One of my favorite ways to decorate for Christmas is with ribbon. Here are 7 creative tips and tricks to incorporate ribbon into your holiday decor this year.
I love talking about Christmas decor and how small details can make a big difference. Ribbon is inexpensive, easy to store, and incredibly versatile—so build a little stash of colors and textures and reuse them year after year. Below are practical ideas for using velvet, wired, satin, and grosgrain ribbons to add color, texture, and polish to your home for the holidays.
This post contains affiliate links for convenience. See full disclosure for details.
1. Ornaments Hung with Velvet Ribbon
Velvet ribbon brings a soft, cozy, and elegant look to ornaments. Many ornaments include twine or plain loops; swapping those for a thin velvet ribbon instantly elevates the piece. Cut lengths of 8–12 inches to make hanging easier and neater.
Recommended: 3/8 inch velvet ribbon works beautifully for ornament hangers and small decorative accents.
Velvet looks great tied from chandeliers, light fixtures, or even door knobs. It’s an easy switch that feels fresh and polished.
2. Add Ribbon to Garlands
Ribbon gives garlands dimension, color, and movement. For a subtle touch, tie simple bows and let the tails hang long and flowy. For a fuller, more formal look, use wired-edge ribbon to shape large bows that hold their form.
Recommended: 1 1/2 inch satin or grosgrain for small bows; 1 1/2–2 1/2 inch wired-edge ribbon for bigger, sculpted bows.
Try alternating ribbon loops and sprigs of greenery to create a layered, textured garland. Wired ribbon is especially forgiving for shaping bows and puffed loops.
3. Christmas Tree Ribbon
Ribbon on the tree adds scale and movement. Some people prefer not to use ribbon—both approaches look great—but if you love a layered, cohesive tree, ribbon is one of the quickest ways to create that look.
Recommended: Use wired ribbon whenever possible for easier styling; 2 1/2 inches or wider works well for cascading ribbons or wide tree bands.
A simple tip: cut ribbon into 2–3 foot lengths and weave small sections through the branches rather than running one long strip. This creates a natural, layered appearance and avoids flattening the tree. Plaid, buffalo check, velvet, metallics, or satin each create distinctly different styles—choose what complements your ornaments and color palette.
4. Use Ribbon to Hang Wreaths from Cabinets
Hanging small wreaths on cabinet doors with ribbon is a simple and charming kitchen tradition. You can change colors and widths each year for a fresh look without changing the wreaths themselves.
Recommended: 1 1/2–2 1/2 inch ribbon of any style—wired or non-wired—depending on how you want the ribbon to drape.
Ribbon can also be used to hang wreaths in windows or on interior doors—experiment with length and knot styles to suit your space.
5. Decorate Gifts with Ribbon
Using ribbon to embellish gifts instantly elevates the presentation. Mix widths, textures, and small embellishments—like a sprig of greenery, a mini ornament, or a homemade gift tag—to create a polished package.
Recommended: Any ribbon you have on hand; combine varieties for visual interest.
Stock up on flat ornaments and inexpensive embellishments during after-holiday sales to have a variety for next year’s wrapping station. A simple loop and a tied-on ornament or tag can be both budget-friendly and beautiful.
6. Add a Ribbon Bow to a Wreath
Tying a bow onto a wreath adds formality and a focal point. Whether you prefer a simple satin bow or a large wired bow, the right ribbon transforms a plain wreath into a finished holiday accent.
Recommended: 1 1/2 inch satin or grosgrain, or a 1 1/2–2 inch wired ribbon for fuller bows.
Make the bow as simple or as elaborate as you like. Wired ribbon helps maintain shape and volume.
7. Add Ribbon to Lamps
Tying ribbon into bows around lamp bases or finials is a nostalgic and festive touch that’s easy to do. It’s a low-cost way to spread cheer throughout a room and coordinates well with other ribbon accents like garlands and wreaths.
Recommended: 1 1/2–2 1/2 inch wired ribbon for bows that hold their shape.
Ribbon pairs well with stockings, canisters, napkin rings, and small vignette details—don’t be afraid to add it wherever a little color or texture is needed.
Practical Ribbon Care and Buying Tips
- Store ribbon on spools or wrapped around a mailing tube to avoid creases. Keep in a dry, cool place.
- Wired ribbon is easier for full bows and sculpted designs; non-wired works well for simple ties and delicate projects.
- Build a small palette of neutrals and one or two accent colors that work with your main holiday decor each year.
- Good sources include craft stores and online marketplaces; check seasonal sales for bargains on ribbon and embellishments.
Ribbon is one of the most flexible and affordable decorating tools for the holidays. With a few widths and textures on hand, you can refresh your home season after season—small changes that add up to a big festive impact.
More Christmas topics to explore:
- Best Christmas tree collar ideas
- Primary bedroom Christmas decor
- Easy printable gift tags and holiday printables