9 Tips for Decorating Your Christmas Tree with Ribbon at Home

Every year, decorating the Christmas tree feels like both a joy and a challenge. You pull out your favorite ornaments, add the lights, and yet something still looks unfinished. The tree doesn’t have that full, elegant look you see in holiday magazines or Pinterest boards.

The secret often comes down to one simple detail, decorating Christmas tree with ribbon. Ribbon can completely change how your tree looks, adding texture, depth, and a professional touch without much effort or expense.

But how do you make it look right, not messy, stiff, or overdone and turn an ordinary tree into a stunning holiday centerpiece?

Why You Should Add Ribbons to Your Christmas Tree?

Ribbons instantly enhance the look of your Christmas tree. They make it appear fuller, more cohesive, and professional without spending a lot.

Here’s why ribbons are a must-have for the holiday season:

• They tie all the colors of your ornaments together.
• They add softness and visual layers between branches.
• They reflect the lights beautifully, giving your tree a glowing, festive charm
• They’re affordable, reusable, and easy to style in different ways.

Once you’ve selected your ribbons, knowing the easy tips in decorating Christmas tree with ribbon can turn a simple tree into a stunning holiday centerpiece.

How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree With a Ribbon?

1. Pick the right ribbon material

The type of ribbon you choose sets the tone of your Christmas tree’s look. Each material adds a unique texture and mood that complements different holiday themes.

Ribbon Type	Description	Best For
Satin	Smooth, shiny, and elegant for a timeless holiday look.	Classic and formal Christmas themes
Velvet	Rich and luxurious; perfect for cozy and classic styles.	Warm, traditional, or vintage trees
Burlap	Rustic and natural, great for farmhouse or woodland trees.	Country, rustic, or nature-inspired themes
Wired-edge Ribbon	Holds its shape well for bows, loops, and spirals.	Creative designs and structured decorations

Choose your ribbon based on your tree’s theme, color palette, and lighting to achieve a balanced, polished look. The right material sets the foundation, but the magic truly happens when the colors and patterns work in harmony with your overall décor.

2. Choose complementary colors and patterns

Start by matching your ribbon colors with your ornaments or room décor. Popular combinations include:

• Classic red and gold
• Winter white and silver
• Champagne and metallic tones
• Rustic neutrals with earthy greens

Mixing two to three ribbon styles creates depth and dimension without overwhelming the design. Combining different textures or finishes adds subtle contrast that makes your tree look more dynamic and refined.

3. Measure before you start

Avoid running out of ribbon mid-decorating, it’s one of the most common mistakes when decorating Christmas tree with ribbon. Use this rule of thumb: 10–15 yards of ribbon per foot of tree height.

For example, a 7-ft tree may need 70–100 yards depending on your style.

• Wider ribbons (2.5–4 inches): Bold, dramatic look
• Narrow ribbons (1–2 inches): Great for layering

Always buy a bit extra. Leftovers are better than gaps.

4. Prepare Your Tree First

Before you begin decorating your Christmas tree with ribbon, take time to prepare your tree properly. This step sets the foundation for a balanced and beautiful design that looks full from every angle.

1. Fluff your branches to make the tree look full and natural.
2. Add lights first, weaving them in and out of the branches for even brightness.
3. Place large ornaments before adding ribbon for a well-balanced layout.

A little preparation goes a long way in making your decorations easier to arrange and your ribbons stand out beautifully.

BB Crafts Tip: Decorating with ribbon after the lights ensures your placement stays visible and balanced.

5. Anchor the Ribbon at the Top

When decorating Christmas tree with ribbon, starting at the top helps maintain a symmetrical and professional look from every angle.

Secure your ribbon by:

• Tucking it into sturdy branches
• Using ornament hooks
• Using floral wire
• Hiding the top ends behind your tree topper

This creates a seamless and clean look from the start.

6. Try different ribbon techniques

• Horizontal Wrap: Wrap the ribbon around the tree in a spiral pattern for a uniform, traditional look.
• Vertical Cascade: Let long tails of ribbon flow from the top to the bottom for a dramatic, elegant effect.
• Spiraled Flair: Wrap at an angle for a dynamic design with movement and energy.

Try out these three techniques and adjust as you go to find the style that best complements your tree’s shape and theme.

7. Add Bows for finishing touches

Adding bows is one of the easiest ways to make your tree look festive, polished, and full of charm. They bring a touch of elegance and help tie your entire ribbon design together for a cohesive look.

Here’s how you can place them effectively:

• One large bow for the top
• Medium bows places strategically around the tree
• Small bows to fill empty spots

You can use pre-made bows or create your own bows. Always remember that consistency in bow size, spacing, and color keeps your tree looking coordinated and professionally styled.

8. Layer ribbon with ornaments and lights

Layering is the secret to achieving that rich, high-end look when decorating your Christmas tree with ribbon. It adds depth, texture, and a sense of balance that makes your tree stand out beautifully.

Try these layering ideas:

• Pair wide statement ribbons with narrow accent ribbons for contrast
• Use metallic ribbons to reflect the glow of your lights
• Alternate textures like velvet, mesh, and satin for added dimension

As you decorate, step back periodically to check how the layers blend together, and ensure your tree looks balanced from every angle.

9. Customize and reuse

One of the best parts of decorating with ribbon is its versatility.

• Change your ribbon colors each year for a new theme
• Store ribbons rolled neatly to avoid creasing
• Store bows flat inside boxes and label them

High-quality ribbons from BB Crafts can be reused for many holidays, making them a smart, sustainable choice.

5 Things to Avoid While Decorating Christmas Tree With Ribbon

1. Pulling the ribbon too tight

Wrapping the ribbon too tightly makes it look stiff, flat, and unnatural. A slightly loose drape creates soft curves that add movement and elegance to the tree. Allow the ribbon to flow so it blends naturally with the branches.

2. Uneven spacing

Inconsistent spacing can make the tree look cluttered in some areas and empty in others. Take a few steps back while decorating to check the overall balance from different angles. Adjust as you go to maintain a smooth, even ribbon flow from top to bottom.

3. Ignoring the inner branches

Focusing only on the outer branches can make your tree look flat and one-dimensional. Tucking some ribbon deeper inside adds depth and creates a fuller, layered appearance. It also helps your lights and ornaments stand out more beautifully.

4. Using too many ribbon styles

Mixing too many colors, widths, or textures can overwhelm your theme and make the tree look chaotic. Keep your choices to two or three complementary ribbons to maintain a cohesive design. This creates harmony and makes your decorations look well-planned and intentional.

5. Skipping the final fluff and adjustments

Once all the ribbon is placed, a few minutes of fine-tuning can make a huge difference. Fluff your loops, reshape your bows, and gently adjust any uneven sections. This final step gives your tree a polished, professional, photo-ready finish.

Fluffing bows and adjusting ribbons at the end is what makes your tree look polished and photo-ready.

Bring Your Christmas Tree to Life with Beautiful Ribbons

Don’t wait until the last minute to dress up your Christmas tree. The best holiday looks start with thoughtful details like ribbon. It’s one of the simplest ways to give your tree that “magazine-ready” finish without hiring a decorator.

With just a few ribbons, bows, and creative touches, your living room can turn into a cozy holiday centerpiece everyone will remember. So, grab your favorite ribbon rolls, try out a few of these tips, and make your tree shine this season.

Shop premium holiday ribbons, bows, and décor supplies at BBCrafts and bring your Christmas vision to life, before the season’s most popular designs sell out.