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27 Brilliant Ways to Trim Your Tree With Ribbon

Ribbon isn’t only for gift wrapping

By Rachel Silva and Kelsey Mulvey

Dec 13, 2021

woman holding christmas bauble in front of illuminated christmas tree

Christina Reichl PhotographyGetty Images

Settling on a Christmas tree theme can be as painstaking as landing on a gift idea for the dad who has everything. Although unlike gifting ideas, tree options seem never ending: Rainbow ombre or white-on-white? Popsicle stick ornaments or faux turtle doves? Traditional rustic or vintage kitschy? In fact, tannenbaum-triggered decision fatigue could send you into a holiday-induced psychogenic fever if you’re not careful. While we’re not doctors (consult a physician if you think this is even an actual medical condition), we have just the cure for making the tree theme decision a no-brainer this year: start with the ribbon.

Sure, the ornaments and star topper usually have all the bravado but the ribbon—often the last-minute finishing touch—is the true star of the show. Whether it’s a classy satin strand that cascades down or a series of statement velvet bows, a grosgrain flourish or a rustic burlap interweave—ribbon can create a style-worthy precedent that will have all the other considerations falling into place (all the while, cleverly covering your tree’s inevitable bare patches). So before you start breaking out in holiday stress hives, read on for some stunning ribbon ensemble inspiration for every tree theme. Breathe easy and cue the twinkling lights!

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1 Anything But Mellow

elle decor best christmas tree decorations

Gordon Beall

Who says you have to stick with green and red? Take some inspiration from interior designer Darryl Carter's Washington, D.C., home and add a dash of sunshine to your neutral palette. To balance out the orange-yellow ribbons, he placed a similarly-toned piece of artwork on the adjoining wall. “While I generally tend toward a neutral palette, I went with the bright orange because in my mind’s eye it is a happy color,” says Carter.

2 Ribbon Reimagined

christmas tree with gifts, decorated with trinkets and garlands new year celebration concept

Tanja IvanovaGetty Images

Cloth ribbons are as classic as it gets but maybe this year you're ready to go a little outside the box—or tree—with creamy waves of pampas. Bonus: you can even replace your traditional star topper with these natural flourishes.

3 Ode to Overabundance

Jen Woodhouse

Haven't you heard? Maximalism is the new minimalism. And this tree is honing excess in all the right ways: Tufts of metallic ribbon weave in and out, alongside cobalt blue ornaments and faux flowers. A sprig of metallic ostrich feathers is the cherry on top. In this case, more is more!

4 Plaid Pairings

Jen Woodhouse

If you're dreaming of a red Christmas, keep it simple with plaid ribbons and faux poinsettias. Here, Jen Woodhouse tucked the wired ribbon in a downward direction, pairing smaller red translucent ribbons as accents. The result is a fail-safe Christmas setup that is both jovial and elegant.

5 All That Glitters

With love of photographyGetty Images

This tree has festivity in spades.

Mary Costa Photography

Kip Dawkins

8 Pack on a Pattern

Diana Elizabeth

For a Christmas ribbon idea that’s festive but not over-the-top, look to Diana Elizabeth Steffen's setup for inspiration. The lacelike ribbon used here pops without upstaging the tree’s wooden beads, dried produce, and porcelain ornaments. Instead, the ribbon works hard to create an effortlessly seasonal aesthetic.

Lace Ribbon