Tag Archives: Christmas

How to Wrap a Holiday Gift Like a Pro

Christmas Gifts

I’m really not domestic at all, but I may be one of the few people in the world who actually loves to wrap presents. I know it sounds crazy, but sometimes I even ask people to give me their gifts so I can wrap them. There’s just something relaxing about watching a holiday special and wrapping gifts in front of the TV.

For those of you doing last minute wrapping on Christmas Eve, here’s the secret formula my Mom taught me for wrapping the perfect gift. The trick is really to keep the edges straight and adhere the paper as close as you can to the gift to give it a clean look.

Step 1:

Gift Wrapping

Take the amount of paper you need from the roll (more is better than less) and tape it securely to the middle of the back of the box.

Tip: Boxes are always easiest wrap. In recent years, stores have gotten stingy with boxes so save your boxes and reuse them from year to year. 

Step 2:

gift wraping

Cut the excess paper off the other side if needed, fold the edge over about an inch for a straight edge and tape toward the middle. Make sure it’s taped tight around the package, but not so tight that you tear the paper.

Step 3:

how to wrap a gift

Fold the edges down as far as you can and cut them down as needed. You may even want to cut them before folding them down if they are very long.

Step 4:

gifts santa

Fold the bottom edge up until it’s around 3/4 of the way to the other end and tape it down on both ends to hold it taunt.

Step 5:

Christmas gift wrapping

Fold the top edge over to make it straight and fold it over until it’s around 3/4 of the way to the end. Tape it and do the same on the other side.

Step 6:

North Pole

Admire your perfect edge and feel free to add bows, ribbons and more.

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Stocking Stuffers That Will Make Santa Jealous

stocking stuffers

On Christmas morning, my stocking is always the first place I go. Nothing gets me more excited for the gifts under the tree than digging through a stocking full of makeup, mini accessories and more. Since I’m stuffing my Mom’s stocking this year, I’ve been on the prowl for the best stocking stuffers. If you’re looking to spend a pretty penny, kate spade and Henri Bendel have some of the cutest stocking stuffers I’ve ever seen. But, if you’re on a budget I found some amazing mini gifts at ULTA Beauty and Old Navy.

For your shopping pleasure, here are some of my favorites. In case you were wondering, you can absolutely get a stocking stuffer for yourself.

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The Holiday Gift Guide for the Guys

men's gift guide gift ideasOwen & Fred ‘Hey Handsome’ Travel Kit (Pictured Above)

This time last year, I roped my boyfriend into creating the ultimate gift guide for men. This year, I’ve had no such luck in getting him to put together another gift guide. Since us girls need all the help we can get when it comes to shopping for the mysterious men in our lives, I decided to put together my own gift guide for guys. Here’s a few Aspiring Socialite-approved gift ideas for every budget.

P.S. – If the guy you’re shopping for is a sports fan, you can’t go wrong with tickets to see his favorite team play. It’s something you can do together and if they’re not that good this year, tickets may actually be affordable. You can find the best deals on StubHub.

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8 Tips You Should Be Excited to Try Decorating With This Christmas

Christmas Decorating

With the holidays just around the corner, many are changing their focus to make the most of the season. Preparing for Christmas means finding ways to decorate your home with an atmosphere of joy that fits the season. As many combine new holiday trends with traditional decorations, here are eight ideas you’ll want to add to your décor:

1. Start With Tradition

Everyone continues to enjoy classic Christmas decor. A green Christmas tree with lighting and ornaments continues to remain a seasonal staple. If you place your Christmas tree in front of a window, it will provide both indoor and outdoor decor.

2. Add Shine

Gold and silver ornaments, ribbons, tinsel and other materials that add shine are in style this season.  Adding shine can make any corner of your home as bright as your Christmas tree. You can try accenting your tree, tables or exterior areas for an even more glamorous look.

3. Bold Displays

Traditional red and green settings are classic, but many are adding in ornaments and displays that are brighter and bolder in color. You may need sunglasses for these ornaments! Neon greens and reds are being seen more and more in holiday decorating. Adding these to your outdoor decor allows you to show a colorful level of joy this season.

4. Sound the Bells

A traditional style that is a fashionable accent this year is bells.  Tie them with bright ribbons and add them to your Christmas tree or around your home to create an accent that sounds like the Christmas season.

5. Snow and Frosting

If you don’t want to move into bolder colors or gold accents, then you can try the frosted look. Ornaments with white frosting and white accents give your home a winter look. If you are in a snowy area, you can add to your home’s holiday decor by building a stylish snowman.

6. Patterns

Christmas décor now comes in sets. If you want to add vibrant accents in the form of ornaments, wall hangings and table settings, then look for patterns that fit well together. Red and green zig-zags, stripes and even dots can be added in as a stylish touch.

7. Lighting Styles

Many will place Christmas lights in and around their home. However, this year is taking this to the next level with different colors and styles. To add a little something extra, look into making patterns and shapes with your lights.

8. Candle Scenes

The beauty of Christmas is all in the lights. If you want a more traditional look with accents of candlelight, then candles are an addition you will want to highlight in this year’s décor. Candles that come in patterns, textures and themes can really brighten up your home.

The Christmas season is one that is known for joy and celebration. As long as you’re not taking a huge family road trip this Christmas, you’ll want to doll up your house. Adding in festive décor allows you to make the most of the season. Perhaps there’s a new Christmas style you want to try for the first time this year.

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Christmas 2013!

Christmas lights

I spent Christmas with my Mom and sister in my hometown of Wilmington, Delaware which is also the home of this fabulously overdecorated house I visit every year.

gifts under the tree

After sleeping in, opening gifts, and chilling out for a bit

fortune cookie

We went to the movies to see Saving Mr. Banks (great movie) and ordered Chinese food. Fortune cookies are a great way to go into the New Year. My fortune made me particularly excited for 2014.

Christmas movies

After dinner, we watched my favorite Christmas movie It’s a Wonderful Life.

It may have been a bit untraditional, but we had a lovely Christmas Day.

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