WRAPPINGS FOR GIFTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 251, 18 December 1940, Page 6

WRAPPINGS FOR GIFTS

Doing up Christmas packages has become something of an art. In stores there are departments for wrapping parcels in Christmas style. A slight extra charge may be made . for ribbons, Christmas boxes, and such other decorations as arc used. This service is appreciated, and is patronised. But there, still remain the many parcels that are artistically wrapped and ornamented by the woman at home. The beauty of wrappings lends a cliarm to packages, so much so, indeed, that before the present is opened, time is taken to enjoy the attractiveness of the parcel. So the wrappings do double duty of protective covers for the articles, and of beautifying them. Those who do up their own gifts have many types of wrappings from which to choose. At one time white paper was the only kind considered suitable. To-day, there are fancy papers galore. Some persons, however. choose dark brown or grey wrapping paper Avith ribbon, tape, or fancy string in lighter or darker tones of the same colours or in gay contrast. Christmas seals, or holly with berries, lend brightness to the ! parcels. Let me suggest some very inexpensive 'wrappings that are at the disposal of practically everyone, yet can be so individually used that diversity result.?. Paper "of any kind or colour can be used. It must ;be free from labels, or printed matter, and be smooth. Most wrinkles and creases will disappear under pressure of a warm flat iron. Papier ribbon is cheap and comes in many styles. Coloured string and twine can be used. Silk or satin ribbon is another kind of tie-«tring, but not so cheap. Decorations can be cut from coloured illustrations, and aclvertisements, if lettering is not on them. Use a two-iShilling piece or a crown as a pattern. Trace around them, disregarding the picture, and cut on the line. Use as seals and stickers. Library or photographic paste leaves no unwanted marks. From old Christmas cards it is often possible, to cut verses and sometimes bits of pictures to attach to the parcel. A small sprig of holly or other Christ-