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The perfect way to tie it all together. Retractable Lanyard For Id Badge
Settling on a Christmas tree theme can be as painstaking as landing on a gift idea for the dad who has everything. Although unlike gifting ideas, tree options seem never-ending: rainbow ombré or white-on-white? Popsicle stick ornaments or faux turtle doves? Traditional rustic or vintage kitschy? In fact, Tannenbaum-triggered decision fatigue could send you into a psychogenic fever if you’re not careful. While we’re not doctors (consult a physician if you think that is even an actual medical condition), we have just the cure for making the tree-theme decision a no-brainer this year: Focus on ribbon.
Sure, the ornaments and star topper usually have all the bravado, but the ribbon—often the last-minute finishing touch—is the real star of the show. Whether it’s metallic satin strands, desaturated velvet (yep, that’s a thing) bows, or no-fuss thick burlap, these textures, at full length, can be the true bling on your fir beauty. “Ribbon is the unassuming detail that can really upscale your tree,” says professional tree decorator and florist Julia Testa. “An oversize ribbon as a tree topper is not only a creative alternative to a traditional star or angel, but it gives wonderful height and drama.” And the options for ribbon bling are endless, says Minneapolis-based interior designer (and self-professed ribbon aficionado) Erin Haugeurd. “You can create bows, weave it through the branches, or drape it in elegant loops,” she says.
As for how to achieve that high-toned finesse, Haugerud says the key, first, lies in choosing the right ribbon. “Make sure the ribbon you choose is the right width and texture for your tree,” she explains. “Thinner ribbons work well for small trees, while wider ribbons are better for larger trees. Satin or velvet ribbons are great for a classic, elegant look, while jute or plaid ribbons can give your tree a more relaxed feel.”
You then begin adding ribbon to your tree before any other ornaments. “Ribbon comes first,” Haugerud advises. “This will set the stage before the rest of the pieces and ornaments on the tree.” She first fluffs the branches and separates them from one another. “This makes it easier to weave the ribbon in and out of the branches,” she says. Next, you attach it by pinching the wired ribbon to the branch, then draping it down the tree, tucking it in and out of the branches as you go. Hot tip: Haugeurd attaches the bows to a clip that holds onto the branches. And finally, take a step back. “Take a look at your tree from a distance,” she advises. “If any empty spots or areas look too cluttered, adjust the ribbon as needed until you’re happy with the overall look.”
For interior designer Shea McGee (whose Christmas-tree-styling skills are the stuff of your wildest Pinterest dreams) , the goal is to create balance throughout while avoiding any straight lines or repetitive placement. “Just like in art, randomness is often the hardest to achieve,” she says. “You can do this by using two different colors that tie into the color palette, two different widths to create a visual break, or two different materials, like velvet and silk.”
Whether it’s a classy satin strand that cascades downward or a series of statement velvet bows, a grosgrain flourish or a rustic rippling burlap interweave, ribbon can create a style-worthy precedent that will have all the other considerations falling into place (all the while, cleverly covering your tree’s inevitable bare patches). So before you start breaking out in holiday stress hives, read on for 36 Christmas tree ribbon ideas for every tree theme. Breathe easy and cue the twinkling lights!
In Identité Collective’s Anastasia Casey’s cozy living room, strands of white ribbon are effortlessly placed at the tips of the tree branches. When alight, it’s a veritable luminescent light show. “I chose to give the tree vertical visual interest for added height and grandeur,” Casey says.
A classic coastal color palette never looked this good. Enter: Cailini Coastal’s Meg Young, who opted for an arrangement of blues and white (with a touch of gold for a little holiday glamour) to complement the aesthetic of her California seaside home. “I used two ribbons, our Blue Christmas Velvet ribbon and our Coastal Christmas Herringbone ribbon,” Young says. “A few tree picks like white berries and gold leaves and coastal-themed ornaments in the same color palette complete the look!” We’re feeling blue—in the best of ways!
While Shea McGee, who’s known for her signature classic yet modern rustic touch, says she’s not one to lean too hard into a theme, “I do like to work within a color palette,” she surmises. “Each year this starts with the ribbon—sometimes it’s traditional red; sometimes I’m drawn to muted shades of mossy green or burgundy.” Here, a wooden bead garland snakes through the branches, interspersed with small bows at the branch tips. Proof that holiday themes can be sophisticated in the loveliest of ways.
For a new take on an old classic, think beyond textiles and festoon your Tannenbaum beauty with metallic star wire garlands and moon-shaped ornaments. A sprinkle of flocked snow and wintry birds from Anthropologie is the final flourish that brings this conifer up to Macy’s window-display standards.
Based in Utah, McGee would be missing out if she wasn’t spending the holidays somewhere mountainside. This towering tree is decked out with thick hanging bows and velvet ribbon that elegantly droops down from its branch perch. The look pairs perfectly with beaded garlands and glass ornaments. Our favorite detail? The gilded bells held by leather strings. Fa-la-la-la-la!
If rich tones and gold accents—not to mention, berry bundles and charming birds—are your signature aesthetic, then Erin Haugerud’s voluminous ribboned tree is just what your living room needs this season. Casual, cascading strands of thick, gold-threaded ribbon are balanced out by dainty bows for a holiday theme that is as classy as it is jolly. “Adding ribbon to your Christmas tree is all about having fun and expressing your personal style,” Haugerud adds. “Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things until you find a design that you love!”
