Wrapsolutely fabulous

Cheap, tacky wrapping paper in shiny reds, golds and greens simply will not do for a 21st century Christmas. Everything - and that means everything - under your (beautifully dressed) tree must look nothing short of divine. To master an original twist and gain style points that would make Kelly Hoppen or Martha Stewart green with envy, here are our essential wrapping tips.

1 Arm yourself with gold spray, stencil paint for the paper, tissue paper and corrugated card, then raid your garden for inspirational materials, such as dried leaves, nuts, berries or other fruits. Choose sensuous textures and deep colours, such as magenta and brilliant pink.

2 Get the Eastern look by mixing Perspex, velvet ribbon and veneer chopsticks in sleek red and black, or try the cracker technique, which is perfect for awkward shapes. Roll a length of paper around the gift, then tie the ends with lots of ribbon, or use felt adorned with coloured stars.

3 Paper-rolling works well to disguise the shape of obvious

presents. Wrap a length of card around the gift first, to smooth over the edges. Translucent paper looks strikingly unusual if you wrap it over ordinary tissue paper. Use glossy papers, in jewel colours, and lots of gold.

4 A cheaper alternative is to wrap your gift in brightly coloured tissue paper and tie it with gold string. Or get the children to help. Potato-stamping with paint is not only in keeping with the revival of kitsch, but will double as a source of fun for bored children.

5 Ribbons will make any present look sensational. Wired taffeta and organza from haberdashery departments are the ribbons to look for: not only do they have the required gold edging, but the bows stay beautifully in place.

6 Copy the catwalk by recreating a vintage look using delicate tissue paper. Accessorise with feathers, flowers and gold tassels.

7 Don't forget a neat finish, achieved with double-sided sticky-tape. Add a twist by sticking on furry pom-poms. Or add some sugar and spice to your parcel by gluing on a stick of cinnamon or dried orange.

8 Beat the bulge when it comes to large gifts and use the so-called pouch method. Place the present on the top of large squares of cellophane and tissue paper, then gather together and tie with ribbon at the top.

9 Attach fir cones, feathers, buttons or chocolate coins on to twine and twist it around the gift. Glamorise gifts by making your own wrapping paper: paint gold-leaf squares onto plain paper and secure the gift with tangled gold ribbon.

10 Create feminine touch by curling ribbon. Ribbon is versatile and can be curled, tied and split. Wired ribbon works best on feminine-looking presents, as it can be shaped into a beautiful bow. Satin ribbon is a beautiful alternative for small presents. Raffia will always add a homely edge to your gifts.