15 Stunning Ways to Decorate With Ribbon This Christmas
If there’s one Christmas decorating trend that’s about to make everything look a little more magical, it’s ribbons and bows! 🎀
And honestly, I’m here for it. There’s something about a beautiful velvet bow tied around a wreath, a cascade of ribbon on a Christmas tree, or a pretty satin ribbon wrapped around a candle that makes your home feel instantly more festive.
The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune on new Christmas decorations to get the look. A few rolls of ribbon can transform decorations you already own into something that looks straight out of a Christmas decorating magazine.
Whether you love traditional red bows, luxurious velvet, delicate satin or rustic farmhouse styles, these Christmas ribbon decorating ideas will inspire you to add a little extra charm to your home this holiday season.
Ready to give your Christmas decor a ribbon refresh? Here are 15 beautiful ways to try the trend!
1. Tie Oversized Bows on Your Christmas Tree
If you want your Christmas tree to look effortlessly beautiful, oversized bows are a wonderful place to start.
Choose a ribbon that complements your existing decorations, whether that’s classic red velvet, champagne satin, burgundy velvet or a traditional plaid. Tie generous bows and tuck them throughout the branches, spacing them evenly so the tree feels balanced.
For a more dramatic look, use long ribbon tails that cascade down the branches. You can even skip some of the traditional baubles and let the bows become the main attraction.
Styling tip: Choose wired ribbon if you want your bows to hold their shape and look full throughout the season.
2. Add a Velvet Bow to Your Christmas Wreath
A wreath is already a beautiful Christmas decoration, but adding a large velvet bow can make it feel extra special.
Try a deep red bow for a traditional Christmas look, forest green for something elegant, or chocolate brown for a rich, understated finish. You can also use burgundy, navy or soft champagne if you prefer something a little different.
Place the bow at the top of your wreath for a classic style or at the bottom for a more relaxed, European-inspired look.
Busy decorator bonus: A beautiful bow can refresh last year’s wreath without buying an entirely new one.
3. Decorate Your Staircase With Ribbon
If you have a staircase, don’t let it miss out on the Christmas decorating fun!
Drape evergreen garland along your banister and finish it with ribbon bows at regular intervals. For a traditional look, try red velvet ribbon against lush greenery. For a softer aesthetic, choose cream or champagne ribbon.
You can also let long ribbon tails hang down from the bows for extra movement and visual interest.
Styling tip: Keep the bows evenly spaced for a polished look, and make sure the garland and ribbon don’t interfere with safe use of the staircase.
4. Wrap Ribbon Around Your Christmas Presents
Your gifts can become part of your Christmas decor, too!
Instead of hiding all your beautifully wrapped presents until Christmas morning, arrange a few beneath the tree and use ribbon to make them part of the display.
Try kraft paper with red velvet ribbon for a rustic traditional look, cream wrapping paper with satin bows for an elegant aesthetic, or plaid ribbon for a cozy farmhouse feel.
Mix different ribbon widths while keeping your colour palette consistent.
The best part? Your presents become decorations before they’re even opened!
5. Tie Ribbons Around Candle Holders
This is one of the easiest ways to bring the ribbon trend into your home without committing to a full decorating makeover.
Wrap a length of ribbon around a glass hurricane vase, a candle holder or a decorative jar, then finish with a neat bow. Velvet and satin both work beautifully, depending on the look you’re after.
Try burgundy ribbon for a rich Christmas feel or soft cream for a more understated display.
Styling tip: Keep ribbon well away from flames and hot surfaces. Battery-operated candles are a lovely option for ribbon-decorated displays.
6. Give Your Christmas Garland a Ribbon Makeover
Christmas garland is gorgeous on its own, but ribbon can make it look even more luxurious.
Weave ribbon through greenery on your mantel, dining table or console. You can leave long lengths trailing through the branches or add individual bows at intervals.
For a traditional look, combine red ribbon with evergreen garland and pinecones. For a more elegant style, use velvet in burgundy, forest green or chocolate brown.
Styling tip: Let the ribbon follow the natural shape of the greenery rather than forcing it into perfectly straight lines.
7. Add a Bow to Your Dining Room Chairs
Want your Christmas dining room to look a little more special this year?
Tie beautiful bows around the backs of your dining chairs. Velvet ribbon works wonderfully for a formal Christmas dinner, while linen-style or plaid ribbon creates a more relaxed, rustic atmosphere.
For a cohesive tablescape, repeat the ribbon colour in your napkins, centrepiece or place settings.
You don’t need to decorate every chair, either. A few statement bows can look just as beautiful.
Busy hostess bonus: This is a simple way to make your dining room feel festive before guests even sit down.
8. Decorate Your Christmas Stockings With Ribbon
Christmas stockings are already charming, but swapping their hanging loops for beautiful ribbon can give them a fresh look.
Choose a ribbon colour that complements your stockings, then thread it through the hanging loop and tie a pretty bow. You can also add small ribbon bows to the stocking itself for extra detail.
