Bagging a Gift Is Like Wearing MOM Jeans

Wrapping…It is as important as the gift itself! 
I am a serious believer in presentation. 

Duh, I'm Designer Dann! Presentation is everything! I am fond of saying I can serve s#@* on a shingle but, my guest will eat it up because I serve it to them with Flair! 





Gift giving is nodifferent folks. Sometimes it doesn't even matter what you are giving, if the presentation has panache! I have a few rules-of-thumb, when it comes to my own gift wrap that I am happy to share with you. First of all, I keep a large selection of Holiday wrapping paper around, every style, color, theme. You don't have to keep as much wrap as I do but, you should be selective. don't settle for the first roll you set your eyes on, buy something you like. I buy most of my paper at discount stores like, Target, Tuesday Morning and Homegoods, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx. (Some would say I'm a Maxxanisto!) Regarless of the store...the price is always right!


Second, you MUST learn to make a bow! Nothing says, "I could care less" than a stick on bow! I wish I could have you all here in my studio and show you how easy it is to make a brilliant bow but, since that isn't feasible, let me say you can make a beautiful presentation by simply tying a sweet bow like a shoelace.

And then the easier flourish of all, pick up a small ornament to tie into your ribbon. It's like jewelry for your gift box! Is love it when they are glittery too, they add shine and sparkle! You don't want to spend more money you say, how about clipping a fresh sprig of holly or rosemary and tie it with your bow! These are small efforts that make a huge impact on those you think enough of to give a gift. Remember, chances are the gift will be under the tree or on the hall table for hours or days before it is opened, let your gift wrap be the one everyone is talking about, I know mine will be! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!


Notice: There is absolutely no way, no how a BAG would be on me or handed to ANYONE I'd consider giving a gift to! It's a sign of dispicable laziness that you should be ashamed of! Bags and mom jeans are for poorly dressed people...I can only hope I've saved you from being one! 

Happy Holidays,
xo,
DANN 

Designer Tricks To Gift Giving

Holiday gift giving can be as stressful and dental surgery for some… do what I do????

Keep a stock pile of small hostess gifts in a drawer or in a box in your closet. That way you always have a go-to spot when you need a quick gift. Ok, so you are saying to yourself, "It's so easy for Designer Dann to say but, a little late for my party tonite." Well, I still have a few tricks up my sleeve for you....

Frames! One of the most given gifts EVER! An easy choice but, there are a few rules to live by. First of all, be sure that the style of the frame actually works with the décor of the house it is intended. Frames may be the easiest gift to give but, they are also the most re-gifted item we receive! LOL To assure your gift frame is received with joy and gratitude, put a photo of yourself with that person in the frame! Don't have a photo handy? Print a favorite quote or poem or even a picture of your favorite still or landscape. The truth is, it is the picture and the message, not the frame that will be cherished.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
xo, 
DANN

P.S. Yes, the frame featured is a Missoni.