Wrap It Right: A Guide to Decorating Your Christmas Tree with Ribbons

Ribbons are often overlooked, but they can elevate the look of your Christmas tree from plain to awesome. That is, of course, if you do it properly.

Yes, there is a right way to put ribbon on a Christmas tree. Who would have guessed it’s much more than just hanging them at random and hoping for the best? You deserve better, so now you will learn how to decorate a Christmas tree with ribbons like a pro.

Let’s go.

What ribbon to use on a Christmas tree?

The ribbon you pick will set the mood. You need to know whether you want a rich, classic look or something simple. Here’s how to choose the right ribbons for your Christmas tree.

Ribbon materials

Fabric ribbons are soft, flexible, and easy to shape around branches. Let’s look at the different materials.

You can also mix fabric types if you want. For example, when you pair velvet with satin you get a blend of soft and shiny.

Then there’s the choice between wire-edged and non-wired ribbons.

Mind you, velvet can be a bit harder to tie. It’s thicker and less flexible, so it doesn’t hold tight knots like satin or wired ribbon.

When you have to tie this material, cut a length of ribbon, form two loops, cross them over, and pull one through to make a neat bow. Fluff the loops until they sit evenly. After that secure the bow to a branch with a floral wire.

Ribbon colours and patterns

You can’t go wrong with red and gold. Who doesn’t imagine that traditional look when they think of a Christmas tree?

If you prefer a modern look, on the other hand, go for silver, white, or champagne tones. These shades feel calm and elegant. Pair them with glass ornaments or frosted pine cones and you got yourself a nice winter atmosphere.

If you are a countryside person who wants something rustic, go for plaid ribbons. They bring a cosy, farmhouse charm. You can mix them with wooden ornaments or dried oranges for more fun.

And finally, a suggestion that might align or go against your idea, but let’s check it anyway – LED ribbons. They will make your tree stand out at night easily. It’s an easy way to add a bit of magic without extra lights.

And for those of you prone to nostalgia, go for vintage-inspired ribbons like lace, gingham, or faded velvet.

Ribbon length and width

The length and width matter too. They will determine whether your tree looks full and grand or light and delicate. Both work, depending on what you’re going for.

So, how much ribbon do you need to put on a Christmas tree? A good rule of thumb is to have about 2 to 3 metres of ribbon per foot of tree height. That means for a 7ft Christmas tree, you’ll need roughly 9 to 10 metres for a simple wrap.

Tree size makes a big difference, too. A slim tree needs less ribbon. After all, there’s not much space between the branches. A wide, full tree eats up ribbon fast, especially if you want that lush, draped look.

Now, let’s talk about width. Wide ribbons, around 6 to 10cm, stand out among the baubles easily. They’re perfect for grand living rooms or showy displays.

Medium ribbons (around 4 to 6cm) are the most flexible. They suit almost any tree size and are easy to handle, even for beginners. Thin ribbons (around 2-4cm), on the other hand, are great if you want a softer, more delicate feel. They weave nicely between branches and don’t steal the attention.

Basically, if you’re wrapping the ribbon around the tree, you’ll need more. If you’re cutting pieces to make bows or tails, you can get away with less.

Get your tree ready to add the ribbons

Does the ribbon go on a tree first or last? It should go after the lights but before the ornaments. Lights come first. That way you can weave them deep into the branches without tangling the ribbon. Once the lights are set, you can add the ribbon and adjust it without knocking baubles off.

Set up your tree

First, check that your tree is standing straight and secure. A wobbly base or uneven stand will make your decorating a nightmare. Step back and make sure the tree looks balanced from every angle.

Next, is to position it somewhere with good visibility. Near a window or a main spot in your living room is great. You want the ribbon to catch the light and show off those soft folds and shimmers. If the tree sits in a corner, focus the ribbons more on the front and sides where people will see them.

Then, plug in the lights and check that they work. Once your lighting looks right, you can start planning where the ribbons will go.

Gather your supplies

You don’t need much, but a few tools make things easier. Grab:

7 ideas to decorate your Christmas tree with ribbons

There are loads of ways to use ribbons and not just for bows either. Here are some popular methods, what they do for your tree, and simple steps to get them right.

1. Top-to-bottom method

The ribbon flows naturally from the treetop to the base and makes the tree feel tall and elegant. This is a classic look that you achieve when you…

1. Start at the top of the tree near the tip.
2. Secure the ribbon with a piece of floral wire or tuck it into a sturdy branch.
3. Let the ribbon cascade downwards in soft loops or straight drapes.
4. Adjust the ribbon so it sits evenly around the tree.
5. Tuck the ends into branches at the bottom or cut off any excess.

2. Bottom-to-top method

The opposite method gives a more playful, modern twist. To get this slightly casual or layered look…

1. Start at the base of the tree.
2. Attach the ribbon to a low branch with a floral wire or tuck it in.
3. Work your way upward. Drape loops or twists along the branches.
4. Finish at the top with a bow, star, or other tree topper.

3. Vertical ribbon stripes

The vertical lines make the tree feel taller and help guide the eye. To get this bold, structured look…

1. Cut several lengths of ribbon to reach from top to bottom.
2. Attach each ribbon at the top of the tree.
3. Let it hang straight down to the bottom, securing at intervals if needed.
4. Repeat around the tree evenly spaced.

4. Horizontal wraps

Ideal for lush, wide trees. Your tree looks full and luxurious, with ribbon that weaves through branches like soft waves. This is how to do it…

1. Start at the top of the tree.
2. Wrap the ribbon around the tree horizontally, spacing it evenly as you go.
3. Loosely tuck into branches for a natural wave or keep taut for a structured spiral.
4. Finish at the bottom and trim any extra.

5. Section-by-section accents

This is great if you want to accent a particular colour scheme or special ornaments.

1. Pick sections of the tree. Maybe the middle, top, or corners.
2. Add short lengths of ribbon in loops or bows.
3. Layer with ornaments or lights to make these sections pop.

6. Spiral wrap around trunk and branches

This gives the tree a whimsical, continuous flow from base to top. It works well with wired ribbons or those that hold shape.

1. Attach the ribbons at the top of the tree.
2. Wrap it spirally around the trunk. Let branches help guide it outward.
3. Continue downward and keep spacing even.
4. Secure ends at the base or with floral wire.

7. Bow clusters

This adds a 3D, decorative touch without covering the whole tree. Ideal if you have lots of ornaments.

1. Make several bows in matching or complementary ribbons.
2. Attach them to branches with wire or hooks.
3. Cluster bows in groups – top, middle, or bottom.
4. Adjust loops so they sit naturally among the ornaments.

Final touches for a polished, professional look

Combine your ribbon with baubles, tinsel and fairy lights so that everything feels balanced. Think of the ribbon as a framework that brings your decorations together. It is that and not something that competes with them.

It’s tempting to add lots of ribbon, but less really is more. If you overdo the tree it might look messy. Focus on one or two well-placed strands. A little ribbon goes a long way, and it allows your baubles and lights to shine too.

Where the bows are on the tree can really elevate the look. Place them at the top of the tree, around the trunk, or on prominent branches. This will draw the eye and give the arrangement a polished feel. These bows make the ribbon look deliberate, rather than simply draped.

Colour is another important consideration. Choose ribbons that complement your ornaments and lights so the tree has a harmonious feel. Sticking to a simple colour scheme helps avoid clashes, and metallics or muted tones usually work well with most styles.

Finally, think about how to get the ribbon to stay in a tree. Loose ribbons can sag or slip off and that would look sloppy. Secure your ribbon with small loops or discreet clips. They will help maintain the shape and prevent slippage.