Wondering What Type of Ribbon to Use on a Christmas Tree?
One of the first things to decide when you’re planning to put ribbon on the Christmas tree is what type of ribbon to use. Choosing ribbon really comes down to personal preference, but we’ll give you some things to consider to help you choose the best ribbon for a Christmas tree.
Colors, Patterns and Materials
There are several different approaches you can take when selecting your ribbon. The only requirement is that the ribbon you choose works with the colors and styles of your lights and ornaments. Here are some looks to consider:
- Reds and greens in solids or plaids have a traditional appeal.
- The red and black of a buffalo plaid pattern offers a comfortable, relaxed look.
- Bold colors make the ribbon decoration a focal point.
- Golds, silvers and sparkling metallics help create an elegant or glamourous look.
- Burlap material adds a rustic, homespun feel.
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Mesh gives a light feel and allows you to use the needles to help hold the ribbon in place.
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Patterns such as snowflakes, Christmas trees, holly and more can add a touch of fun.
Combining Multiple Ribbon Types
Multiple types of ribbon give you more opportunities to add color, texture and depth.
- Layer a couple of lengths ribbon by combining a wide base with a narrower top ribbon. For example, run a coarse burlap ribbon over a smooth, satiny ribbon or start with a solid-color base ribbon and top with a coordinating plaid.
- Make several runs with different types of ribbon, such as a run of solid ribbon and one of a shear or mesh ribbon.
How you combine them is up to you, but don’t go overboard. Combining more than three types of ribbon can be overpowering.
Ribbon Size
In general, ribbons between 2-1/2 inches and 5 inches wide are best on a Christmas tree and you can plan for about 9 to 10 feet of ribbon for each foot of tree height. These are just starting points, however. As with color and style, there’s flexibility with ribbon width and length to let you achieve your perfect look. Your tree size and shape are key factors in choosing a ribbon size.
- A wide ribbon looks best on a large, full tree, and the tree size gives you the opportunity to use a lot of ribbon.
- A thin ribbon looks better with a slim or pencil-style tree or a small tabletop tree.
- As with patterns and materials, combining ribbon widths can give a Christmas tree a distinctive look by layering on textures.
- Extra ribbon can work with lights, ornaments and decorative picks to fill in a tree that has a few gaps in the greenery.
Wired vs. Non-Wired Christmas Tree Ribbon
Wired Christmas tree ribbon is easier to work with than non-wired ribbon. It’s simple to adjust wired ribbon for the right look and it’ll stay in the shape you want. It’s also easier to create bold loops and billows with wired ribbon.
However, non-wired ribbon can work for many looks as well, especially if you just want to use smaller pieces of ribbon to decorate individual branches with small bows.
Reasons to Use Ribbon on a Tree
As with any tree decoration, adding ribbon to a Christmas tree gives you a chance to create a personalized, custom look. Decorating a tree with ribbon offers several other benefits:
- Ribbon can pull together your holiday theme or color scheme.
- Ribbon is relatively inexpensive, making it easy to change the look of your Christmas tree from year to year.
- Ribbon is easy to add to a tree, allowing you to try different designs and find the one that’s perfect for you.
- Ribbon can make a Christmas tree stand out with a bold, colorful and dimensional appeal.
- Ribbon can quickly add a touch of elegance, sophistication or extravagance to your tree.
How to Decorate a Christmas Tree with Ribbon
There are several ways to put ribbon to a Christmas tree. We’ll show you a couple of common techniques below, along with some variations you can try. Once you know the basics, you can experiment and customize to create your own look.
In most cases, it’s best to add the ribbon tree after the lights and (in the case of an artificial tree) after you’ve shaped the branches, but before you’ve added ornaments.
You can secure ribbon to your tree with plant ties or ornament hooks. With some artificial trees, you can simply twist a wired branch around the end of the ribbon.
Wrapping a Tree With a Horizontal Ribbon
With a horizonal ribbon, you’re basically winding one long ribbon around the tree. The keys for this technique are hiding the ends of the ribbon in the tree and keeping the ribbon passes properly spaced. Beyond that you can create a look as simple or as complex as you like.
