Someone mentions, “…Brown Paper Packages….” and I immediately start singing Julie Andrews’ famous song, “Brown paper packages tied up with strings….these are a few of my favorite things!” And it’s true. For those of us who grew up before the era of Fed Ex and Amazon deliveries the Post Office used to deliver brown paper packages tied up with string. For Julie and I these packages of our childhood were sent from our grandmother. They were filled with handmade clothes (twin clothes!) wrapped in tissue paper and made with love!
The classic look of packages wrapped in brown paper may or may not conger up sentimental memories from your childhood. But they still offer a simple, old-fashioned foundation from which you can springboard in endless creative directions.
Traditional Brown Paper Packages
To begin I wanted to create a traditional look. Therefore, I used burlap and red striped ribbon and just a sprig of holly berries. These elements represent a traditional Christmas and look great with my decor theme I’ve chosen this year.
I added a vintage inspired ornament, a pickup truck filled with Christmas trees, for an extra fun detail.
Romantic Glam Brown Paper Packages
Stamps make it easy to make your own personalized wrapping paper. With silver ink and a fleur de lis stamp I created a bit of glamour for our not-so-glamorous brown paper. A white satin ribbon and a metal “Love” tag and all of a sudden basic brown gets a romantic, personalized “updo”.
Polka Dot Fun with Brown Paper Packages
Using some craft paint from my children’s craft supplies I made my own polka dot wrapping paper in about 1 minute. I want to show you how easy it is to look around the house and use whatever craft supplies or materials you find. Using your creativity you can easily make over your basic package to fit the gift, occasion, and recipient. Personalizing your packages is a great way to show you care.
Vintage Inspired Brown Paper Packages
First, paper hearts made from old book pages. Next tie it up with some red and white string. Finally, add a little bundle of flocked pine cones with evergreens. The result is a unique, personalized package with rustic, nostalgic charm.
Rustic Nature-Lover’s Brown Paper Package
Raffia tassles and some faux green garland are the perfect accents for this rustic nature-lover’s package. Adding a Christmas ornament that fits the theme is one of my favorite ways to make any gift a little extra special.
Brown Paper Packages. No matter your theme or decor style, Brown Paper Packages are the perfect way to start your own holiday traditions! With a little creativity you can create personalized gifts that still hold a bit of that nostalgic magic of yesteryear. (yesteryear?? Who says “yesteryear?”) At the risk of dating myself, yet again, I guess I do!
Here are a list of useful materials that I used and you may like to have on hand….
Materials:
(Note: These are affiliate links and are included to help with shopping convenience as well as helping to support our blog! Thank you!)
Enjoy! And Happy Holidays from Jodie & Julie
Patti says
The wrapping is so cute, I especially love the heart gift tag as well as the tiny garland with the dog! Adorable
jjdesigntwins says
Patti! You are so sweet and kind! We love that you enjoyed our holiday wrapping ideas. We are even more grateful that you sent a generous reply. We just love hearing from our readers…it makes it all worthwhile. With blessings and best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! XO ~ Jodie & Julie
Summer says
This year I chose to wrap our gifts in brown paper and made different color bows to go on them! I love the old fashioned look of it and the simplicity!
jjdesigntwins says
Summer, Obviously great minds think alike! We love that you had a similar idea as we did. We too love the old fashioned look and the simplicity. Jodie and I so appreciate your joining us on our blog and your sweet reply. It makes it all worthwhile. Merry Christmas to you and your family. With gratitude, Julie & Jodie
Kim says
I can’t lie, I’m a brown paper package fan of any holiday! I think it adds the perfect touch to dress up any gift.