Gift Wrapping Simplified

The fabulous Mrs. Lilien notes in this post that she stocks butcher paper as her signature house wrap then adorns her packages with ribbons, printed tape and colorful tissue paper:

Such a great idea, don't you think? Especially in smaller spaces, it's much easier to store and keep stock of one solid plain paper instead of a lot of bulky rolls of patterned paper, and then add color, interest and cheer by creatively dressing it up (for any occasion!) using beautiful little extras like tags, ribbons, sequins, etc., all of which can fit in an organized drawer or box.  These beautiful packages below are convincing me it'd be a good idea to adopt this wrapping tactic:

What gift wrapping supplies do you like to keep stock of? Do you have a signature wrapping style?

By the way, you can find links to my favorite free printable Christmas gift tags here!

image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

10 Things That Make Me Happy During the Holidays

Here's what I'm looking forward to this enjoying this season (in no particular order):

1. Outdoor Christmas Lights

Every year my family and I take a walk down "Christmas Tree Lane" in the historic area of my hometown to see all the over-the-top outdoor Christmas lights and decorations

2. Christmas Decorations
I started taking some out yesterday from their storage box. I can't wait to put them all up!

via martha stewart

3. Warm Sweaters
I particularly can't wait to put Little Foot in one. I'm currently shopping on Etsy --my top picks so far: this one, this one, this one, and this one.

4. Ice Skating
This year we'll probably heading out to The Lakes in Thousand Oaks. I love going in the evening/night -I love the lit up atmosphere.

via allegra tumblr

5. Holiday Drinks
Abuelita hot chocolate, apple cider, all the special Starbucks varieties...

6. Holiday Baked Goods
Peppermint and chocolate, cupcakes, sugar cookies, gingerbread...

via martha stewart

7. Snow (or something like it!)
Someday I'll to spend Christmas in a place where it snows for real (I've dreamnt about that since I was a kid!) but for now I'll enjoy the artificial snowfall at the Americana in Glendale here in Southern California.

8. The Fireplace + Cozy Blankets
I love cozying up by the fire on a cold winter night with a luxuriously soft blanket, my husband and Little Foot :)

via elements of style blog

9. Christmas Movies
A few personal favorites: Miracle on 34th Street, Elf and Love Actually

10. Christmas Music
A few personal favorites: Diana Krall, Frank Sinatra, and Harry Connick Jr

What are you looking forward to?? Share your list with us! Post your own list (short or long -whichever format you like) on your blog and email me your link (ariannavargas@gmail.com). I'll include the links of everyone who emails me in a post early next week :)