How to Style a Beautiful Gift Display Under Your Tree

How to Style a Beautiful Gift Display Under Your Tree

Getting all those Christmas feels has everything to do with nostalgia. Part of the Christmas magic is knowing how to style a beautiful gift display under your tree! I can vividly remember those magical Christmas mornings as a kid—coming downstairs and seeing boxes upon boxes of gifts stacked under the tree. Each one felt like a little mystery waiting to be solved. “Could what I asked for really fit into this box? Is it heavy enough? What could be inside?” The guessing game was half the fun.

And forget about sneaking a peek! There was no way an adult would miss their carefully wrapped masterpiece being tampered with—especially if it had to be ripped open and taped shut again.

That was back in the days before the “gift bag” era. When I was small, almost everything new came in a sturdy, nicely packaged box that was practically made for wrapping. These days, companies have ditched the box for cheaper plastic packaging, and let’s be honest, it’s made gift bags the easier, go-to option for many.

But here’s the deal—NOT if you’re going for those perfectly curated “under the tree” aesthetics. If you want that classic Christmas look, first things first: use boxes. It’s worth the effort for the magic it brings!

Here are 3 easy tips on bringing back the Christmas nostalgia by learning how to style a beautiful gift display under your tree!

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Wrapping Paper

Buy Craft paper here.

Your wrapping paper sets the tone, so stick with a theme. My wrapping style changes year to year, and this season I’ve gone minimal and old-school with craft paper. The tan and black tones give me the freedom to play with ribbons and accessories.

No matter your style—bold, minimal, rustic, or glam—limit your paper prints. Mixing a big, bold red Santa paper with glittery blue snowflakes? That’s a recipe for chaos. Instead:

Mixing a big, bold red Santa paper with glittery blue snowflakes? That’s a recipe for chaos. Instead:

If you love a bold pattern, balance it with a neutral accessory (solid ribbons and tags).
Remember, less is more when it comes to patterns!

Pick 2-3 complementary papers.

• Don’t know how to make a bow? No worries! I’ve linked a simple bow tutorial [here]. Even a tied ribbon in a neat knot looks soft, elegant, and timeless.
• If you’re using bold wrapping paper, keep the ribbon simple—think solid colors or subtle textures.

Bows & Ribbons

This is where the magic happens. Ribbon and bows are the prettiest part of a package, so don’t hold back. My tip? Invest in spools of ribbon instead of pre-made bows. While ribbon can be more expensive upfront, it’s reusable year after year and looks undeniably luxe.

• Don’t know how to make a bow? No worries! I’ve linked a simple bow tutorial [here]. Even a tied ribbon in a neat knot looks soft, elegant, and timeless.
• If you’re using bold wrapping paper, keep the ribbon simple—think solid colors or subtle textures.

Tags & Accessories

Tags and little decorative touches are where you can get creative without spending much. Since I’m cost-conscious, I try to purchase things I can reuse:

• Gift Tags: This year, I grabbed tags from Dollar Tree—budget-friendly and festive. For friends and extended family (who likely toss the wrapping), I stick to simple paper tags. But for my home, I reuse sturdy tags I’ve invested in (like a past set from Anthropologie).
• Accessories: The secret to an elevated look? Natural elements. I use dried leaves, branches, and berries to create a festive, cozy vibe. They cost little to nothing but add texture and holiday cheer to any package.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re going minimal, rustic, or full-on glam, the key is to stick to a theme and keep it simple. This year, my tan and black craft paper, paired with beautiful ribbon and natural touches, has brought my minimalist vision to life.

Take the time to curate your wrapping this year—your gifts will look just as magical as the tree they’re under! 🎄