When I first saw Carta Varese wrapping paper a few years ago at Goods for the Study, McNally Jackson’s stationery store, it stopped me in my tracks. It seemed to be from another era than the rolls I buy at the dollar store: The patterns were ancient yet zingy, with colors so rich you’d think the ink was still wet.
After doing some research, I found out my instinct was right: The paper has been in production in Italy since the 1600s. Today, it’s manufactured in Florence using a printing process described by its distributor, the German company boxes, albums, books, and booklets” and is also used to decorate dollhouses or as “cupboard paper” to line drawers.
The craft store 32 Degrees North has the widest stock of patterns, plus a ton of other charming holiday decorations, like die-cut foil stars. I like to order in November, since some patterns sell out. (The store recommends ordering by December 15 for the best chance of delivery by Christmas.) Two sheets of roughly 14-by-20-inch paper cost $8, so it’s precious enough that I use it only for gifts that are book-size or smaller. (For bigger packages, I’ll buy a roll from the dollar store or City Papery.)
Putting in my 32 Degrees North order has become a holiday tradition: I’ll open a million tabs, then settle on three or four patterns I like together. I always end up using them — and not just during December. The patterns are so unique that they’re only contextually holiday-coded; a red pattern that looks Christmassy under the tree also works for a birthday in July.
The contenders
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Carta Varese Red Dot Wrapping Paper
Here are three patterns I’ve bought in previous years, which I considered rebuying this year. I love them all, especially the red-bandana print, but I must continue to surprise my gift recipients, so I closed the tabs.
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An interesting, vaguely floral pattern of asymmetrical sunbursts in a rectangular grid.
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This red geometric pattern reminds me of wax-resist dye techniques.
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I also really liked this mezzotint green basket weave.
What I bought
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Carta Varese Brown Palms Print Paper
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I ended up with four botanical patterns, three brights and one brown: a lime-green weird floral, a red-flower pattern (a repeat purchase), a chocolate-brown palm print, and a dense ditsy floral.
More From The Strategist
- An Advent Calendar for Every Kind of Person
- 65 New Yorkers in Their Favorite Coats and Jackets
- Everything I Use to Survive My Annual 24-Hour Flight to Western Australia
- Ask Kim France: I’m Really Confused About Pants!
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