"Even just a plain white piece ... with texture is beautiful for me." That's how Jana Svrzo, the manager of Paper Source in Washington, D.C., sees the world of paper. Svrzo's insights on gift wrapping:

Q. What's new in wrapping?

A. Glitter is a never-ending trend. There are also natural things going on: reds, browns and moss green, (which are) natural Christmas colors. There's a totally different trend, which is paper from India with bright pinks and purples.

Q. How is that different from styles that were popular five years ago?

A. Every year people have a mood that they're in. There were years when it was a lot of primary colors and dots, very geometric. A lot of people are wanting to do a more traditional holiday experience this year.

Q. Are there any new trends in bows?

A: A square bow is always a good standard. With bright Indian designs, people are looking for an opposite color. With the more natural trend, people are tying knots, postal-package style. A lot of people forgo bows and do a paper sash. That's a nice way to add some contrast.

Q. What's the least expensive way to make a package look pretty?

A. You can take something as simple as a piece of solid paper and use a stamp to make your own pattern. Go through old papers to see if you can piece them together to make a bigger sheet. Take a plain box and, instead of wrapping it completely, just do a strip around it. That will make your paper go a lot further.

Q. What are your tips for people who are concerned about being green?

A. A Nepalese paper called lokta is made from a renewable process. ... Reuse the paper that you have. Be creative about using the scraps. Make gift tags.