Pan Demetrakakes

There are certain things you’ll see in most beer commercials on TV: attractive women, endearingly lunkheaded guys, streams of golden brew. And there’s one thing you’ll see in commercials for Miller Lite, Coors Light and other MillerCoors products: A reference to the packaging. “In all of our commercials, you will see a package featured,” says Curtis Babb, MillerCoors’ director of packaging materials and development. “It’s not just talking about the brand esoterically. It talks about the brand with the package, specific to that particular communication.”

Everyone likes to look rich, but no one likes to waste money. Giving your packaging an “upscale” look doesn’t have to break your budget. Here are a dozen hints to look like you’ve spent a lot on packaging without actually doing so.