Measure First

• "Measure twice, cut once" is good advice when it comes to gift wrapping. It saves time and money. Adequate work space such as a kitchen or dining room table makes measuring quick and easy. Roll out plenty of wrap and center the gift box horizontally on the paper an inch or two from the leading end of the wrap. Without creasing the paper, carefully pull the edges of the paper up around the sides of the package to make sure that there will be enough wrap to cover the package when "flapped" together. Now fold leading end of the roll wrap up against the box and gently roll the box and the wrap over three times until you have covered the box. Cut straight across the wrap about 3 inches away from the package.
  
  

Taping and Folding

• Unsightly tape strips can ruin a beautiful gift presentation. Many wrappers make the mistake of using too little tape to secure edges and prevent puckers. Double-sided tape strategically placed along the underside of wrap holds the paper discreetly and prettily in place.
  
  Crisp edges and sharp folds are the hallmarks of a professionally wrapped package. The key to this technique is taking adequate time to crease each edge as you fold the paper up around the sides of the box. Sharper corners on end flaps begin by creasing the folds of the flaps first.
  
  

Selecting a Bow

• Self-stick bows are convenient to use and readily available in a variety of styles and colors. However, there are many other more interesting alternatives such as satin, grosgrain and organdy ribbons, raffia, satin rope, tassels, fringe and braiding. Artfully tied silk or chiffon scarves, beads, belts and neckties are fashionable adornments for extra special gifts. The most important consideration in selecting ribbon and bow trims is color. Matching the bow to the predominant color in the gift wrap creates a unified, but somewhat boring look. Instead, accent the package with a contrasting bow in a color that is used least in the wrap design.
  
  

Wrapping a Cylinder

• The traditional approach to wrapping a tubular gift was to roll it in wrap, gather the ends and tie them with ribbons. Update this technique by using layers of contrasting solid color tissue paper of varying widths. Begin by wrapping the tube in plain white tissue paper cut the exact width of the tube. Roll the tissue carefully around the cylinder a few times and tape the seam closed. Cut the colored tissue that you want on the outside of the package long enough to overlap about an inch after wrapping it once around the cylinder, and wide enough to make 2-inch ponytails on either end. Cut a contrasting tissue color the same length as the first piece, but 1 inch wider. Cut a third piece of tissue in a different color the same length as the others, but 1 inch wider still. Center the widths of tissue horizontally so that the colors show evenly on either side and the bottom edges are aligned. Wrap them in unison around the tube-shaped package and secure them with a small strip of transparent tape. Carefully gather each end and tie with matching tri-colored curling ribbons in graduated lengths. Loosely curl the ribbon in graceful ringlets.
  
  

Wrapping Irregular Shapes and Breakable Gifts

• Bubble wrap does wonders for padding irregularly shaped gifts and preventing sharp edges from poking holes through wrapping paper. Bubble wrap also protects fragile gifts from breakage. Use just enough bubble wrap to cover the gift item securely. Seal edges with wide transparent packing tape. Wrap with tissue paper "as is" or place it in a box to wrap with heavier paper.