Red velvet looks gorgeous with traditional stockings, while cream satin or plaid ribbon works beautifully with neutral and farmhouse styles.
Styling tip: Use sturdy ribbon and secure the stockings properly so they can safely hold their contents.
9. Add Ribbon to Your Christmas Tree Topper
If you want something a little different from the traditional star or angel, consider creating a statement ribbon topper.
Use several lengths of wired ribbon to form oversized loops and long tails that cascade down the top branches. You can combine two complementary ribbons, such as burgundy velvet and a subtle gold-edged ribbon, for extra dimension.
This look works particularly well on trees with a simple colour palette, where the ribbon can take centre stage.
Styling tip: Secure your topper firmly so it stays in place throughout the holidays.
10. Tie Bows Around Your Christmas Planters
Your outdoor Christmas decor deserves a little ribbon love, too!
Add oversized bows to planters filled with evergreen branches, mini Christmas trees or seasonal greenery. Red ribbon creates a classic festive look, while plaid adds a cozy farmhouse touch.
You can also tie ribbon around the pots themselves if they’re sturdy and weather-suitable.
For outdoor displays, choose ribbon that can withstand your local weather conditions, and secure it properly so it doesn’t blow away.
Easy decorating win: A simple bow can make an ordinary planter look ready for Christmas.
11. Create a Pretty Ribbon Chandelier
For a more whimsical Christmas decorating idea, try adding ribbon to a chandelier or decorative ceiling fixture.
Tie short lengths of ribbon around suitable decorative sections, or create a festive arrangement using a separate hanging hoop decorated with greenery and cascading ribbons.
Choose colours that complement your Christmas tree and dining room decor for a coordinated look.
Important: Never attach ribbon where it could contact bulbs, hot surfaces or moving parts. Keep all fabric away from electrical and heat sources, and use a separate decorative hoop if you’re unsure.
12. Decorate Your Kitchen Cabinets With Bows
Who says Christmas decorating should stop at the living room?
Tie small bows around suitable kitchen cabinet handles to bring a little festive charm into the heart of your home. Red velvet, green satin and traditional plaid are all lovely options.
This works especially well if you already have a few Christmas touches on your kitchen counters, such as a small evergreen arrangement or a festive cookie jar.
Just be mindful of drawers and cupboards you use frequently, and keep ribbon away from cooking areas, flames and hot appliances.
Styling tip: Smaller bows generally look best here. Save the oversized statement bows for your tree and wreaths!
13. Dress Up Your Christmas Table With Ribbon
A Christmas table is the perfect place to experiment with beautiful ribbon.
Tie bows around napkins, wrap ribbon around simple glass vases or let a length of velvet ribbon run down the centre of your table alongside greenery.
For an elegant look, combine cream linen napkins with champagne ribbon and gold accents. For a traditional Christmas table, try red ribbon with evergreen branches and white candles.
You can even use ribbon to tie name cards to napkins for a thoughtful finishing touch.
The secret: Repeat one or two ribbon colours throughout the table so everything feels coordinated rather than cluttered.
14. Add Ribbon to Your Bedroom Christmas Decor
Your bedroom can feel festive without turning into a second Christmas tree showroom!
Tie a large bow around a decorative pillow, add ribbon to a small wreath above your bed or use a pretty ribbon to finish a seasonal arrangement on your dresser.
Burgundy, forest green and cream are lovely choices for a cozy, sophisticated look.
If you prefer subtle seasonal decor, one or two ribbon accents may be all you need to make the room feel special.
Styling tip: Choose soft textures and colours that complement your existing bedding rather than introducing too many competing patterns.
15. An Abundance Of Christmas Ribbon Bows
Finally, why not make ribbon bows the star of your Christmas decorating?
You can create bows in different sizes using wired ribbon, satin or velvet, then use them throughout your home. Attach them to wreaths, garlands, planters, gift boxes and decorative baskets.
The trick is to vary the size depending on where each bow will go. Larger bows make a statement on trees and wreaths, while smaller ones look lovely on napkins, stockings and kitchen decorations.
You can even make several bows at once and use them across different rooms for a cohesive Christmas look.
Budget-friendly bonus: One roll of ribbon can go a surprisingly long way when you use it creatively.
Is Ribbon the Easiest Christmas Decorating Trend to Try?
If you’re looking for a simple way to refresh your Christmas decorations in 2026, ribbon is definitely worth considering.
From oversized tree bows and velvet wreath accents to pretty gift wrapping and festive dining tables, there are so many ways to incorporate ribbon into your Christmas decor without buying an entirely new collection of decorations.
My advice? Start with one or two ideas that suit your home and build from there. A beautiful bow on your wreath or a little velvet ribbon on your tree might be all it takes to give your Christmas decor that extra-special touch.
Because sometimes, the smallest details really do make the biggest difference!
Which ribbon decorating idea is your favourite? Are you team traditional red velvet, elegant champagne satin or cozy plaid? Let me know in the comments!
