A Gift Wrapping Pro Shares the Secret to Gorgeous Presents

Published on Dec 8, 2016 at 7:45 AM

While the wrapping only stays on presents temporarily, it can be just as important as what lies beneath it. A great gift presentation goes far to show you care — not to mention how great wrapped packages look beneath the tree leading up to Christmas. To help us step up our gift wrapping game, we spoke to expert Alton DuLaney. He's the winner of Scotch Brand's Most Gifted Wrapper Competition, and he generously shared his top seven wrapping tips with us. Check them out ahead.

Choose the Good Stuff

"You don't need to splurge on fancy paper and embellishments, but one thing you don't want to skimp on is the right tools," Alton says. "I always use two sets of sharp scissors (one for cutting ribbon and one for cutting the paper), Scotch GiftWrap Tape to blend in seamlessly into the paper, and a ruler for clean sharp edges and easy measuring. These set the foundation for your whole wrap."

Perfect Your Seams

The secret to making your gift look flawless? Alton says it's no-show seams. "Start by folding the working edge of the paper over by about 1 inch. This loses the rough, cut edge of the paper to help hide the seam. Next, instead of fixing the seam right down the center of the package, pull the paper to the far side of the box and create the seam right on the edge. Tuck the excess paper from the opposite side under where you're about to tape the seam for a smooth finish."

Crisp Edges

"The reason why professionally wrapped gifts always look so uniform and perfectly shaped? It's because their lines are crisp!" For a beautifully shaped box, Alton suggests that after you've finished wrapping, you go back over the edges and corners with a ruler or your fingers to create that sharp edge.

Sometimes More Is More

"When embellishing, deck the halls by adding ornaments, ribbons, bows and 'bells and whistles' — literally! I love adding bells to a gift because it adds the extra experience of sound," he says.

Pick a Contrasting Ribbon

Think outside the box when it comes to your ribbon. Alton explains, "Many people are tempted to choose a ribbon that exactly matches or is a similar color to the gift wrap. Instead, choose one that contrasts the paper to make your present pop and give your gift dimension."

Criss-Cross the Ribbon on Top

"When embellishing your gift with a criss-crossed ribbon, place the intersection of the ribbons at the top of the gift. This ensures that your present can sit flat on the floor without a bulky twist and enables you to beautifully tie a bow at the top to disguise the cross," Alton says.

Tie a Fall-Away Ribbon

"Don't tape your paper to the gift or tie a hard knot in your ribbon," Alton advises. This way, he says, "When your recipient unwraps the gift, the paper and the ribbon fall away naturally to reveal what's inside."