wrapping station | not pretty but purposeful

I know it’s not even Halloween yet but I am already feeling the pressure of Christmas. Lots to buy and it seems like even more to wrap {not possible, I know}. I have always wanted one of those really pretty Martha-Stewart-like wrapping stations with tons of supplies that all match and just look so damn pretty! Instead I made a kinda-decent-but-very-purposeful wrapping area and I already feel like I’m ready for the Christmas season.

I’ve never been very organized with my gift wrapping so a wrapping station is just what I needed. I always seem to scramble to wrap anything and the presents don’t always look like I want them to. Being a designer, I like to create things and make them look visually appealing. At Christmas time, I always envision our tree to have beautifully wrapped presents underneath – all in coordinating papers with fun, festive decorations and ribbons. It hasn’t happened – or if it does, it’s in small doses and it takes a lot of work to do it.

This is what I always hope for:

Knits for Life

or this:

You are my Fav

or this:

Martha Stewart

When setting up a spot for your wrapping station, it needs to be in an area where you have enough room to work and store things. I used a basic folding table. And I was able to store most of the supplies on the table or underneath. It also left me enough room to work and wrap on top of the table. My wrapping station is in an unfinished “room” off of our bedroom closet. It’s the perfect spot because this is where we stash the Christmas presents, the kids don’t have any reason to go in this room and it’s quiet and out of the way. Did I mention, the kids don’t go in this room? Bonus. I can wrap presents AND drink my wine! I might just get a cozy chair and a TV up there and that’s where I’ll be hanging out all Christmas season.

So I took the time and cleaned out my gift wrapping supplies and organized what I had. I kept only the good stuff and separated them into piles:

1. tissue and filler – I put these in a basket and realized I had A LOT of tissue paper and didn’t need to keep going to the store for more!

2. wrapping paper – these went in an unused mesh waste basket so now I can see all I have and keep them from getting crushed and destroyed.

3. larger, clothing boxes – these went under the table. Again, threw away the ripped stuff and kept the good ones.

4. smaller jewelry boxes & gift bags – also under the table in a wire basket.

5. gift tags – I bought some super cute ones at Michaels and I will also make some of my own maybe with a stamp or on the computer.

6. ribbons and string – I needed something to keep these rolls of ribbon and string from unraveling and I also needed to see what I had. I found the perfect solution in a plate drying rack from Bed, Bath & Beyond. It can hold different size ribbons and twine and it doesn’t take up too much space.

7. embellishments – I went through my crafts and pulled out some items that I thought would make pretty gift embellishments. Things like: pom-poms, stamps, paper or fake flowers, sticks, letters, candy canes, small ornaments – really anything can be added as a gift topper to finish the look and add a little personal touch. I used recycled glass jars and spray painted the caps for cheap and easy storage.

Don’t forget the pens, scissors and tape. My only purchase for this wrapping station was this adorable gold dog tape dispenser from Target.

What do you think of my wrapping station? Like I said, it’s not very pretty or fancy but it will get the job done. All the elements are there and I feel organized and ready to take on any gift that comes my way. Christmas season? Bring it on!