If you’re looking for a way to update your Christmas decorations this year, swapping tinsel for ribbons is an easy way to give your tree a fresh new look.
While tinsel makes your tree sparkle, ribbons can give your Christmas tree a more polished finish. Using ribbons will make your tree look more put together – as though it’s been styled by an expert.
If you haven’t decorated a Christmas tree with ribbon before, there are a few different methods to try. We’ve put together some helpful tips to explain how to put ribbon on a Christmas tree, which we’d recommend reading before you get started.
How to decorate a Christmas tree with ribbon
1. Put the lights on first
When you’re decorating your tree, it’s important to put the lights on before you add any other decorations. Go to our how to put lights on a Christmas tree guide first to find all of the information you need.
Once that’s done, you’re ready to add your ribbons!
2. Secure the ribbon to the tree
When attaching your ribbon to the tree, a clever way to fix it in place is to use bobby pins (hair grips), as these hold the material securely and stop it from slipping.
Alternatively, you can tie the end of the ribbon to a branch at the back of the tree so that it’s out of sight.
3. Start at the top and work down
Attach the ribbon to the top of the tree and work from the top down, winding the ribbon around the tree in a downward spiral.
4. Twist as you go
Don’t position the ribbon so that it lies flat on top of the Christmas tree branches. Add little twists as you wrap it around the tree so it doesn’t look too uniform.
You can also weave it in and out of the branches as you go.
5. Drape the ribbon loosely
Keep the ribbon loose as you wrap it around the tree in relaxed garlands.
If you find that the ribbon is getting too tight, it might be because you’ve cut the ribbon too short. Try to be generous with the length of ribbon you use – you’ll always end up using more than you expect!
6. Choose a wide ribbon
When you’re decorating your Christmas tree with ribbon, pick one that’s fairly wide as it’ll make a statement and fill in gaps between your decorations just like tinsel does. It’s much easier to twist broader ribbons too.
7. Tuck the ribbons back and pull them forward
It’s tempting to drape the ribbons over the edges of your Christmas tree branches, but you can achieve a sense of depth by pushing them back towards the tree trunk in places.
You can keep some ribbons further forward – just keep adjusting the placement until you’re happy with the results.
This green and gold Christmas tree idea from inspiredbycharm.com demonstrates the technique perfectly.
8. Create harmony with colour
Finding the right ribbon can bring your whole Christmas tree colour scheme together. You can even use ribbons in two different colours to make your chosen palette blend perfectly.
How to decorate your Christmas tree
Want to give your tree a professional finish? Discover how to decorate your Christmas tree like a professional with Gathered.
9. Try adding the ribbons vertically
When putting ribbons on a tree, it’s natural to want to wrap them around the branches in the same way as tinsel, but ribbons look amazing when positioned vertically.
Imagine your tree is split into three or four vertical sections, then zigzag ribbons down the tree within their own zones. Secure the ribbons with hair grips (bobby pins), so they don’t fall off.
Another way to put ribbons on your Christmas tree vertically is to attach a few to the top and make them spiral downwards at a steep angle, like this Christmas tree with ribbons design from gigglesgalore.net.
10. Cover your tree in bows
If you don’t want to wrap your tree in garlands of ribbon, bows on the end of branches look fabulous. Go large with your bows – the bigger the better – for a maximalist effect.
We’d recommend using wired ribbon for your bows as it holds its shape better. You can bend them into the position you want and they’ll stay exactly where you positioned them.
You can make your life easier by buying pre-made wire bows if you’re short of time too.
11. Trim the ends into a V
You can neaten any ribbon ends by taking a pair of sharp scissors and snipping a V into the material. This will give your ribbon a professional look and make your Christmas tree much tidier.
12. Step back to assess your work
When you’re standing close to your Christmas tree, it can be difficult to get a sense of how it will look once you’ve added all of your ribbons.
Step away from it now and then to see how it looks from a distance. Look to see if your tree looks balanced and if there are any gaps that need to be filled. Does the ribbon look too tight or too loose in places?
Keep tweaking it until you’re happy, then it’s time to cover the tree in all of your favourite ornaments!
How to decorate a Christmas tree
Spruce up your tree with decorating tips from expert Christmas tree stylists! Learn how to decorate a Christmas tree like a professional with Gathered.
13. Experiment with different textures
Adding ribbon is a great way to bring different textures into your Christmas tree decor. You can add burlap ribbon for a more rustic vibe or velvet for a touch of luxury.
Tartan ribbon can also look incredible as part of a traditional Christmas tree theme, while metallic ribbon catches the light beautifully.
If you’re not sure what kind of ribbon to choose, heading to a local craft shop may help you to make your decision.
Look at our pick of the best Christmas tree ideas to see what other designers have used.
14. Make a ribbon tree topper
Bows make amazing tree toppers! Use wire ribbon to make a large bow to complete your Christmas tree decorations.
Tie the bow, then slip a piece of wire through the bow to attach it firmly to the tree.
15. Make mini bows
Smaller trees can be decorated with cute mini bows! Opt for a thinner ribbon so your Christmas tree doesn’t look completely swamped.
Thinner bows can look fantastic on larger Christmas trees too.
You can keep the ribbon ends short or leave them long, step back from the tree and see which style suits your design.
How to put ribbon on a Christmas tree like a professional
Ribbon is a wonderful alternative to tinsel and can make your tree look spectacular! Drape it, twist it or tie it into generous bows to decorate your Christmas tree like a pro.
Using ribbon can make your tree look as though it’s been styled by an expert and your guests are guaranteed to be impressed.
The Christmas tree is the star of the show, so take the time to make sure it looks its best this festive season with lashings of ribbons!
Get into the festive spirit with our DIY Christmas tree alternatives
Tired of traditional Christmas trees? Try something different this December with Gathered’s DIY Christmas tree ideas.
