How many packets of Christmas bows does one woman need?

None used here.

So glad it is not just me. I bought 6 (on a 3 for 2 offer) then discovered that I already had three packets from last year. The sad thing is that I never actually remember to use the wretched things - I just see them in the shops and think they will look nice

There's a box with a dozen or so poor neglected bows. Been there for years. I could throw them out!!

I used to use ribbon and stick on bows. I got fed up with the bows being lost in transit or squashed in the pile under the tree. I CBA any more
I always write on the calendar for the following November whether I need wrapping paper etc.

Bows?! I have enough trouble with the *** wrapping!!

Every year I promise myself I'm going to make some sort of decorative gift-wrap 'toppers' for the next year's presents. Every year I leave it too late

I like using curling ribbon or bows and making the presents look appealing,it's fun! The cheap bows don't stick well though, and are a nighmare to actually get the backing off, and the expensive bows are, well, expensive? So I try and make my own with different coloured curling ribbon and a sharp pair of scissors.It's Christmas cards that I buy too many of, even with them all done for this year, I have three packets left over.

Don't bother with bows here but I was short of tinsel. I sent my DH out to buy some. He came back with some very nice green and gold garlands and a piece of very tatty red. I asked him to find red and silver.
Why didn't I go myself?

I don't why but I have a major aversion to tinsel. You won't find any in my house.

I hate tinsel too. However I had a very happy afternoon yesterday trimming the tree with ornaments,many of which have special memories. Whenever we go on holiday,at any time of year,I seek out an unusual Xmas Dec to bring home. I have them from many countries and every December they make me smile

Same as cornergran
All stored in nice wooden boxes, fetched out each year then most of them put away again

Found some Scotch tape though - in Tesco.

Talking of ornaments with special memories, I have one on my tree this year that came from my childhood home. We found them in my late Dad's house when we were getting it ready for sale. It's from the 1950's.

I love tinsel. Especially the thin sort we used to have. You can't buy it anymore. It's gone gaudy now. Shame.

Having seen the beautifully wrapped parcels on adverts and in magazines why do mine always look a bit sad and lumpy, rather as if they belong in Eyore's house. Even bows and curly bits don't seem to rescue them!

I need loads! DH does the wrapping really beautifully after which I then do the pretty bits and it works really well. I have had so much in the way of ribbons and bows in store that I didn't need to buy anything last year and am determinedly using the very last of it all for this year's pressies. I am so looking forward to getting some new prettiest next year!

I really am not crafty at all and find it nowadays really annoying having to make parcels look extra pretty I only bother to do it for the special people in my life now - I find I am gradually turning into my mother so far as this is concerned - she got really bored with it all in her 70's and just ordered boxes of wine to be delivered to her DDs' houses so no wrapping involved - this was before the internet and shopping on line - she was ahead of her time!!!! we were all really pleased as well.

Mind you, I do find that the more intricate the wrapping is and the pretty bows/ribbons/string/added extras etc. are the more likely the present itself is pretty mundane. I also wonder whether it smacks of "life is too short to stuff a mushroom" philosophy for me. Or am I being unreasonable???? Or just plain lazy?????

Jomarie - Each to his/her own. I expect you can do amazing things that I can't but it is nice for me to do something so easy that gives pleasure to others.
I only buy for those who are special to me anyway so that is why I make big efforts. When I was first really unwell the fact that their presents were undecorated made DC really aware of my limitations and now they see them decorated again it is smiles all round. I don't do much really but fripperies with pretty bits and bobs is one thing I can do.

Good on ya Synonymous, you twiddle away. I used to do all that for my DD but for my DS, he'll just be happy if he's not getting Gorilla Snot again this Christmas! (It's for stopping losing grip on guitar playing! Apparently, it hit the bin last year! ).

He is getting jelly boobs this year though!

rubylady