These easy Christmas tree ribbon ideas are great for changing up your Christmas decor each year. All while creating a beautiful floral Christmas tree.
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Snow will be falling and blanketing everything in a beautiful, white wonderland (at least here in Utah). Scents of cinnamon, vanilla and baked goodies are fuming from kitchens. Family is coming into town and you are hosting Christmas dinner... hence the pressure to have the perfect Christmas tree on display. Change things up a bit with a more unconventional way of decorating your tree this holiday season!
Floral Christmas Tree
When decorating your own tree, artificial flowers may not be the most obvious choice. An artificial tree or flower might even be discouraged. However, silk flowers with beautiful red accents and snow kissed tips definitely changed my themed decor.
Since flower stems are my inspiration I decided to stay with the natural theme and use things found in nature.
Oh, and don't forget the ribbon. Ribbon is a great way to bring in color and personality to any tree.
Traditional Christmas Tree
Whether you are purchasing a real Christmas tree from a farm, cutting one down yourself, or opting for artificial Christmas trees - the important thing is that you want it to look good in the space you have.
Personal preference is that trees look better when they are fuller and taller, but not so tall that the top hits your ceiling. As a rule of thumb, buy your trees a foot smaller than your ceilings. If you have 10 foot ceilings, buy a 9 foot tree. This allows room for a tree topper.
Add Christmas Tree Lights
If your tree doesn't have light strands already in it, it will be up to you to put them in. There are many methods to wrap them whether it be individual wrapping branches or just winding around the tree.
You do want to make sure that everything is tucked in so the cords aren't very visible. Adding fairy lights is also a great option if you don't want to go the traditional Christmas light route.
Christmas Tree Ribbon Ideas
Using ribbon is one of the easiest ways to change up your Christmas decor from year to year without breaking the bank.
Buying all new decorations can be expensive so I am always looking for other ways to add something new. A great way is to use different types of ribbon from year to year. Let's be honest, a Christmas tree needs ribbon! Wide or thin ribbon is completely up to you and your style preference.
The picture below is the previous years Floral Christmas Tree. Let me show you how to change it up with ribbon!
Type of Ribbon
First pick out some new ribbon. Below are some great options
- Plaid ribbon - a great way to bring in a pattern
- Satin ribbon - smooth and elegant look
- Wire-edged ribbon - easy to mold and hold shape
- Burlap ribbon - adds a rustic vib
- Faux fur ribbon - adds a great texture to the tree
- Striped ribbon - adds a fun pattern to the tree
- Wide tartan ribbon - traditional plaid Christmas ribbon that is great for ribbon Christmas garlands
I would say you need at least 24 feet of ribbon. This will vary based on the size of your tree. You can also go up to 36 feet if you wind and tuck your ribbon in.
Shop some of my favorite Christmas Tree ribbons on Amazon here
Red and white ribbon are always a classic look. Silver and gold ribbons can also be a stylish pairing. One trend in the last few years is to pick more pastel colors instead of traditional Christmas coloring. Whichever color scheme you choose, using varying textures to layer the ribbon will help in adding more dimension.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Add Ribbon to a Christmas Tree
This year I changed up the ribbon colors and decided to add some in charcoal. I kept the red ribbon from the previous year. My fireplace is now grey and I have a charcoal dresser in the living room. It is an easy way to incorporate the color scheme of my everyday decor into my Christmas decor as well. I love the look of ribbons on a Christmas tree.
Stripes are also a favorite and so I went with 2 different stripes .. (affiliate link here)
But don't forget that simple ribbon can be just what you need to complete your Christmas decorations. It's a good idea to have a solid ribbon also. I use the solid on my gifts too!
Step 1 - Layer Wired Ribbon
First step, start by laying out different ribbons together. You will want a variety with different widths and colors of ribbon. It gives it a fun dimension and texture. When picking out your ribbon make sure to check sizes so they layer correctly. Try to add a pop of color with your ribbon.
Step 2 - Start at the Top of the Tree
Take the end of the ribbons and bunch them together. Next, start at the top of your tree and tuck the bunched end of ribbons into the tree. Bunching the ribbon helps it stay in place. Continue working down the tree making what looks like ribbon loops. When you tuck the ribbon into the tree, pinch it so the other end poofs out.
Another option for placing your ribbons is to cut your ribbon into 18" to 36" lengths. Then you will place the individual pieces into the tree, instead of two at a time. You can strategically go down the tree with ribbon in a vertical line.
Step 3 - Add Another Color or Ribbon
Next, add another color of ribbon that is also layered. Put this ribbon on a little more randomly than the other one. Don't follow the vertical line.
Continue to work it down the tree until you get to the ribbon end. I usually use around a 6 foot strip of ribbon. Once it runs out, start a new strand at the top of the tree.
Be careful to not get too carried away or you may end up with a full-out ribbon explosion. The best way to make sure this does not happen is to use 3 stripes of red ribbon followed by 2 stripes of grey and white ribbon to weave down the tree.
Step 4 - Add the Rest of Your Christmas Tree Decorations
The ribbon may not look perfect when you are done, but that's ok. Now it is time to add in the ornaments and make the tree nice and full!
Here is how my tree turned out this year. You can see it is similar yet different from last year. And the only thing I bought was ribbon!! Let me show you how I decorated the rest of the tree below!
Check out my YouTube Video on how I Decorated my Christmas Tree with Ribbon and Florals
Finishing Your Tree
Add Natural Pine Cones and Berries
Instead of using large ornaments, use pinecone balls and red berry balls. There is nothing that says you only have to stick to classic round shape ornaments. Adding fun variety that matches your theme is key.
Adding Flocked Tree Branches
I don't have a flocked tree because my husband hates them! So we compromised and I added in some individual branches with flocking on them to give my tree just a touch of the snowed look. Adding in branches is also a great trick to use if your tree is lacking in the fullness department.
Christmas Tree Flower Decorations
I added my red accent faux flowers through out the tree. I made sure to space them from the top to the bottom to help carry your eye across the entire tree. I also added some red hydrangeas throughout the tree.
Faux Red Berry Branches
I used branches of red berries to stick into the tree. Things poking out helps to create more dimension. Berry branches are perfect for that and for adding color. I also added in some gold snowflakes to break up the color just slightly.
The Tree Topper
For some reason I think trees look very empty if you don't have it full around the top. Tree toppers are a great option and it doesn't just have to be a traditional star or an angel. I used my handwritten merry and bright sign on top of the tree this year. (more details on creating a tree topper here)
The Presents are Wrapped
A tree isn't complete unless beautifully wrapped Christmas presents are included at the foot of the tree. You can wrap your packages to go along with your decor! Check out my wrapping tutorial here
This wrapping paper is similar to the gingham paper I used. I also used a similar gold wrapping paper here. This candy cane swirl also matches my decor as well as if you are going for the striped look. I almost always prefer to tie ribbon on my packages instead of bows.
Remember to take your time and move things around until you get it just perfect. I hope you have a happy Holiday Season!
Happy Christmas tree decorating
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