Instructions
Running Vertical Ribbons Down Your Tree
Vertical ribbons run from the top of the tree to just below the lowest branches. You’ll want to plan ahead to determine how many runs of ribbon you want so you can space them properly. Using a bow as a tree topper can be a nice finish to this look.
Instructions
Make Simple Christmas Bows
Rather than running ribbon through your Christmas tree, you can use ribbon to create bows to add as decorations or even as a tree topper. Here’s a simple way to use a spool of non-wired ribbon to make a bow.
Instructions
More Examples of Christmas Trees Decorated With Different Themes and Ribbon
Now that you know a few ways to put ribbon on the tree, here are some more Christmas tree ribbon ideas you can try or adapt to create the perfect focal point for your holiday décor.
Holiday Traditions
Red, green and gold plaid carry through the traditional theme of this Christmas décor. The colors complement the green garland, red tabletop decorations and the gold mirror frame. A plaid stocking adds the perfect finishing touch to the look.
Timeless Warmth
A simple, medium-width gold ribbon gives an old-fashioned appeal to a tree with a vintage toy theme. The metallic finish catches the lights from the room to add a cozy, comfortable feel. Running the ribbon around the tree creates a nice contrast with the vertical candy canes and icicles ornaments.
Bold and Brilliant
Standing out even in a dimly lit room, this wide red ribbon is bold enough to be the primary decoration on the tree. The red pulls together other décor, from bows on a chair to flowers in garland. A nearby mirror doubles the appeal.
An Airy Touch
Small green and red bows give a simple, homemade look to tree decorations, blending well with the green needles and red glass ornaments. This fresh-cut tree has a lot of natural, open space which the bows can fill and the light, mesh material of the ribbon doesn’t dominate the display.
Colorful and Bright
Tucked into the tree branches, this metallic ribbon creates a coordinated background for vintage Christmas tree ornaments. The reds, greens and golds of the ribbon create bright spots deep in the greenery as they reflect the mini string lights.
Gold With Glamour
Gold ribbon offers a glitzy feel to this tree and is the perfect choice to work with the white lights and bright red decorations. Different types of ribbon add multiple textures to the tree and the billows enhance the dimensional look, creating a feeling of motion.
In Harmony With Nature
A burlap Christmas tree ribbon continues the natural theme of this tree and works with pine cone ornaments to add lots of texture. A dusting of snow gives the ribbon the perfect finish, making it a great choice for an outdoor tree.
Understated Elegance
Simple and elegant, thin red ribbon adds the perfect, subtle touch to this tree, replacing traditional ornament hooks. The bright red stands out against the tree without overpowering the decorations.
FAQs About Decorating a Christmas Tree with Ribbon
Personal preference and your existing décor are the main factors in how you use ribbon to decorate a Christmas tree, but the answers to these frequently asked questions can help you get started.
What Is the Best Way to Put Ribbon on a Christmas Tree?
The best way to decorate a Christmas tree with ribbon is to alternate between tucking the ribbon deep into the branches and creating billows that extend a bit beyond the tree. This method makes the ribbon look more natural and takes the most advantage of the dimensional appeal of the ribbon. It can also create a rippling, flowing look that conveys a sense of motion.
How Do You Tuck Ribbon in a Christmas Tree?
Your lights should be in place first. Then, start with one length of ribbon and tie it off at the back of the tree top. As you run the ribbon down or around the tree, tuck portions of it back toward the trunk and use the branches to hold it or secure it in place with plant ties. Now billow some of the ribbon outward and continue down or around the tree. Once the first ribbon is complete, start the next one, remembering to keep the spacing even. With all of your ribbon in place, you can add your other ornaments.
How Do You Put Ribbon Mesh on a Christmas Tree?
You can put ribbon mesh on a Christmas tree like other types of ribbon, by tucking it back into the branches and billowing it out. The mesh material, however, gives you a bit more flexibility to work with the ribbon. As you press the ribbon into the branches, the tree needles will grip the material, so you may not need to tie it off at all. This can make it easier to experiment with different looks. If you don’t like your first design, simply pull the mesh out and start again.