7 Creative Ways to Decorate with Christmas Bells

A classic and timeless addition to holiday farmhouse decor, Christmas bells are one of my favorite secret touches for seasonal decorating. Use these simple Christmas bell decorating ideas to create elegant, cohesive holiday decor you’ll enjoy year after year.

“Jingle bells… jingle all the way…”

Alongside angels, stockings, garlands, and trees, bells are one of the most iconic Christmas symbols. They bring both visual charm and subtle sound—whether you want them to ring or simply glitter in the light. Bells work with many styles, from rustic farmhouse to refined traditional, and they make it easy to add a thoughtful finishing touch.

To make your holiday decorating feel intentionally curated instead of cluttered, choose a theme—like “white Christmas,” plaid, or classic metallics—and let your bells support that palette and mood. When used thoughtfully, bells can bridge old and new pieces, adding warmth and a nostalgic feel to your home.

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Timeless holiday decor

Anyone can hang a wreath and set up a lit tree, but a cohesive plan makes the difference between a collection of decorations and a welcoming holiday home. Pick a theme, repeat colors and textures, and weave bells through your displays for a unified look. Bells pair especially well with greenery, ribbon, plaid, burlap, and brass or antique finishes.

Over the years I’ve used bells in many seasonal designs, from blue-and-white trees to traditional plaid mantels. They consistently add a hint of sparkle and a sense of tradition that complements most holiday schemes.

7 beautiful ways to use Christmas bells in your holiday decorating

Think about how you want bells to function in your home: as a subtle gleam, a prominent accent, or a musical detail that rings when a door opens. You can find decorative bells that don’t make sound if you prefer a quiet display.

1. Add bells to a Christmas wreath

Bells instantly dress up a wreath. Tie a cluster or a single bell with twine, ribbon, or jute to add rustic charm. Hanging bells from the top so they dangle down creates a graceful, elongated look; alternatively, attach them around the wreath for balance and shine.

2. Layer bells into other elements

Layer bells with stars, greenery, or oversized ornaments for depth. For example, place a small bell at the center of a woody star ornament, or tuck bells into a simple wreath layered over a shuttered mantle to add texture and movement. Bells add sparkle without overpowering the overall display.

3. Hang bells with the stockings

Tie a bell to each stocking hanger for a cohesive mantel look. Small brass or gold bells add a delicate, polished accent that elevates a simple stocking display. Keep in mind bells are best positioned out of reach of curious young children if they are noisy.

4. Tie bells to garland

Adding bells to garland is an easy way to make swags and mantels more interesting. Tie multiple small bells evenly along an evergreen garland for delicate movement, or place a few large bells at the ends for bold anchors. Combine bells with wide plaid or burlap ribbon to reinforce your color story and style.

5. Use jingle-bell ribbon

Ribbon with jingle bells attached is a convenient way to add sound and texture. Use it on trees, wreaths, chandeliers, or door decor. This type of ribbon introduces small bursts of movement and a festive hint of music when handled.

6. Hang bells from a large bow

A large bow with a few dangling bells adds instant holiday polish to a wreath, mantel, or front door. Pair shiny or glittered bells with rustic burlap for contrast, or choose brass bells for a classic feel. The bow frames the bells and provides visual weight so the arrangement feels intentional.

7. Display bells in a basket

Fill a basket, tray, or decorative bowl with bells mixed with ornaments, pinecones, and faux greenery for a low-effort centerpiece. A few loose bells strategically placed on a mantel or coffee table add charm and a handmade feel without much fuss.

Even more Christmas bell decoration ideas

• Add bells as ornaments on your Christmas tree—perfect for both real and artificial trees.
• Use a bell as a place card holder for holiday place settings.
• Tie a bell onto wrapped gifts for an extra-special finishing touch.
• Decorate a decorative sled or sleigh with frosted greenery, berries, and bells.
• Create a centerpiece: a wreath or bowl of greenery with bells and candles makes a warm focal point.
• Hang a bold ribbon and string of bells on your front door instead of a traditional wreath.
• Tie bells to cabinet knobs or hardware in the kitchen for a festive accent.

Christmas bells bring a distinct combination of nostalgia, sparkle, and occasional music that few other decorations can match. With a little creativity they integrate seamlessly into wreaths, garlands, trees, tablescapes, and gift wrapping, elevating holiday decor in any style of home.

Christmas bells we love

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