Let’s talk about decorating for Christmas with ribbon. It’s an easy, affordable way to refresh your home—tie ribbon around wreaths, lamps, stair garlands, chairs, or even candlesticks to give any space instant holiday charm. If you remember that Portlandia line “put a bird on it,” consider this the ribbon version: add a ribbon and you’ve elevated the look.
Below are a few ribbon-based holiday decorating ideas I’ve used in our home over the years, with sources for the ribbons and some items I’ve paired with them. These are simple touches that create a cohesive, festive vibe without a lot of fuss.
Even if you’re not ready to decorate yet, thinking ahead helps. Save the ideas that appeal to you and adapt them when the season arrives—ribbons are versatile, reusable, and easy to change out year to year.
I’ll be using ribbon again this season—I’ve already picked up a few new colors and textures I’ll share at the end.
Stairway Garland Bows
A blue-and-white striped ribbon makes a stair garland feel classic and fresh. Add faux greenery and clusters of red berries for contrast—simple bows tied at each picket or newel post finish the look.
Suggested accents: a scalloped lamp shade, a small decorative pitcher, and layered garland for texture.
Chandelier Bows
Soft suede or velvet ribbon tied into oversized bows on a chandelier adds instant elegance. Coordinate with ornaments in complementary colors and consider a jute-wrapped fixture for a cottage feel.
Sconce Bows
A small velvet or khaki ribbon tied to a sconce creates a polished, layered look when paired with a mini boxwood wreath or coordinating shade. This is an easy way to make everyday lighting feel seasonal.
Lamp Bow
Tying a ribbon around a lamp base or neck is a small detail with big impact. Choose a texture that complements the room—velvet for cozy bedrooms, linen for a more casual space—and add seasonal accents on a nearby cart or table.
Wreath Bow on Chairs
Large suede or velvet bows make chair wreaths feel intentional and inviting. Use the same ribbon on nearby decor items to tie the room together visually.
Garland Window and Door Bows
Black-and-white striped ribbon or buffalo check pairs beautifully with window candles and creates a bold, graphic holiday statement. Use matching bows at regular intervals to keep the look tidy and balanced.
For a cohesive display, repeat the same velvet ribbon on smaller decor like tabletop arrangements or mantel accents to carry the theme through the room.
Tree Ribbon
Gingham or wired ribbon woven through branches or tied in large loops gives a tree a structured, homey look. Coordinate the ribbon color with a few chosen ornaments to maintain a focused palette.
Ribbon as a Scarf
Use ribbon in unexpected ways—drape it like a scarf over a mantle animal, loop it around a vase, or tie it around small decorative objects. Mix textures like brass accents, velvet, and glass to add interest.
Repeat ribbon choices in pairings around the room—candles, votives, and small figures look intentional when they echo the same ribbon color and finish.
Ribbon Tied on a Bed
Tie velvet ribbon at the foot of the bed, around a pillow or a stocking hung from a bedside hook to bring holiday cheer into the bedroom. Coordinate with winter bedding and seasonal pillow shams for a cozy, layered effect.
Small extras like waffle-weave blankets, gingham shams, or framed seasonal art enhance a ribbon-accented vignette and make it feel complete.
Wreath Bow
A light-blue velvet bow creates a soft, modern look on a wreath—pair with coastal or nature-inspired ornaments for a distinctive twist on traditional holiday decor.
Candlestick Bow
Small striped ribbons tied to candlesticks or taper candles add a playful, graphic note. Coordinate with stockings and other small accents in the same hues to pull the look together.
I like to use brass animal stocking holders for a whimsical touch and to repeat metallic finishes across the mantel or hearth.
Find a range of ribbons to match these looks and choose colors and textures that work with your home’s palette.
I’ve picked up a few new ribbons this year and can’t wait to show how I’ll use them in different rooms.
Stay tuned—I’ll start sharing this season’s ribbon ideas soon. In the meantime, explore past holiday posts for more inspiration and ways to adapt these ribbon ideas to your home.
Looking for items from my home? Check my shop for curated pieces and seasonal finds.