Silky Ribbons

Silky ribbons in burgundy, forest green, gold, deep red, rich turquoise and new this year, chocolate brown, lay regally atop the packages resting under the somewhatfortyplus+ Christmas tree. While many gift givers use traditional Christmas ribbon purchased at Target or Hallmark stores to tie their packages, gifts wrapped in this home are works of art, worthy of applause and acclaim. And appreciation they receive from family members lucky enough to receive a hand wrapped wonder laden with ribbons of many colors. "Your gifts are so beautiful," they will say. "The ribbons are gorgeous," will be music to my ears.

What are the winning combinations? Gold wrapping paper sets the stage for burgundy, chocolate or dark green silky ribbons, while deep red paper cries out for dark green or gold silk or wired gold cut-out ribbon. White paper works with rich deep colors, and shiny high end papers of Christmas trees or ornaments look complete with deep red or green ribbons. As for the turquoise wide silk ribbon, it adorns gifts wrapped in white, pale pink, or deep brown.

And herein lies the problem. Gifts resting under this tree hold their position for several days, even weeks, and are gazed upon by anyone welcomed into this home. They blend with the surroundings, highlight accent colors, and are a feast for these eyes. The ribbon bedecked packages become a decorating element, too pretty to move and certainly too pretty to open. Opps.

Then one day the presents are distributed, adoringly admired and finally carefully opened. With each torn piece of wrapping paper a part of me cringes as the beauty of the gift is destroyed to display to the receiver the carefully selected gift. The presentation set the standard for a particular level of gift, and hopefully each recipient is as pleased with the inside as I was with the outside. While presents under a tree hold a special place in the hearts of young and old as visions of past holidays create a smile or a giggle, silky ribbons of many colors adorning the gifts at this home will contribute to a lifetime of good cheer.
Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus