Craft Paper, Reimagined: The Beauty of a Neutral Wrap

Did you know craft paper comes in more than just brown?

This humble material—often associated with parcels and practicality—is actually one of my favorite foundations for elevated gift wrapping. With its quiet texture, earthy simplicity, and range of soft tones (from warm ivory to charcoal grey), craft paper is the understated essential I reach for time and time again.

It’s sturdy and solid, with just enough weight to feel substantial, but still soft enough to fold cleanly and tie neatly. Whether you're wrapping a last-minute birthday gift or creating something special for a summer dinner host, craft paper adapts beautifully--making it the perfect paper to keep on hand.

A Neutral Base That Makes Room for Creativity

The beauty of craft paper lies in its simplicity. It offers a neutral backdrop that lets other elements shine:

• Embrace texture with a velvet ribbon in a bold, bright color that stands out or a muted, subdued color that elevates the package

• Add natural elements with a sprig of rosemary or lavender tied gently on top with twine

• Get personal with a note written directly on the craft paper, or hand draw a bow.

Craft paper doesn't compete—it complements. It makes space for texture, for layers, and for personal touches. You can lean minimalist with a single silk ribbon or go richly detailed with linen bows and wax seals.

More Than Just Brown

While the classic warm brown is always a timeless option, there are other shades worth exploring:

• Crisp white for a clean, coastal palette

• Dove grey for modern sophistication

• Rich Navy for an elegant, masculine feel

• Scarlet Red for a bold statement of love or celebration

These subtle variations allow you to tailor your wrap to the moment, the season, or the person receiving the gift—it’s quietly versatile. Pro Tip: make sure to pay attention to the dimensions of your craft paper roll. Craft paper is used for many things so make sure you're getting a length and width that works for your needs.

Simple, Intentional, and Beautiful

At its heart, wrapping with craft paper is about keeping things simple—but not plain. It’s about leaning into materials that feel grounded and tactile, letting each detail be a part of the gift.

Because sometimes, the most beautiful gifts are the ones wrapped in understated elegance.

Very Happy Wrapping!

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VHM