Let’s talk about Christmas decorating with ribbons. One of the easiest and most effective ways to refresh your home for the season is to tie ribbon around everyday items. It’s a simple detail that instantly feels festive—think of it as “put a ribbon on it.”
Below are ribbon-based decorating ideas I’ve used in my home over the years. I’ll also note the ribbons and sources I used so you can recreate the looks if you like.
Even if you aren’t ready to decorate yet, these ideas are great to save for later. Small touches like bows and ribbon accents make a big difference and are easy to switch out year to year.
I’ll be decorating with ribbon again this season and have already picked up a few new ribbons I’ll show at the end of the post.
Stairway Garland Bows
A striped blue-and-white ribbon paired with faux greenery and red berries brings classic color and texture to a stair banister. Add oversized bows at regular intervals to anchor the garland and create a polished look.
Recommended elements used in this vignette: blue-and-white striped ribbon, faux garland, scalloped shade lamp, bunny pitcher, faux greenery, and red berry picks.
Chandelier Bows
Tying velvet or suede ribbon to a chandelier adds softness and color overhead. Pair with coordinating ornaments or wrapped jute detailing for a layered, handmade look that feels both elegant and approachable.
Sconce Bows
Small bows tied around wall sconces or shade bases are an easy way to add holiday cheer without changing the fixture. Neutral velvets or khaki tones work well in many rooms and complement mini boxwood wreaths or other small accents.
Lamp Bow
Tie a ribbon around a lamp base or shade to instantly make it feel seasonal. This is especially effective on portable or accent lamps that you can move around as needed.
Wreath Bow on Chairs
Small wreaths tied to dining chairs with suede or velvet ribbon feel warm and intentional. Use matching ribbons on multiple chairs for a cohesive dining presentation.
Garland Window and Door Bows
Bold black-and-white striped ribbon or buffalo check makes striking bows for garlands on windows and doors. Accent with window candles or coordinated curtain textiles to pull the whole look together.
Layering different ribbon textures—like suede with wired-edge garland—adds dimension and helps bows hold their shape, especially outdoors or in drafty areas.
Tree Ribbon
Use gingham or wide wired ribbon to spiral around the tree or to make statement bows as ornaments. Mix ribbon with meaningful ornaments—like a lighthouse or animal-shaped pieces—for a personal touch.
Ribbon Scarf
Drape a long ribbon as a scarf across a mantel, shelf, or table runner. Combine with small decorative items—brass figures, dried citrus wheels, faux fruit, and candles—to create an inviting vignette.
Mix metallic accents and soft ribbon colors for added contrast. Light blue velvet or brass elements give a subtle, sophisticated holiday palette.
Ribbon Tied on a Bed
A ribbon tied to a bedpost or used as a bow across a pillow adds a cozy, festive note to bedroom decor. Choose velvet in seasonal hues to coordinate with bedding and stockings.
Layer textured blankets and gingham pillows with ribbon accents for a comfortable, holiday-ready bedroom that feels curated but relaxed.
Wreath Bow
A single wide bow can anchor a wreath on an entry door or interior wall. Light blue velvet and similar soft tones create a calm, elegant holiday statement.
Candlestick Bow
Tie small bows around candlesticks or holders to bring cohesion to a table setting. Use striped ribbon or colors that echo other room accents for unity.
Small metallic or brass animal figures make charming stocking holders and pair nicely with ribbon details elsewhere in the room.
Find the ribbon shown above at the source indicated in the photo caption.
I picked up a few new ribbons this season—these will add fresh color and texture to my decor.
Stay tuned: I’ll be sharing more Christmas ribbon ideas and decorating plans soon.
In the meantime, browse past seasonal posts for more inspiration from the archives.
Looking for other items from my home? Check my shop for more pieces and decorating finds.