Decorating with Ribbon Bows for Christmas: 12 Home Handicrafts to Try This Winter

Decorating with Ribbon Bows for Christmas: 12 Home Handicrafts to Try This Winter

A home adorned in ribbon for the festive season is always homely. A flounce of velvet on the tree   here; a bold bow sash on the door there. Whatever the case, a good dose of pattern, pleating – and today’s focus – bows convey exactly the kind of jubilant, youthful spirit that embodies the Christmas holiday.

What I want to make clear from the outset, though, is that decorating with bows for Christmas isn’t just the preserve of serial crafters or helicopter parents who miraculously have it all together; truly anyone can give these Xmas ribbon crafts a go.

To that aim, I’ve rustled up 12 simple projects that have a low bar to entry and won’t break the bank. Better still, if you have little ones to occupy while they’re off school or an upcoming date/mates night in the calendar, many of these crafts double up as a relaxed, mindful bonding activity. So, what’s not to love?


Jump ahead to:

 

TL;DR

Decorating with bows for Christmas is an easy, affordable way to add festive colour and texture to your home. Use ribbon bows on Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, gifts, tables, cards, baubles and more. Wired ribbon is ideal for structured bows, while velvet, tartan and lurex create different festive finishes.

Why Ribbon? Well, Christmas & Bows Go Way Back

The popularity of bows waxes and wanes in cycles; back in 2023, it was peak bow season thanks to the exploding internet-derived aesthetic “coquettecore”, which revelled in its unapologetic girlishness.

Since then, we’ve seen different takes on the ultra-feminine bow. Diminutive or MASSIVE hair bows nestled in the tresses of pop stars, including Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan; country-cottage cushions and textiles dripping in them; bows on candleholders, dresses, handbags, homemade wedding decorations, dogs even.

Of course, come December they’re all over presents. But where did the two get acquainted? Well, as it turns out, bows have been a festive staple for almost 200 years. Like many other decorative embellishments, we have the Victorians to thank for it.

All about OTT holiday décor, ribbon bows – more readily available than ever due to the industrial revolution – became the go-to for Christmas styling, from garlands to tree toppers. Many of these uses, as we’ll shortly see, have endured into the present day (pun unintended).

But, besides tradition, there are many reasons to fold ribbon bows into your own personal Christmas customs:

  • As materials go, they’re super affordable
  • There are tons of types of ribbon choose from, giving you options for colour, print, texture and finish
  • You can sew with them, and wired varieties hold their shape over time
  • They’re timeless and charming, simply oozing nostalgia
  • The majority of Christmas bow crafts are child-friendly
  • They can be as classy or as rustic as you like

Christmas Ribbon Crafts to Try Your Hand at in 2026 & Beyond

Now, with that preamble done and dusted, let’s dig into the main course: your inspiration on which Christmas ribbon decorating to take a stab at.

 

 

 

Taking Your Gift Wrapping Up a Notch

I already spoiled this idea, but let’s go a little deeper. Christmas wrapping is almost always in want of a bow. It provides a natural focal point, an extra pop of colour, somewhere to slide in a card or a note, and the aesthetic is cosy just like a hug. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you could even top them with a ribbon rosette for the receiver to wear throughout the special day.


 


DIY Xmas Tree Baubles

Baubles can take any form under the sun; this wall of handmade decorations is proof in the Christmas pudding. But they all need something to hang them up, and that, my friend, is ribbon. Whether a sustainable, rustic jute or something woven with a lovely tartan pattern, these make a wonderfully accessible beginner’s ribbon craft.



Homemade Garlands

Does your fireplace need some extra razzle dazzle? Then a homemade ribbon garland might just be the ticket. Zero faff to make, you need only buy some premade bows or tie your own with some ribbon of your choice to hot glue together – and bam! – you have your own affordable, rustic garland.


 


Candle Embellishment

Sometimes candle holders look a tad bare on their own. You know what it calls for? Even more ribbon! A neatly tied bow around the base is all it needs – just be careful that the tails don’t hang anywhere near the flame, especially when using synthetic materials like acetate.


 


Maximalist Christmas Tree Decoration

When people talk about ‘curated chaos’ a Christmas tree layered with bows upon bows is exactly what I picture. Deliciously maximalist, this colourful twist on the traditional tree dressing really packs in the fun.


 


Elevating Your Christmas Dinner Tablescape (Chairs included)

Life’s most tender moments often feature the backdrop of the dinner table, so at the festive end of the year it ought to be dressed for the occasion.

I’m thinking rich burgundy ribbons wrapped around your serviettes, deep forest green bows sitting on dried flower displays, seasonal doilies, your very best crockery, and wine glasses whose stems are bedecked by tiny bows, charms or calligraphy scrawled name tags. Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t have to be excessively expensive. As long as the details are heart-felt and personal, the love will ring through.


 


Stair Runners Made From Tree Cuttings, Adorned With Bows

Every inch of your home deserves a bow on it. Yes, that includes all of those weird liminal spaces, such as the stairs and landing. And what better way to do it than with a natural stair runner punctuated with a mix of colourful bows?


