Decorative Christmas Paper: Tissue, Wrapping, and Craft Paper That Works

Decorative Christmas paper is one of those materials that seems simple and isn’t. You buy it for wrapping gifts, and then you discover it has a dozen other uses: lining trays, filling gift bags, making paper ornaments, decorating tables, and creating DIY decor. The problem is that most people buy the cheapest paper they can find, and cheap paper limits what you can do with it. It tears when you fold it, the color fades, and the pattern looks like it was printed on a printer running low on ink. Good paper is different. It’s thick enough to fold cleanly, the color is consistent, and the pattern is printed with intention.

Decorative Christmas paper covers tissue paper, wrapping paper, craft paper, and specialty papers used for gift wrapping, holiday decor, and craft projects during the Christmas season. The best decorative paper is thick enough to work with, has consistent color and pattern, and is versatile enough for multiple uses. The worst is thin, fades, and tears at the corners.

The right decorative Christmas paper is one that works for wrapping, decor, and crafts. Here’s what to buy, how to use it, and what to skip.

Types of Decorative Christmas Paper

Tissue Paper

Tissue paper is the most versatile decorative paper. It’s used for filling gift bags, lining boxes, wrapping delicate items, and making paper decorations.

What to look for:

• A weight of at least 17gsm (standard tissue is 14 to 17gsm; premium is 17 to 22gsm)
• Colors that are consistent and don’t bleed when wet
• Paper that holds its shape when crumpled, not paper that dissolves
• A pack of 50 to 100 sheets (you’ll use more than you think)

What to skip:

• Tissue paper that’s so thin it tears when you crumple it
• Tissue paper with printed patterns that look cheap (large Santa faces, busy designs)
• Single-sheet packs (you’ll run out immediately)

Uses:

• Filling gift bags (crumple 2 to 3 sheets per bag)
• Lining gift boxes and baskets
• Wrapping delicate ornaments
• Making paper flowers and pom-poms
• Lining serving trays and baskets
• Layering under wrapping paper for extra protection

Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper is the primary decorative paper for Christmas. It’s what covers the gifts under the tree.

What to look for:

• A thickness of at least 80gsm (most drugstore paper is 60gsm or less)
• A matte or textured finish (looks more expensive than glossy)
• A simple, repetitive pattern (dots, stripes, stars, or a simple motif)
• Colors that coordinate with your ribbon and tags
• A roll that’s at least 25 feet (you’ll use more than you think)

What to skip:

• Thin paper that tears at the corners
• Busy patterns with large designs (Santa faces, full scenes)
• Glossy paper with multiple colors (looks chaotic)
• Rolls shorter than 15 feet (you’ll run out)

Uses:

• Wrapping gifts (the primary use)
• Lining shelves and drawers (cut to size)
• Making paper banners and garlands
• Covering a table as a runner
• Lining a serving tray

Kraft Paper

Kraft paper is the natural, rustic alternative to traditional wrapping paper. It’s brown, it’s sturdy, and it’s the most versatile paper for DIY decor.

What to look for:

• A weight of at least 60gsm (standard kraft is 50 to 70gsm)
• A smooth surface that takes ink, paint, and stamps well
• A roll that’s at least 30 feet
• Paper that’s unbleached (natural brown, not white)

What to skip:

• Kraft paper that’s too thin (it tears when folded)
• Bleached kraft paper (it looks like regular paper, not kraft)

Uses:

• Wrapping gifts (with a fabric ribbon and a sprig of greenery)
• Stamping and stenciling (for custom designs)
• Making gift tags and labels
• Lining tables and shelves
• Creating a rustic table runner
• Making paper ornaments and decorations

Specialty Papers

Specialty papers are the premium options for specific uses.

Glassine paper is a smooth, translucent paper that’s used for wrapping small items, lining envelopes, and making paper envelopes. It’s the paper used in high-end packaging. $10 to $20 for a pack.

Metallic paper is a paper with a metallic finish (gold, silver, or copper). It’s used for accents, gift tags, and small decorations. $8 to $15 for a pack.

Velvet paper is a paper with a velvet texture. It’s the most luxurious option for wrapping small, special gifts. $10 to $20 for a pack.

Recycled paper is the eco-friendly option. It’s made from recycled materials and has a natural, textured look. $8 to $15 for a roll.

