Easter is one of those lovely times of year where the little details really matter. The chocolate is important, obviously, but there's something so satisfying about handing over a gift that looks genuinely beautiful before it's even been opened. If you've never tried decorating your wrapping with dried flowers, this is the year to give it a go.
It's much simpler than it looks, and the results are really something special.
What You'll Need
Before you get started, gather together a few bits and bobs:
- Some wrapped gifts (kraft paper or plain pastel paper works a treat)
- Twine, ribbon, or raffia
- A small selection of dried flowers and foliage. Lavender, strawflowers, bunny tail grass, gypsophila, and eucalyptus all work beautifully
- A decent pair of scissors
- Optionally, a sprig of dried rosemary or thyme if you'd like a subtle fragrance
Step 1: Pick the Right Paper
Dried flowers look their best against simple, unfussy backgrounds. Kraft brown paper has a lovely rustic, cottagecore feel that's very on trend right now, while matte pastel paper in sage, blush, or cream keeps things soft and appropriately springlike. It's best to steer clear of busy patterns and let the flowers take centre stage.
Step 2: Sort Your Ribbon First
Once your gift is wrapped up neatly, tie your twine or ribbon around it and leave a decent length on both ends. You'll use this to hold your little floral bundle in place later on. Raffia gives a wonderfully earthy, natural finish, while velvet ribbon in dusty rose or sage feels a bit more luxurious if you're going for something a touch more special.
Step 3: Put Together Your Posy
Gather your dried stems into a small posy, layering different textures and heights as you go. A good approach is to work with one focal flower such as a strawflower or dried rose, one or two filler stems like gypsophila or lavender, and one trailing or feathery element such as bunny tail grass or pampas. Keep the posy fairly compact so it sits neatly on top of the gift rather than taking over entirely.
Step 4: Fix It in Place
Lay your posy on top of the gift and use the ribbon or twine tails to tie it securely. Be gentle as you do this because dried stems can be a little fragile. Once it's tied, take a moment to fan out the flowers and adjust anything that's shifted out of place.
Step 5: Don't Forget a Tag
A handwritten gift tag tucked beneath the ribbon, just beside the flowers, ties the whole thing together beautifully. It doesn't need to be anything elaborate. A simple kraft or cream tag with a few warm words is all it takes to make it feel really personal.
Colour Palettes to Try This Easter
If you're not sure where to start with colour, here are three combinations that work really well with dried flowers for Easter:
- Soft and Romantic: Blush pink strawflowers, white gypsophila, and pale lavender tied with a dusty rose velvet ribbon on cream paper. This one is perfect if you're gifting to someone who loves a delicate, feminine aesthetic.
- Earthy and Natural: Wheat stems, dried eucalyptus, and bunny tail grass tied with natural raffia on kraft paper. Simple, unfussy, and genuinely beautiful. This palette works especially well for minimalist or eco-conscious recipients.
- Bold Spring Brights: Bright yellow strawflowers, orange carthamus, and deep purple lavender on white matte paper with a mustard yellow ribbon. A bit more playful and eye-catching, this one is brilliant for children's Easter gifts or anyone who likes a bit of colour.
Where to Buy Dried Flowers for Gift Wrapping in the UK
You don't need a huge amount of dried flowers to make an impact on gift wrapping, which makes it a wonderfully affordable option. Here are a few places to source what you need:
Small bundles and posies from independent UK dried flower shops (like ours!) are ideal because they're already arranged with variety in mind. You can also find individual stems at craft shops, farm shops, and some garden centres, particularly in spring. If you're planning ahead, buying online gives you the widest choice of colours and varieties.
A Few Helpful Tips
Dried flowers are quite delicate, so it's worth letting your recipient know to handle the wrapping carefully, or to remove the posy before opening so they can keep it as a little decoration afterwards. If the gift is travelling any distance or spending time outdoors, pop some tissue paper around it inside and keep the dried flowers sheltered. And if you'd like an extra sensory touch, lavender and dried rosemary both carry a gentle, natural fragrance that makes the whole thing feel even more considered.
The Gift Before the Gift
There's something genuinely lovely about a present that's been wrapped with a bit of thought and care. Dried flower gift wrapping tells the person receiving it that you've paid attention to every detail, and the best part is that they can keep the flowers long after the Easter weekend is over as a little reminder of the occasion.
If you're looking for dried flowers that are perfect for gift wrapping, have a browse through our Easter dried flower edit for small bundles and posies that are ready to use this spring.
If you're looking for a ready-to-gift arrangement, our dried flower bouquet collection has hand-tied options that pair well with the wrapping ideas above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make my own dried flowers for gift wrapping?
Absolutely, and it's a really satisfying thing to do. The simplest method is to bunch your fresh flowers together, secure them with an elastic band, and hang them upside down in a warm, dry spot with good airflow for around two to three weeks. Lavender, roses, and strawflowers all dry particularly well at home. Just bear in mind that colours can fade slightly during the drying process, which is all part of their charm.
How do I stop dried flowers from shedding on the wrapping paper?
A very light mist of hairspray over the finished posy can help to hold everything in place and reduce shedding. Hold the can at least 30cm away and use a quick, light spray rather than soaking the flowers. This is especially useful if the gift is being transported.
Will dried flowers survive being posted?
They can, but they do need a bit of extra care. If you're posting a gift with dried flowers attached, wrap the whole thing loosely in tissue paper or cellophane before boxing it up. A firm, well-padded box is essential. It's also worth attaching a small note inside letting the recipient know there's something delicate on the outside.
Are dried flowers suitable for people with hay fever?
Generally speaking, yes. Because dried flowers have had their moisture removed, they no longer release pollen in the same way that fresh flowers do, making them a much more comfortable option for hay fever sufferers. That said, everyone is different, so it's always worth checking with the recipient if you know they have particularly severe allergies.
What's the best way to store dried flowers before I use them?
Keep them somewhere cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight. A cupboard or a shelf out of bright light is ideal. Avoid bathrooms or anywhere with humidity as this can cause the flowers to reabsorb moisture and lose their shape. If they came in a box, keeping them in there until you're ready to use them is a good idea.
How long will dried flowers last on a wrapped gift?
In good conditions, dried flowers can last for many months and even years, so they're perfectly happy sitting on a gift for a few days before it's given. Once the recipient has unwrapped their present, they can pop the posy in a small vase, hang it on the wall, or use it as a decoration in its own right.