We’re all about working smarter, not harder. And Amelia Lawrence Style’s Amy Pugh knows just the right regalia that would impress any guest: blue velvet ribbon. “With the holidays being such a busy time of year, incorporating velvet bows is an easy way to create an effortless, timeless Christmas tree,” says Pugh, who put this look together using 3/8-inch and one-inch navy blue velvet ribbon in two different lengths. “I love this look because it doesn’t feel overdone; it has a rather less-is-more feel while still embracing a modern elegance.” Take a bow!
Who says you have to stick with green and red? Take some inspiration from interior designer Darryl Carter’s Washington, D.C., home and add a dash of sunshine to your neutral palette. To balance out the orange-yellow ribbons, he placed a similarly toned piece of artwork on the adjoining wall. “While I generally tend toward a neutral palette, I went with the bright orange because in my mind’s eye it is a happy color,” says Carter.
We shudder to imagine how mundane this dazzling Tannenbaum would be without the dashing, blue velvet accent that is weaved throughout. It’s another Haugerud classic, which is a fitting ingenuity amid the rainbow renaissance many have claimed we are currently in. “Adding ribbon to a Christmas tree is a great way to add some extra flair and personality to your holiday decor,” Haugerud explains, ”while also creating a cohesive and polished look.” ’Tis the season to show all our colors!
When it comes to imaginative holiday spaces, J’adore Lexie Couture’s Lexie Pyfrom’s frosted dream-of-a-Christmas-tree seems like a fitting counterpart to the mythical North Pole. Only pinker. “It goes without saying that blush pink is an essential staple for this look and I bring that to the overall design with ribbon,” Pyfrom says. It’s the standout magic maker here—the buttery blush pink silk bow that cascades effortlessly downward. For those of you taking notes, Pyfrom says she starts by weaving it in, working from the top to the bottom. From there, she tops it off with small to large metallic-pink ornaments. Her inspiration? “I always find myself inspired by the Nutcracker ballet,” Pyfrom says. “It was a family tradition of ours to go every year. Naturally I was moved by the beauty of the scenes, the dancers, and the costumes.”
Haven’t you heard? Maximalism is the new minimalism. And this tree by Jen Woodhouse is honing excess in all the right ways: Tufts of metallic gold-and-copper-toned ribbon weave in and out, alongside cobalt blue ornaments and faux magnolia blooms. A sprig of glittery branches is the ultimate topper. In this case, more is more!
If you like bows, berries, dried oranges, bells, candles, onion-shaped ornaments, wooden trinkets, and stars—then this is your tree, which has little branch room to spare. Another McGee creation, we’re loving this maximalist interpretation of a rustic decorator. “Relaxed ribbons tied or draped onto the tree’s branches add a softness to the overall look,” she explains. “Loose, flowing textiles like velvet or silk feel fanciful and romantic—let them hang long or use oversize ribbon for an extra dose of drama.” Cue the twinkly lights.
Cloth ribbons are as classic as it gets, but maybe this year you’re ready to go a little outside the box—or tree—with creamy waves of pampas. Bonus: You can even replace your traditional star topper with these natural flourishes.
If you’re dreaming of a red Christmas, keep it simple with plaid ribbons and faux poinsettias. Here, Jen Woodhouse tucked the wired ribbon in a downward direction, pairing smaller red translucent ribbons as accents. The result is a fail-safe Christmas setup that is both jovial and elegant.
If red and green has become humdrum, go for the gilded look with a monochromatic gold Christmas tree. Festoon the branches with metallic bows, then fill in with gold and white ornaments. Top it off with metallic icicle tinsel and a glittery gold tree topper. Bonus points if you carry the theme out into the rest of the space with wreaths, garlands, and mantel decorations. This decadent evergreen will exude both modernity and warmth—not to mention festivity in spades.
This red-and-pink statement tree from Martha Stewart is sure to be the talk of your next at-home hangout. Create that bold and beautiful effect with monochrome colors. A candy cane ribbon is gathered together to form three petals near the top, then tucked into the tree, loosened as it descends. Textured snow has been sprayed on the branches for high contrast. And finally—the tree topper is the cherry on top. Literally.
Reconnect with your inner child and add a touch of whimsy to your tree this season with a paper chain. Intermingled with family heirlooms and playful ornaments, a tree like this brings back all the nostalgic holiday vibes. Because nobody puts baby in a corner—unless baby lights up that corner as fabulously as this evergreen dream.
If you want to make your ribbon-clad tree blend in with the rest of your space, take a cue from Just Destiny's Destiny Alfonso. The blogger paired her all-white room with a flocked tree, complete with coordinating ornaments, lights, and a thick ribbon. The result? A setup that makes a statement but doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the space.
Why settle for one ribbon when you can incorporate a few? Kelley Nan coated her pastel Christmas tree with strands of varying colors, patterns, and textiles. (Here, the lifestyle expert used a floral ribbon, coarser weave, and a translucent green option.) Rounding out the look are strategically placed pine cones and dainty blooms. Check out Nan’s step-by-step guide to recreating the look here.
For a finishing touch that’s sweet, seasonal, and shockingly simple, consider tying some bows on free branches. Let Jewel Marlowe show you how it’s done.
Rachel Silva, the Assistant Digital Editor at ELLE DECOR, covers design, architecture, trends, and anything to do with haute couture. She has previously written for Time, The Wall Street Journal, and Citywire.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
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