Preserving Memories with a Ribbon Box
The holidays are here so this weekend my ribbon box came into play!
My late grandmother had a box. Ribbon she saved from packages opened over the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and more. It was ribbons that she saved because they were too pretty to throw away. Some ribbon she re-used…some ribbon she just kept because she thought it was special. Her ribbon box was filled with treasures…memories of special occasions…filled with color, glitter and sparkle. It was fitting that my sweet loving happy cheerful grandmother would have a box that was just for happy times and all about giving…a box filled with ribbon to send presents and gifts off with a bit of flare.
Creating a Modern Ribbon Tradition
I now have my own ribbon box. I find myself from time to time-saving pretty ribbon that comes off of packages or collecting new ribbon I love. All waiting to be used for the first time or recycled as a gift for family, friends, and loved ones. I love the idea of a box just for my ribbon collection. Thank you, Grandma!
A Last-Minute Lifesaver
One day years ago, my sis DS came to my house…she was on her way to work…rushing…she said, “I need this present wrapped…for my assistant…what do I do?”. I said, “Let me go check my ribbon box.” She looked at me perplexed. Then I went straight into my hall closet and the top shelf to a box marked “Ribbons” and much to her delight, surprise, and amusement, I opened my treasure trove. Sis DS said, “Who has a ribbon box? Oh my gosh.” I said, “Grandma did…and so do I”.
Here are just a few goodies from my box. Have been wrapping a lot of packages in brown paper and grosgrain this year.
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| Holiday ribbon found in my box…some old…some new… |
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| A gold mesh wire ribbon! |
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| Love the subtle embossed pattern along the edge of this red wire grosgrain ribbon…don’t remember what present it came on years ago…but it will certainly be reused! |
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| Have been wrapping presents in brown Kraft paper and striped grosgrain ribbon this year! (above) |
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| From the COCOCOZY office…this is the signature black and white monarch stripe grosgrain ribbon we use to wrap all of our COCOCOZY gift items. (above) |
Do you have a ribbon box? What is your annual gift wrapping tradition? Anything you inherited from a loved one as part of what you do as far as gifts?
Shared Traditions and Treasures
One other tradition I have is wrapping a million presents on Christmas Eve – either that is tradition or procrastination. This year I can’t. I am making Christmas Eve dinner for 18 people! 18 people for dinner. Doing my dinner at sis DS’s house. Today must figure out flowers for the tables and start prepping food tonight!
Happy Monday! Happy Holidays!
xo
Coco
I hadn’t heard of a ribbon box before this post, but now I’m thinking of starting one myself. Your grandmother had a great idea and it looks like you enjoy keeping the tradition alive!
I too have a ribbon box, I love it, all are new ribbon tha I have purchased, and love all beautiful ribbon, hard to not buy went not needed, especially at this time of year!
Thank you for this wonderful story!
My mom saves ribbon. We give her a hard time about being so thrifty, but we are always grateful that she has something useful when we need it. I used a bough that we cut off her Christmas tree and found a beautiful piece of burlap ribbon that made a wonderful bow. All found items that didn’t cost anything–very fun!
Wishing you a joyous holiday. I have a feeling that 2014 is going to be a great year. xoxo