DIY Wedding and Party Ideas Part 3 - Furoshiki

In the past, furoshiki were mostly used for carrying objects, or wrapping gifts. Today, these simple Japanese cloths are used for many every day uses as well as decoration.

Since furoshiki are available in different sizes that range anywhere from 20cm squared to 3m squared, it's perfect for many different decorations and wrapping larger, more awkward objects.

The simplest, and perhaps most beautiful use is as gift wrapping.

While guests can wrap gifts in the different stunning furoshiki available, they can also receive little keepsakes from the wedding couple. Wrapping small items is as simple as tying a couple of knots.

They are quick to use and the results are always beautiful no matter what the item being wrapped may be. The fabric naturally contours the object and the tied knots create a lovely fabric bow. If you have a plain furoshiki cloth and would like a little more detail, adding a mizuhiki or origami charm with a personalized note would compliment the look very nicely.

If you would like to continue with the furoshiki theme, tie one on the guest book or menu (if you have them) as lovely fabric covers. All you have to do is lay the book flat and centered on the fabric, making sure the colour/pattern is showing from the outside, then knot the ends tightly at the corners from the inside. This not only gives a look of little rosettes, but also allows for the pages to be tucked in to keep a particular page open. If the knots may seem to be a bit too much, a simple backing of double-sided tape will hold it well, and the cloth can still be used for other functions later on.

Placing the cloths instead of plain napkins will certainly dress up any table setting, or even placing on over the chairs will add a great splash of colour throughout the room.

The smaller furoshiki cloths are lovely to wrap around glassware and drink bottles, not only to decorate, but also absorb any condensation. Other options are to place them under dishes as small decorative placemats, or even around centrepieces for each table.

The possibilities are endless, so play around with furoshiki and mix them with other decorations like mizuhiki and origami.