How to Decorate a Christmas Tree with Bows and Ribbon
Making our home feel festive is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. Today’s post is all about how to decorate a Christmas tree with bows, four different ways!
Whether you are decorating a real tree or an artificial tree, this is a great way to achieve the designer look. And the best part: it’s budget friendly too.
If you are looking for an easy way to change up your holiday decor this year, I hope you find these Christmas tree ribbon ideas inspiring. We’ll cover velvet ribbons, wired-edge ribbon, and large Christmas tree bows.
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How to Tie Christmas Tree Bows
To begin, here are easy step-by-step instructions for tying bows on a Christmas tree. (I will include more tips in the sections below about different ways to style Christmas tree bows.)
1. Cut Ribbon Lengths
The easiest way to determine what length of ribbon you need is to tie a sample bow. Use about 2′ of ribbon for small bows with short tails, and 3′ or 4′ of ribbon for larger bows or bows with long tails.
Play around with your sample bow to make sure you like the overall design! For example, you can change the size of the ribbon loops and the tails to create different looks.
2. Choose Ribbon Placement
Secondly, decide where to place your bows.
If you also plan to use garland and/or ornaments, you can add these first to help with placement. Then, space the Christmas tree bows evenly. I recommend working from the top of the tree to the bottom.
3. Tie Ribbon on End of Tree Branch
Personally, I have always tied the bows to the end of the Christmas tree branches. But if you prefer, you can tie the bows first! Then, attach them to the tree with floral wire or an ornament hook. (This method would allow you to save the bows for next year.)
4. Finish Tying the Bow
For velvet bows or any type of patterned ribbon, make sure that the preferred side of the ribbon is facing out when you create the second loop. Orienting the ribbon in the correct direction can be a little tricky, but you can always adjust things once the bow is tied on the tree.
Now that we have covered the basics, keep reading for more ideas for decorating a Christmas tree with bows!
1. Colorful Christmas Tree with Velvet Bows
Here is our dining room Christmas tree theme for this year! Similar to our entryway table, I decided to use a whimsical and bright color scheme. (Here is our 7.5′ flocked tree.)
Type of Ribbon
It is important to choose the right ribbon for the look that you want to achieve. In this case, I used non-wired ribbon so that the end of the ribbon would hang naturally. This is velvet, but you could also use different types of ribbon such as silk or chiffon.
In addition, I used a combination of thicker ribbons (1″) and thinner ribbons (3/8″) for a vintage inspired look. If you have collected ribbons over the years, this would be such a special way to use them for holiday decor!
Finally, I decided to use different colors for my tree ribbons this year! Here are the exact ribbons I used:
- Red (1″)
- Lavender purple (1″)
- Coral pink (3/8″)
- Aquamarine (3/8″)
- Yellow (3/8″)
My personal style is learning towards more color lately, but you could also stick with neutral tones (see example below).
Christmas Tree Styling Tips
For this colorful Christmas tree, I decided to tie bows with small loops and long tails. I didn’t measure exactly, but I would say the ribbon length is about 3.5′. I wanted the brightly colored ribbon to be the focal point of the tree!
Apart from the ribbon, I used decorations that I already had. Tinsel ornaments and disco ball ornaments blend into the flocked tree while adding extra sparkle.
The colorful bows made such a huge difference! They also really pop against our new dark green walls. What do you think?
2. Traditional Christmas Tree with Velvet Ribbon Bows
Next up, here is another way to decorate a Christmas tree with bows made of velvet ribbons.
Type of Ribbon
Similar to the first design above, this Christmas tree uses non-wired velvet ribbon. I used this 3/8″ ribbon in burgundy, but you can also choose green, beige, or traditional red depending on your color scheme.
Christmas Tree Styling Tips
For this tree in our living room, I created small bows that would provide a pop of color on an otherwise neutral Christmas tree. I used a shorter length of ribbon of about 2.5′.
Other decorations included white berry picks, dried flowers, bead garland, and metallic ornaments for an elegant look. This straw star topper from Amazon looks exactly like mine from McGee and Co a few years ago!
Finally, here is our 7.5′ artificial tree if you are looking for one. My kids love that it has both white and colored lights with lots of fun settings!
3. Tree with Large Wire-Edged Ribbon Bows
Next, I’ll be sharing some creative ways to use wire-edged ribbon on a Christmas tree. First up is a look with large bows made of plaid ribbons!
Type of Ribbon
This Christmas tree design uses 2.5″ wired ribbon. My ribbon is several years old, but this plaid ribbon and this glittery ribbon are similar. The wired edge allows you to shape the bows and tails for a show-stopping look!
Christmas Tree Styling Tips
You will need to use 3.5′ – 4′ of ribbon for this look. (If you prefer Christmas bows with short tails, use about 3′ of ribbon instead.)
Create a large bow with the wired ribbon, fanning out the loops for volume. Then, create two or three waves in the tails by gently shaping the ribbon with your hands. You could also use a mason jar or other cylindrical shaped object to help create the waves.
This was our dining room Christmas tree a few years ago, and it was such a fun look. The red and white color scheme reminded me of Christmas candy. You can also use candy cane striped ribbon!
4. Vintage Inspired Waterfall Ribbon Christmas Tree
Finally, here is another way to style wired ribbon on a Christmas tree for a designer look.
Type of Ribbon
Similar to the tree above, this design uses 2.5″ wide ribbon. You could go a little narrower or wider too! I love this blue velvet ribbon and this glittery ribbon. Here is some vintage inspired plaid ribbon similar to mine.
Christmas Tree Styling Tips
While planning this Christmas tree in our living room, I was feeling nostalgic about the trees I remember seeing in the mall when I was a kid. So, I wanted to mimic the waterfall ribbon!
To create this look, you can use the entire spool of ribbon and work your way around the tree, creating waves as you go. Alternatively, you can cut 4′ strips of ribbon. Wrap the first end around a branch, create a few large waves, and then wrap the second edge around another branch.
Often waterfall Christmas tree ribbon flows from the top to the bottom, hence the “waterfall” reference. I decided to go around the tree, but I love both designs!
I also created an easy bow tree topper! This is a great option if you want to keep your Christmas tree decorations simple. (And maybe avoid the struggle of making the star stay on, lol.)
Christmas Tree with Bows Conclusion
I hope you found these Christmas tree ribbon ideas helpful today! I would love to hear how you are decorating your tree this year, so leave me a comment below.
For more Christmas decor ideas, check out these blog posts:
Wishing you a Merry Christmas, friend!
I’m Caitlin.
A creative homebody on a mission! Since 2017, I’ve been dreaming up ways to make our builder grade house feel like home. Blogging every step of the way, my goal is to help you create a space that is cozy and functional. I write about decorating, organizing ideas, and DIY projects, plus occasional gift guides. Grab a cup of tea and let’s make home cozy!
