Looking for an easy way to gift wrap a bottle? With a few sheets of tissue paper and some ribbon, you can turn a bottle of wine, beer or spirits into a thoughtful gift in just a few minutes. This method gives a neat, decorative finish without needing a gift box or bottle bag, and works for gifting all year round: Christmas, Valentine's Day, birthdays, Father's Day, or any occasion in between.
For retailers, offering pre-wrapped bottles is a quick way to add value at the till. Once staff have had a little practice, each bottle takes less than a minute to wrap.
What you'll need
- Three sheets of tissue paper (two is typically enough for shorter bottles)
- A length of ribbon, raffia or twine
- A gift tag, if you're adding a message
- Scissors
Step 1: Place the bottle on the tissue paper
Lay three sheets of tissue paper on a flat surface, one on top of the other. Position the bottle diagonally across the paper, with the base towards one corner and the neck pointing to the opposite corner.
The paper should be large enough to cover the bottle completely when rolled. Thicker tissue holds its shape better; if you're using thin tissue, an extra sheet gives more coverage. For beer or other shorter bottles, position closer to one corner so you use less paper.
Step 2: Gather the paper over the bottle
Take the nearest edge of the tissue paper and lift it up and over the bottle. Hold it lightly against the base and the neck so it doesn't slip out of place.
Tissue tears easily if stretched, so gather and smooth the paper rather than pulling it tight. If any of the sheets have shifted while you were positioning the bottle, line them up now before you start rolling.
Step 3: Roll the bottle across the paper
Roll the bottle diagonally across the tissue, keeping the paper close to the bottle as you go. Continue until the bottle is completely covered and the remaining corner sits underneath it.
Tuck the loose edge under to hold the wrap in place. Small folds and pleats are fine, and often look neater than a perfectly flat finish.
Step 4: Tuck the base flat
With the bottle on its side, fold the excess tissue at the base in towards the centre. Work around the bottle until the folds overlap and the bottom is fully covered.
Smooth the folds down so no paper hangs loose, then stand the bottle upright and check the base sits flat before moving on to the neck.
Step 5: Finish with ribbon at the neck
Stand the bottle upright and gently gather the tissue paper around the neck. Run your fingers around it to create folds and pleats, bringing the excess together just below the top of the bottle.
Secure the gathered paper with ribbon, raffia or twine, tied firmly enough to hold the tissue in place.
Step 6: Tag it for the recipient
Tie the ribbon into a bow and trim the ends if needed. Attach a gift tag if you're adding a message.
Fan out the tissue paper above the ribbon for a fuller, more decorative finish. Contrasting tissue colours, or a wide satin ribbon in place of raffia, can lift a basic wrap into something that looks more considered. The bottle is ready to give.
Frequently asked questions about gift wrapping a bottle
How do you wrap a beer bottle as a gift?
Beer bottles wrap well using the same tissue paper method, with a few adjustments. Beer bottles are shorter than wine bottles, so two sheets of tissue paper is usually enough. The neck is thinner and often finished with a crown cap rather than a cork, so the gathered tissue at the top ties off more compactly. For a multi-bottle beer gift, a bottle bag or presentation box is usually quicker than wrapping each bottle individually.
What do I need to gift wrap a bottle?
Tissue paper, ribbon (or raffia or twine), and scissors. A gift tag is optional but adds a personal touch. Three sheets of tissue paper is a good starting point for a standard wine bottle; two is usually enough for shorter bottles like beer. Choose tissue in a colour that matches the occasion, or use contrasting colours for a more decorative finish.
WBC's tissue paper gift wrap is available in a wide range of colours, and can be printed with your company name and logo using our personalisation service in up to 10 working days from artwork sign-off.