How to Use Decorative Christmas Paper for Decor

Decorative paper isn’t just for wrapping gifts. Here are ways to use it for holiday decor.

Paper Garlands and Banners

Cut decorative paper into shapes (stars, circles, triangles) and string them together to create a garland or banner. Hang it on a mantel, a staircase, or a wall.

How to do it: Choose 2 to 3 colors of paper. Cut shapes using a template or a die-cut tool. Punch a hole in each shape. Thread them onto a string or ribbon, spacing them evenly. Hang the garland.

Paper Ornaments

Cut decorative paper into shapes and fold, roll, or layer them to create paper ornaments. Hang them on the tree, from a garland, or in a window.

How to do it: Choose paper in 2 to 3 colors. Cut shapes (stars, snowflakes, circles). Fold, roll, or layer the shapes to create 3D ornaments. Attach a string or ribbon for hanging.

Table Runners and Liners

Use decorative paper as a table runner or a liner for trays and baskets. It’s a simple way to add color and pattern to a table setting.

How to do it: Cut the paper to the length of the table or the size of the tray. Lay it flat. For a runner, add a centerpiece on top. For a tray liner, arrange items on top.

Gift Bag Filling

Crample decorative tissue paper and use it to fill gift bags. The tissue frames the gift and adds color and texture.

How to do it: Choose tissue in 2 to 3 colors that coordinate with the bag. Crumple 2 to 3 sheets per bag. Place them in the bag so they rise above the rim. Tuck the gift inside the tissue.

What to Skip Entirely

Thin, cheap paper. It tears, it fades, and it looks cheap. Spend $2 more for quality paper.

Paper with busy patterns. A large Santa face or a full Christmas scene looks chaotic on a wrapped gift. Choose simple, repetitive patterns.

Glossy paper with multiple colors. It looks like a drugstore roll. Choose matte or textured paper in one or two colors.

Single-sheet tissue packs. You’ll run out immediately. Buy a pack of 50 to 100 sheets.

Paper that can’t be recycled. Paper with metallic finishes or plastic coatings can’t be recycled. Choose recyclable paper when possible.

FAQ

What is the best decorative Christmas paper? The best decorative paper is thick enough to fold cleanly (80gsm+ for wrapping paper, 17gsm+ for tissue paper), has a simple pattern, and is versatile enough for multiple uses. Choose matte or textured finishes in one or two colors that coordinate with your ribbon and tags.

How do I use tissue paper for Christmas decor? Crample tissue paper to fill gift bags, line gift boxes and baskets, wrap delicate ornaments, make paper flowers and pom-poms, line serving trays, and layer under wrapping paper for extra protection. Choose 2 to 3 colors that coordinate with your wrapping paper.

What can I make with decorative Christmas paper? You can make paper garlands and banners, paper ornaments, table runners and liners, gift tags and labels, and paper envelopes. Cut the paper into shapes, fold or roll them, and string or arrange them for decor.

Should I buy kraft paper or traditional wrapping paper? Kraft paper is the natural, rustic option that works with any decor. Traditional wrapping paper is the festive option that adds color and pattern. Choose kraft if you want a natural look, and traditional if you want a festive look. Both work well with a fabric ribbon.

How much wrapping paper do I need for Christmas? At least 25 feet per roll, and 2 to 3 rolls for a typical family. You’ll use more than you think, especially if you wrap large gifts. Buy more than you think you need to avoid running out.

What should I avoid when buying decorative Christmas paper? Avoid thin paper that tears, busy patterns with large designs, glossy paper with multiple colors, single-sheet tissue packs, and paper that can’t be recycled. Choose quality, versatile paper in simple patterns.

Can I recycle Christmas wrapping paper? Most wrapping paper can be recycled if it doesn’t have metallic finishes, plastic coatings, or heavy glitter. Tissue paper and kraft paper are recyclable. Check your local recycling guidelines for specifics.

References

• Good Housekeeping. “Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas.” https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g32550525/christmas-gift-wrapping-ideas/
• Martha Stewart. “Gift Wrapping Ideas.” https://www.marthastewart.com/275399/gift-wrapping-ideas
• The Spruce. “Christmas Decorating Ideas.” https://www.thespruce.com/christmas-decorating-ideas-4142236