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How to Decorate a Christmas Tree With Ribbon

How to put ribbon on a Christmas tree - Open for Christmas

Easy Christmas Tree Ribbon Decorating Ideas

Decorating a tree with ribbon is super simple. Getting the right position and that ‘professional’ look is where things get tricky. 

What’s the quick answer to How to Decorate a Christmas Tree With Ribbon?

All you need to do is cut strips of ribbon, make two or three billowing loops, and secure them using the inner branches. Sit the loops on the branches and play with the positioning until you’re happy. Then repeat this process at different heights and directions on the tree. 

If you’re scratching your head at this answer, then don’t worry – we’ve got you! 

Decorating a tree with ribbon is one of the most time-consuming parts, but getting it right can make all the difference. 

Ribbons add texture, color, sparkle, and dimension to any tree. They can even make a sparse tree look full of life. 

In this guide, we’ll explain step by step how to decorate a Christmas tree professionally with ribbon. 

And, we’ve also written our top tips for ribbon decoration at home and some DIY ribbon FAQs. 

So if you’re wanting that full appearance of a tree decorated with ribbon, it’s safe to say you’re in the right place. 

Related: How to Put Tinsel On a Christmas Tree & Decorate Like a Pro

How to put ribbon on a Christmas tree - Open for Christmas

How to Decorate a Christmas Tree With Ribbon

How to Make Ribbon Garlands

  1. Cut your ribbon into strips about 3ft or 1 meter long – they don’t have to be exact. Make a couple of strips first to see how they look before committing to cutting the whole roll.
  1. Starting with a fluffed and lit tree, feed your ribbon through the branches. Secure the ribbon on or around an inner branch. Mesh ribbons stick easily, but soft ones may need to be twisted around a branch. Bobby pins also work well for securing ribbons.
  1. Once one end is secured, billow half the length of ribbon out at a diagonal angle.  Secure the middle of the ribbon using the method in step 2. You should have half your length of ribbon dangling free. 
  1. Play with the position by sitting the loop on branches until you’re happy with how it looks. 
  1. Working from the center of the ribbon you’ve just secured, form another loop using the same method. 
  1. After placing each 3ft/1m strip, stand back and check you’re happy with the placement. Remember that you still need to add your ornaments, so try and imagine how they will look with all your decorations in place. 

How to Make Easy DIY Bows Out of Ribbon

Ribbon makes a great alternative to garland and tinsel. 

But sometimes all you need is a bow ribbon to nicely complement these classic tree decorations.

We suggest using a wired or wire-edge ribbon. They hold their shape and make a DIY bow so much easier. 

1. Cut a piece of ribbon around 12-15 inches. 

2. Make one loop with your ribbon and hold the tails together.

3. With the tail sitting at the back, fold it back on itself, and wrap it around the loop you’re holding.

3. Pull out the second loop that’s formed underneath the first loop and pull. 

4. Tug on the loops and tails until you’re happy with the size and positioning. 

This video uses a small length of ribbon, but it helps to visualize the process.

Want the perfect Christmas tree topper? Take a look at our guide to The Best Christmas Tree Topper For Your Tree

How to Choose Ribbon for a Christmas Tree

If you haven’t chosen your ribbon colors yet, then here’s a suggestion from the Open For Christmas team. 

Using three textures of ribbon in two complementary colors creates a cohesive and professional-looking Christmas tree. 

Let’s use blue and silver as an example. 

Choose two ribbons in your most vibrant color, which in this case is blue. 

One ribbon should be a block color, with minimal design and texture. 

The second blue ribbon could be a wide blue mesh, to add texture to the tree without adding too much noise.

Our third ribbon would be in the complementary silver color, which would be a tight mesh with detail such as an ornamental design or glittering. 

Ribbon 1 – Block color: 3 Inch Royal Blue Double Faced Satin Ribbon 

Ribbon 2 – Block color in wide mesh: Decorative Tulle Fabric Roll

Ribbon 3 – Complementary color with detailing: Ribbon Snowflake Silver Glitter Ribbon 

Tips for Decorating With Ribbon

1. Mesh ribbon is easier to stick to the tree and secure in place. 

2. Secure misbehaving ribbons with bobby pins

3. Use ribbons in the same color but different textures to add detail without introducing too many colors. 

4. Pre-lit artificial trees are neater and make everything easier. 

5. Secure your ribbon before your ornaments to avoid knocking anything off and over-decorating.

6. Save your ribbons for next year to reduce waste, and speed up the process.

Ribbon Decorating Ideas FAQs

1. Do You Put Ribbon on a Tree Before Ornaments?

The best order to decorate a Christmas tree is lights, ribbon and/or garland, ornaments. This order allows you to work from the deepest layer of the tree outward, so it’s easier to make any changes and see how it’s coming together. Ribbon before ornaments also prevents damage to ornaments as you move branches and feed through your ribbon. 

2. How Do You Make Christmas Decorations With Ribbon?

Choose two complementary colors in a range of textures to create professional and cohesive decorations. Use wired ribbon because it holds its shape and is easy to mold into positions. With your ribbon, you can make bows, garlands, streamers, a waterfall cascading tree design, and more. Ribbon can easily be undone or taken away, so have fun and play around with positions until you’re happy with how it looks. 

Final Thoughts On How to Decorate a Christmas Tree With Ribbon

That’s a wrap on how to decorate a Christmas tree with ribbon. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed our DIY decorating ideas, which will hopefully make things easier next time it comes to decorating your tree. 

Sometimes it’s difficult to explain Christmas crafts with words as its much easier to show than to explain. 

But, hopefully, our ribbon instructions were clean and concise, and you’re feeling confident and excited to decorate your tree. 

And of course, our instructions are just suggestions.

There’s no one way to decorate a tree, and it comes down to personal preference. 

Life would be boring if we all did everything the same way!

The most important thing is that you enjoy making your ribbon decor, and love the finished result. 

If you’ve enjoyed this Christmas decor DIY guide from Open For Christmas and would like to read more, take a look at some of our related posts below. 

Related Christmas Decorations Ideas and DIY Ornaments: 

How to Decorate a Christmas Tree With Ribbon 

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