation look with white star clusters. Blogger Love Bex, recently expanded her site into an online shop of beautiful hand made stationery, party favours and gifting, and her hand illustrated star paper is a charming pairing of tiny stars and moons for a celestial design. But my favourite has to be this red and white star print by The White Company. Although detailed, this reversible paper is subtle enough for you to make it your own with contrasting ribbons and tags, and another bonus - it looks like it's a good sturdy paper.

[All imagery taken from site]

I know this isn't a trend but Katie Leamon deserves a whole collage of her own. I first came across her work a few years ago at Spring Fair and her stationery is a combination of playful typography, illustrated quotes and beautifully hand drawn imagery. By taking traditional elements of Christmas and applying her unique style, her prints make for the ultimate nostalgic paper and in turn the most heart felt gift.