20 Ways to Decorate with Ribbon This Holiday Season
Happy Friday, friends! Today I wanted to share one of my favorite tools for holiday decorating. I’m always reaching for ribbon during the Christmas season… it’s my secret weapon for designer decorating. I use it all over our home- in tasteful ways, of course. If you’re searching for an affordable, yet elevated way to ready your home for the holidays, look no further. I’m sharing 20 sophisticated ways to decorate with ribbon this holiday season… with examples of each, as seen throughout my home over the years. Ribbon is a great way to switch things up annually, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that it seems to be having a moment this season. Click through for inspiration, as you’re beginning to decorate!
The majority of my ribbon for decorating and gifting came from Amazon and is budget friendly. I added my current favorites to my Packaging & Gifting board for you- and most of it ships pretty quickly. Otherwise, I’d definitely recommend checking your local shops to see colors and textures in person. Ready for my ideas? Here are 20 easy ways to incorporate ribbon into your existing holiday decor…
1. Tie to a Candle Sconce
Candle holder wall sconces already make for a romantic vignette, but I especially love dressing them up for the holidays. I’ll add ribbon with a simple knot or bow, along with a sprig of greenery.
2. Use it to Hang & Adorn Indoor Wreaths
Not only does ribbon add a pop of color and texture, but it’s functional for hanging & securing your existing holiday decor- like wreaths. I loop the ribbon around the top of my wreath, hang it from art, a fixture, or a hook, then finish it with a bow. If you’re curious where to find vintage ski prints & winter artwork, definitely check out the blog post if you missed it! They’re perfect for this time of year.
3. Add Bows to the Tree
I’m a firm believer you don’t have to spend a ton of money on the Christmas tree. I use the same primary ornaments every holiday season, but switch the color palette for an updated look with the help of ribbon. Use it in varying widths, sizes, and colors for an interesting look. Oversized ribbons and bows with extra long tails are definitely having a moment this year. Check out this blog post for my budget friendly Amazon Christmas tree review (styled 3 ways).
4. Elevate Ornaments
You can easily update or elevate the aesthetic of your existing ornaments by looping a new ribbon to hang them. This is especially handy for vintage Christmas ornaments. I’m partial to classic velvet.
5. Emphasize Artwork
Ribbon is beautiful for emphasizing vignettes with artwork. You can hang the ribbon in front of the art to break the grid and highlight the frame or negative space (like I did above). Alternatively, you could offset the ribbon to the side of the frame, or split the tails to drape on either side of the art- so it’s fully visible.
6. Dress Up Stair Railing
While the last things I shared about our entryway renovation was the painted stripes and stair runner installation, the space is basically finished. I’d say it’s 90% complete! I was thrilled to decorate the nearly finished entry for the holidays this year. The stairs have been under construction for so long, it felt surreal to drape the railing with garland- all of which I secured with a beautiful mustard colored ribbon. It looks just like I always imagined. I can’t wait to show you the entire space!
7. Adorn Light Fixtures
I also enjoyed finally decorating another space we recently completed, the basement media room. Our metal and brass sconces flanking the electric fireplace received a sweet french blue ribbon that pulls from the existing color palette. Don’t be afraid to tie a ribbon from a lamp, sconce, chandelier, or pendant for a festive aesthetic.
8. Implement Ribbon in Your Tablescape
Ribbon is also an easy way to add color to your table setting. Use it to tie napkins, adorn place settings, seating cards, or weave it throughout your centerpiece for a bit of texture. I also like when it’s tied to stemmed glassware or candleholders.
9. Add Ribbon to a Topiary
Timeless topiaries are my favorite indoor plant! I love to highlight them with a ribbon during the holiday season. Sometimes the simple touches are the most impactful.
10. Elevate Vessels & Containers
I’m a fan of tying ribbon around the lid of a ginger jar, wrapping it around a handled vessel, or affixing it to a classic crock. It’s a fun and effective way to make an everyday vase or planter feel special for the holidays.
11. Use Ribbon as the Focal Point
Sometimes the ribbon itself can be the focal point in your holiday vignette. Tie a bow and hang it within panel moulding or a picture frame for an understated, minimal, or modern aesthetic.
