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 holiday-induced 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 gold, velvet (yep, that’s a thing), or even burlap, it can be the true jewelry of our seasonal fir fixtures. “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.”
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 some stunning ribbon ensemble inspiration for every tree theme. Breathe easy and cue the twinkling lights!
1 Dreaming of a Blue Christmas
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.”
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.
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!
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.
11 Monochromatic and a Bit Dramatic
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.
If bows or strands of ribbon feel a tad overplayed, take a cue from Jeweled Interiors’ Jewel Marlowe. The designer folded small bits of ribbon, glued the middle together, and fastened each end with vintage buttons. To give her setup some extra texture, Marlowe adorned her tree with dimensional palm leaves.
15 Opt for a Textured Treatment
The key to a visually intriguing Christmas tree is mixing and matching different textures. This setup from Lia Griffith experiments with a satin ribbon, faux flowers, and tasseled ornaments. But the DIY expert uses a berry color palette throughout for an overall cohesive look.
For a Christmas ribbon idea that’s festive but not over-the-top, look to Diana Elizabeth Steffen’s setup for inspiration. The lacelike ribbon used here pops without upstaging the tree’s wooden beads, dried produce, and porcelain ornaments. Instead, the ribbon works hard to create an effortlessly seasonal aesthetic.
17 Create a Floral Bonanza
Contrary to popular belief, a ribbon doesn’t have to be the only wow factor of your Christmas tree. Lifestyle blogger Monica Wants It intersperses various ribbons with large, blooming flowers.
You can pack on the drama by draping your ribbon vertically. Taryn Whiteaker used a black satin ribbon to give her Christmas tree an eye-catching, liquid effect.
19 Incorporate Some Laissez-Faire Flair
Give your Christmas tree an effortlessly cool energy by draping a few strands of ribbon over the branches. Zenia Olivares of Style It Pretty Home pairs this styling trick with a neutral color palette.
20 Weave Blue Through Your Boughs
Weave bundles of blue ribbon through the boughs of your tree for a decadent effect that brings the frozen beauty of winter indoors, courtesy of BlueGrayGal.
Complete your tree trimming like this tree from Making Home Base, with a singular, statement-making bow and carry the theme through with smaller swatches of the same color on lower branches.
For this evergreen design on This Charming Life, snake glimmering braided ribbon around the tree for a subtle hint of glitz, then soften the effect with a neutral tree topper.
23 Keep It Merry and Bright
Channel simpler times this season, The Merrythought-style with colorful ornaments in dynamic midcentury shapes, then tie the whole thing together with a silvery stripe of ribbon.
24 Add Some Rustic Touches
Roughly woven ribbon printed with a simple seasonal motif lends rustic comfort to this tree design by Christopher Hiedeman, who accentuates the frosted pine cones and glimmering ornaments.
Warm tartan ribbon in shades of red and yellow serves to dress up a quiet country Christmas tree like this Christopher Hiedeman classic, especially when paired with cranberry-hued bunches of decorative berries.
Take inspiration from The Turquoise Home, who trimmed their tree with curls of buffalo check ribbon, then paired it with wooden ornaments and oversized snowflakes.
Red and green might be the de facto colors of the season, but Just Destiny Mag illustrates how simple black and white, with neutral sleigh ornaments, make a chic statement on this boldly bedecked tree.
For a cheerful coastal Christmas, swags of ribbon in shades of cream and straw pair with distinctive sea stars and an airy waterfront color scheme.
Lia Griffith nails it on this one. The striped pattern on this rough, wide ribbon in shades of red and café au lait calls candy canes to mind but takes on a decidedly arboreal feel when paired with tiny cardboard stags and carefully carved wooden snowflakes.
