Wrap-dancing
Sun Herald
Sunday November 21, 1999
Fashion designers at this year's collections provided ideas for creative gift giving - and wrapping - reports Holly Byrnes.
PLAYING with colour, adding delicate trims and applying a little of your own handiwork is the trendiest way to present your family and friends with the best looking gifts this year.
Save the expense of pre-packaged wrapping paper and invest some of your own time in creating a gift you can present with flair.
White has been dubbed the "new black" by the style police and you can follow suit with plain paper, or perhaps a fairy-like layer of tuile.
Wrap your gifts in a summer-coloured tissue paper - try pink or some of the citrus shades - then bundle up your package in a large square of netting. Secure with ribbon at each end - bon bon style - or at one point, for a free-flowing, bubbly effect.
Remember childhood Christmas mornings, waking up to your own pillow slip full of Santa's goodies? Create your own "Santa sacks" with plain poplin, or cheap calico and have the kids help decorate them, using fabric pants or permanent ink pens. They take a minute to run up on a sewing machine, or hunt around furnishing stores for inexpensive slips to label and decorate as your own.
There's nothing like digging through your own gift bag - even, adults will enjoy the treasure hunt.
If you have a little more time on your hands, personalise your cards or gift tags with festive embroidery or bead work. Craft stores offer a range of small cross-stitch Christmas motifs kits you can try yourself.
Some are even simple enough to teach the kids. Duplicate the sparkle of a Dinnigan design with sequinned Santas or give Rudolph a shiny beaded nose using craft glue, card or fabric. Keep designs simple (line drawings will do) and bring them to life with trim. Just make sure you keep any odds and ends out of the hands - and mouths - of toddlers.
Gift cards can be bought pre-printed, or cut your own from cardboard, felt or fabric.
If you're short on time here is a list of gift wrapping and home delivery services - plus Internet sites - provided by city retailers as part and parcel of their shopping experience this festive season.
DAVID JONES
Gift wrapping: Purchases made using a David Jones card or when you spend $75 or more will be wrapped free of charge in a gift box, tote bag or deluxe gold paper, finished with David Jones's signature gold and black ribbon.
Home delivery: David Jones delivers within the metropolitan area.
The cost is $7.50.
On-line: (Hampers only) www.davidjones.com.au
GRACE BROS
Home delivery: Available throughout the metropolitan area.
QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING
Gift wrapping: A free service will be available from December 15-24, at three locations throughout the building: ground floor (Town Hall end) and levels 1 and 2 (dome area).
Home delivery: Not available.
On-line: Shop on-line at www.qvb.com.au
CHIFLEY PLAZA
Gift wrapping: All stores provide a personalised touch by offering signature gift wrapping.
Home delivery: RM Williams provides free delivery throughout the metropolitan area.
On-line: www.chifleyplaza.com.au
© 1999 Sun Herald