Editor’s note: With Christmas less than four full days away, Houston is living in the present — or presents, rather — with locals grabbing gifts for loved ones, friends, lucky coworkers, and more.
Then comes the task of wrapping, which for some, is a dreaded task, indeed. Which paper works? Gift bag, or wrap? And how? Oh, the questions. Fortunately, Alton DuLaney, whom CBS Sunday Morning dubbed “The World’s Most Famous Gift Wrap Artist” in a 2016 segment, has the answers.
A native of Splendora, Texas, DuLaney’s work as a performance artist and artist has taken him from Texas to Los Angeles and New York, where, working as the creative director for a paper-goods company. When he repped the company in a nationally televised gift-wrap competition at Rockefeller Center and won, producers fell in love with his on-air ease. The next thing he knew, he was in a limo on the way to Good Morning America for a guest appearance, then on a plane to L.A. for a talk show.
And that, as they say, was a wrap. Fifteen years later, DuLaney has become a national wrap star, with countless national TV appearances including Rachael Ray, The Jimmy Kimmel Show, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and of course, CBS Sunday Morning.
Here in Houston, he has a favorite among notable names for all things wrapping. “I’ve wrapped everything from a diamond ring and fine works of art to a baby grand piano,” he tells CultureMap. “I’ve wrapped gifts for television producers, wrapped entire sets for television producers, and I’ve even wrapped television producers — literally.”
Currently, DuLaney serves as curator for Public Art for Houston Airports; nationally, he’s the popular co-host of The Ultimate Gift Wrapping Challenge, currently streaming all episodes on QVC+. Who better, then, to enlist for wrapping tips for last-minute gifts to make for a — as DuLaney calls it — a “high-fashion holiday.” Take it away, Alton.
Image courtesy of Good Morning America
Our expert is a fixture on national shows like Good Morning America.
The best tools of the trade
Photo courtesy of Alton DuLaney
Ask any craftsperson, and they’ll tell you that you’re only as good as the tools in your toolbox. Gift wrapping is no different.
Before you depart on your gift wrapping odyssey, gather all your tools – sharp scissors, tape (both single-sided and double-sided), and of course, fabulous paper, ribbons, and embellishments – so that once you start gift wrapping, you don’t have to interrupt the creative process to find the tape.
Enjoy the ensemble
Photo courtesy of Alton DuLaney
When it comes to a theme or look, it always helps to think of the perfect gift wrapping as an ensemble. Make your gift haute and hot by using a matching gift box, gift wrap, ribbon, and bow.
Quality over quantity
A luxury gift wrap is like a finely tailored garment. Use high-end goods — quality papers, velvet ribbons, brass or sterling embellishments — to elevate your gift to a high fashion statement.
Where to get it all? I love Paper Source for pounds of paper; Container Store for the best boxes; and Joanne’s Fabric for miles of ribbon.
Gift Bag? Garbage bag, please
Ugh. Nothing says “lazy” more than a gift bag — it’s the equivalent of going to a gala in sweatpants. (To quote Karl Lagerfeld: “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat.”)
Remember: Gift giving is a celebration, so dress up that gift in party finery — and enjoy the soiree!
Accessorize, darling!
The aesthete know that to take daily clothing to the next level, it’s all about the right accessories. Treat your gift wrap with equal discernment.
Why? The right embellishment (ribbon, bow, or creative flourish) will have your friends and family declaring, “This is simply too beautiful to unwrap!”
Put the “present” in presentation
Photo courtesy of Alton DuLaney
How to make your gift a gift that keeps on giving? Embellish your gift wrap with an accessory gift, something the recipient can take off the wrap and use.
Examples of an accessory gift on your gift wrap could a bow-tie on a tuxedo-inspired wrap, a bookmark attached to a gifted book, or a cork screw ribboned onto a bottle of wine. See the theme?
Go drab to fab with some sparkle
Photo courtesy of Alton DuLaney
No excuse for dull gift wrapping! There are endless options for gift wrapping materials that can add pizzazz to your package. Adding a metallic paper or a glittered bow your wrap magically takes it from drab to fab.
The Little Black Dress of gift wrap
CB2 offers matte black wrapping paper for chic gifting.Image via CB2
While not a traditional holiday color, black gift wrap makes for a chic, high-end presentation. We don it frequently for formal wear – black tie – and Audrey Hepburn became an unforgettable Hollywood icon in Breakfast at Tiffany’s in merely a black shift and a string of pearls. Hold on...I just got inspired for a signature gift wrap – The Audrey!
Give a gift … to you
Always make sure there is a gift under the tree for that most special someone – you! Seriously, if you have had your eyes on some Gucci loafers, a Prada bag, some diamond studs, a Rolex, or a piece of art, this time of year is all the excuse you need to indulge!
Reason for the season
DuLaney (left) and his co-hosts Lauren McBride and Britain's gift-wrapping queen Jane Means celebrate the joy of the season.Image courtesy of QVC+
Shopping for others (and yourself!) is fun, but remember that the true reason of the season is celebration. So don’t get your tinsel in a tangle, but instead enjoy the holidays. Have fun giving — and receiving gifts.
And while you’re at it, light the fire in the fireplace, fix yourself a tall glass of eggnog, and binge on all the episodes of The Ultimate Gift Wrapping Challenge, now streaming on QVC+ — and starring yours truly!
