Today Melissa Bowman, from The Blue Root, is taking over the blog and teaching us how to package our gifts like a pro! It is all about making the gift presentation just as exciting as the gift! 

ALSO! We've collaborated with The Blue Root to create a limited edition gift set! (pictured above) It features our 2018 Flower Box calendar, Pineapple mug, Charleston Christmas card, & Ripple Coffee! Purchase the gift box on her website or win one on our Instagram this coming Monday! 
 

3 Tips on How to Gift Package Like A Boss:

The holidays have always held a special place in my heart. It is a time to be with loved ones, to celebrate, and to bestow gifts to all of the special people in my life. But while I don't need a holiday to get creative with gift wrapping, they do make it easier to think outside of the box (literally!!) and to create a gift that is just as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside. I truly believe that the packaging can elevate your gift instantly making whatever is inside even more special. Here are my three top tips to help make your gifts eye-catching and beautiful:
 

1. The Vessel

I own a gift box business so obviously this is very important to me. I realize that budget can be an issue but finding a reusable vessel to hold your gift adds another level. It doesn't have to be expensive! Go to a craft store and look for plain muslin or canvas bags, heavy paper machete boxes or even a wire basket. Most of these can be purchased for under $10 and will remind the recipient of you every time they use it. 

2. The Ribbon

Ahh, the ribbon. I remember helping my mother wrap gifts for Christmas as a child and curling yard and yards of gift wrap ribbon. The plastic feeling material was easy to tie and it was very inexpensive but it's impossible to get it off without cutting it or ruining the wrapping paper. Do yourself a favor and "splurge” on some real fabric ribbon. There is just something so special about presenting a gift with a beautifully tied bow that someone can gracefully undo. Double faced satin is my favorite and adds an elegant touch, but organza or sheer ribbon are great options as well. I have seen many varieties at the dollar store but if budget is a concern you can even use yarn. In fact, for one Christmas I used nothing but craft paper to wrap all of our gifts in and yarn was the perfect touch! If you do choose fabric ribbon, don't forget to trim the ends. An inverted V or diagonal cut will help keep the ends of your ribbon from fraying and finishes off the look.

3. The Enhancements

At this point, your gift will look amazing in a reusable box or container and has a lovely ribbon to match but to really take it to the next level you can add a coordinating decoration to the gift. It’s wonderful if what you choose can give a hint as to what is inside but the most important thing is to match the theme of the gift wrap and ribbon. Get creative! In the past I have used small starfish, branches, and even candy. The holidays are the best time to find lovely adornments all over your home. Keep some branches from your christmas tree clippings or find an ornament or floral pick to add. The sky is the limit! Have fun and happy wrapping!

Best,

Melissa Bowman
The Blue Root