12. Add a Little Extra to Stockings
I sew easy Christmas stocking slipcovers every few years to keep things fresh, but in between seasons- stockings are simple to update with ribbon. You can loop it around the cuff of the stocking or hang it from the stocking hook for a timeless look that integrates your seasonal color palette.
13. Tie Ribbon Around Candles
This is a trend I’ve been noticing often this year… velvet, satin, or silk ribbon tied around the base of a taper candle for a playful look. I actually really like this application, as it’s an easy and instant way to make your table, mantel, or sideboard feel more formal.
14. Use Ribbon in a Seasonal Arrangement
I’ll admit, I went on a bit of a shopping adventure to local design favorite, Alice Lane, a few weeks ago and struck inspiration. They had the most beautiful modern arrangement composed of greenery, branches, and red ribbon dangling in a seemingly random pattern. It felt perfectly modern, asymmetric, and organic, so I decided to make my own version here at home! This is a great example of using ribbon to decorate in a more abstract way. Consider it for your seasonal arrangements!
15. Add a Festive Bow to Exterior Wreaths
We install wreaths with red bows on all of our home exterior windows… including the three windows on our storage shed! Make sure you choose a durable synthetic ribbon that is fade resistant for your outdoor decorating. Also check out my faux winter window box DIY, if you previously missed that post. They’re holding up nicely!
16. Dress Up Everyday Objects
Every Christmas, I splurge for Emmett’s favorite soap set… Tatine’s pine orange hand wash and hand lotion. They are his favorite, but I’ll admit- they’re also mine. Because these are special, I style them accordingly at our kitchen sink… on a fancy tray, with dehydrated oranges, and tied with ribbons. Use ribbon to dress up everyday objects, or indicate the special seasonal items.
17. Emphasize a Vignette
Each holiday season, I flip the books in our formal living room to create a neutral backdrop for the entire space. You can easily frame or emphasize a large vignette with a significant amount of ribbon. I always leave the colorful tails very long against the neutral bookcase to draw your eye toward our textural built-ins. Use ribbon as a tool to grab and hold attention for a focal point or special vignette. Check out this post for 10 tips for shelf styling with lots of books, if you’re into the look!
18. Add a Colorful Element to Garland
Garland can feel minimalistic or even boring on its own, but with the addition of pinecones, picks, sprays, ornaments, or ribbons- it can take on a more interesting aesthetic. Don’t be afraid to weave colorful ribbon into your garland for an unexpected design moment. It’s also an excellent way to continue your color palette for a cohesive look.
19. Make Taxidermy Feel Festive
While I know it’s not for everyone, taxidermy can certainly take on a winter or seasonal aesthetic, by nature. I’m a fan of enhancing the aesthetic with a wreath or ribbon for a festive look. If you’re on the fence… check out my design discussion on taxidermy.
20. Add a Thoughtful Touch to Gifts
Gifts are as much a part of my seasonal or holiday decorating as the tree, garland, or wreaths. The presents stacked beneath the tree or tucked into the corner also have an intentional aesthetic. I also believe, as a recipient, the effort put into the gift wrap makes it that much more thoughtful. Don’t forget to adorn your packages with a timeless bow! Check out this post for my go-to classic monochromatic gift wrap. Additionally, have you perused my annual holiday gift guide? I hope it’s helpful!
FAQ
Honestly, I think it’s all about taking your time. Sometimes I’ll re-tie it a few times before I’m satisfied. I’ll also say this… if bows aren’t your thing, or you’re not pleased with how they’re turning out, don’t be afraid to opt for a simple knot (like the above picture). I think classic knots are highly underrated!
Most of my ribbon comes from Amazon or local fabric shops. Sometimes it’s easiest to see colors in person, but Amazon is great if you’re looking for the same color in multiple widths or textures. It’s honestly a great affordable ribbon resource!
I use fabric scissors to cut a sharp angled edge. It’s simple, minimal, and fuss-free.
I hope this post felt helpful and inspiring for your holiday decor! I feel quite inspired by ribbon when it comes to holiday decorating. It’s the one thing I look forward to switching each season. I’m planning to finish our holiday decorating this weekend, then photograph it, so I can share the completed spaces with you next week! Be sure to check back. Being so sick has put me behind, but I’ll also be catching up on the comment section. As always, thank you for being so patient with me. It has been a whirlwind of a month. Doesn’t the holiday season always feel a bit wild? Here’s to a good weekend ahead!