 


DIY Christmas Cards

The creative avenues you could explore are endless: pin-prick cards, watercolour, collage, a simple sketch, cross stich, potato prints. Whatever the case, adorning them with a pinch of ribbon formed into a bow elevates wholesome and handmade to the practically artisanal.

Here’s a sneaky bonus idea: if you’re on the receiving end, you can create a beautiful Christmas card display on your wall, with a few lengths of wide ribbon, topped off with a classic, red bow.


 


Festive Ribbon Wreaths

A beloved classic amongst those rabidly into Christmas – I’m talking about the folks who count down the days from January – festive ribbon wreaths are a lovely ribbon craft to make with a loved one, and there are so many aesthetic routes to take.

You could build the entire thing from wired ribbon, amassing layers of bows from strips you’ve cut out, or you could opt for a traditional look by foraging seasonal flora/ sourcing faux flowers and pairing it with snippings from your tree. Or if you’re a bit DIYed out, you could just attach a door bow.


 


Pomanders: The Historic Tradition with a Modern Twist

Pomanders have been made during the festive period since the 19th century, so if you’re looking for Christmas ribbon crafts rooted in history, you’ve hit the jackpot. The idea is to create a little perfumed ball of spiced scent to waft through the home.

Effortlessly easy to pull off (so much so that you might remember making these in school), they take all of 5 minutes to create. Just take a satsuma and tie it with ribbon to form a bow, and then stud it with cloves, holly leaves and sprigs of fir. And that’s it!


 


Ribbon Bow ‘Paper’ Chains

We all know how to make paper chains, but what about ‘ribbon bow chains’? This classier take becomes all the more indulgent depending on the material of your choice. Lurex brings a spritz of sparkle, bringing extra life to the party, whilst velvet is lux, VIP, expensive. Perfect if you’re angling for a hallmark film, fairytale whimsy kind of deal.


 


Christmas Cake Dressing

The talk of your Christmas party or the fond memory for your kids, even 5+ years down the road, dressing up your cake with a ribbon takes the presentation from humbly impressive to Michelin-Star level. And if you’re low on cookies, a big slice will keep Santa very happy.

Conclusion: The Most Wonderful Time for Crafting

Before I love you and leave you, allow me to impart one final piece of advice: If you’re reading this, you’re probably already gearing up for Christmas, but remember that the early bird catches the worm.

It might sound extreme but getting the prep underway at the tail end of the summer and throughout autumn, practically eliminates the stress. You might also find that poking around for festive materials at this time lets you snap up a good bargain. Sorry to all the grinches out there – I understand your pain!

To this point, why not bite the bullet and start now? At Colour Ribbons, we have all the supplies you could possibly need and we accommodate bulk orders, so whether you’re zhuzhing up your home in time for the relatives’ visit or you’re decorating a shop floor, we’ll get you the best prices.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Decorate With Bows for Christmas?

Christmas bows can be used almost anywhere you’d normally add a festive decoration. Try attaching them to your Christmas tree, wreath, garland, staircase, presents, dining chairs, napkins or Christmas cards. You can also use smaller bows to embellish baubles, candle holders and table decorations.

What Ribbon Is Best for Christmas Bows?

Wired ribbon is one of the best options for decorative Christmas bows because it can be shaped and helps loops and tails hold their form. Velvet creates a rich, traditional look, while satin offers a smooth finish and lurex brings plenty of festive sparkle. For rustic Christmas decorations, tartan, jute and natural-looking ribbons work particularly well.

How Do You Decorate a Christmas Tree With Ribbon Bows?

Tie individual bows and distribute them evenly throughout the branches, varying their size if you want a more natural look. Small bows make lovely accents between baubles, while oversized bows can become statement decorations or even replace a traditional tree topper. Wired ribbon is especially useful because you can reshape the bows once they’re on the tree.

What Christmas Decorations Can I Make With Ribbon?

Ribbon can be used to make or embellish Christmas wreaths, garlands, tree decorations, baubles, cards, pomanders, table settings, gift wrapping and even Christmas cakes. You can also join individual ribbon bows together to create an alternative to traditional paper chains.

Are Christmas Ribbon Crafts Suitable for Children?

Many simple Christmas ribbon crafts are suitable for children with adult supervision. Decorating cards, tying ribbon around baubles and making pomanders are particularly accessible options. Any project involving hot glue, needles, sharp scissors or candles should be handled by an adult or closely supervised.

How Can I Make Christmas Bow Decorations Look Expensive?

Choose one or two complementary colours and introduce contrasting textures rather than using lots of unrelated designs. Velvet, satin and metallic lurex can all create a luxurious finish. Generous loops, neatly cut tails and larger statement bows also tend to give decorations a more polished appearance.

Can I Reuse Christmas Ribbon and Bows?

Absolutely. Untie bows carefully after Christmas and store ribbon loosely rolled or wound around card to reduce creasing. Wired ribbon is particularly useful for reusable decorations because it can usually be reshaped the following year. Reusing ribbon from presents is also an easy way to make future Christmas crafts more economical.