Here’s a quick, but super-handsome method to wrap a bottle for a man.
Caution: Don’t use one of HIS shirts for this one, or your gift may be received in a less-than-welcome fashion.
You’ll need:
One long-sleeved dress shirt (makes two bottle-wraps!)
Spray starch
Rubber band
1-1/2” wide ribbon
Scissors
Iron the shirt sleeves and cuffs, use a little bit of spray starch to really make the finished product look perfect.
Place shirt on table, lay bottle on sleeve, with the top of the bottle about 1” below the edge of the cuff. Measure about 4” below the bottle’s bottom, and cut sleeve off.
Turn the sleeve inside out, secure the bottom with a rubber band. Place bottle inside the sleeve to verify you have the right length.
Slide rubber band close to the bottom of the bottle, as shown.
Once you’re satisfied with the height of the sleeve, remove bottle and cut away excess fabric. Turn sleeve right-side out, and insert bottle.
Note: If you’re giving a bottle of wine or champagne, the punt at the bottom (that’s the dent in the base) will accommodate the gathered fabric. If you’re giving a flat-bottomed bottle, you’ll have to sew the fabric, to minimize the ‘bump’ on the underside.
Add tie-ribbon to bottle, using the four-in-hand knot. It’s pretty easy, find out how to tie it here:
http://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Tie
Adjust tie and “collar,” trim ribbon-tie if necessary, and present your gift. Works beautifully for a wine bottle, but equally good with a nice bottle of scotch, fancy flavored vinegar, even aftershave!
GREAT TIP: Reserve remaining shirt fabric, cut into squares, and make into sachets for him. Fill with lavender (great for repelling insects, not too girly-smelling). Other unisex scents include peppermint, citrus and cinnamon.