Adding ribbon to a Christmas tree is a great way to make a tree look more festive. Choose the right ribbon, and you'll have a timeless festive look that will make your tree an eye-catching centerpiece for your home this holiday season. If you don't know how to wrap a ribbon around a Christmas tree, read on for some great tree-decorating tips.
Choosing the Right Ribbon
If you'd like a ribbon-wrapped Christmas tree, the first thing you'll need (other than the tree, of course!) is some ribbon. Choosing the right ribbon for a Christmas tree is a matter of personal taste. There are many different styles of ribbon, including shiny satin, luxurious velvet and rustic burlap.
Think about the other decorations you'd like to use, and try to choose a ribbon that will match or accentuate them.
Types of Ribbon Material
You can use almost any kind of ribbon to decorate a tree, but some popular options are:
- Satin: The subtle shimmer of satin makes it a great choice for festive decoration. Satin ribbons are elegant, soft and available in vibrant colors. They also go well with other textures, so they're ideal when layering ribbons on a Christmas tree.
- Velvet: For a touch of luxury, look up how to tie velvet ribbon on a Christmas tree. Velvet is soft, luxurious and timeless, making it a good choice for festive decorations.
- Burlap: If you prefer a more rustic, natural look, consider using burlap. It's perfect if you're going for nature-inspired decor or a farmhouse look. What's more, it's durable and easy to shape, so if you're new to tying and wrapping with ribbon, it's a good choice to practice with.
- Mesh: For a bold, full-looking Christmas tree ribbon wrap, consider mesh. The extra volume makes this style popular for a contemporary ribbon-wrapped Christmas tree.
Selecting Colors and Patterns
When it comes to colors and patterns, your only limit is your imagination. The obvious choice is traditional colors such as red, green or gold. These compliment almost any festive theme.
If you're looking for something more modern, pastel and metallic colors can be an aesthetically pleasing twist to the more common choices. Black ribbon can provide a striking contrast to a white or snowy tree.
Choosing a patterned ribbon as part of a Christmas tree wrap-around can add visual interest. It's a bolder choice, but stripes or plaids mixed with solid ribbons can work surprisingly well.
Determining Ribbon Width and Length
In general, using wide, wired ribbon for Christmas tree wrapping produces impactful results. Consider the size of the tree when you're choosing your ribbon. The bigger the tree, the wider you'll want the ribbon to be. You'll also need more ribbon to achieve full coverage.
If you opt for a smaller tree, you can choose a slightly narrower ribbon so the ribbon's design doesn't overwhelm your other decorations.
Preparation Before Wrapping
When you're preparing how to put a ribbon on the Christmas tree, it's important to do things in the right order. Take a few moments to ensure you've got all the tools you need and that you'll be able to work undisturbed while you're decorating your tree.
Gathering Necessary Tools
Gather all the tools you need available before you start decorating. You'll need:
- Sharp scissors to ensure you achieve clean cuts when trimming the ribbon to size
- Wire or ribbon ties to discreetly secure the ribbon
- A step ladder so you can reach the top of the tree safely
- Your festive lights and other decorations
Start by untangling and fluffing the Christmas tree branches so that the tree looks full and balanced. Once you're happy with the tree, add your festive lights. Do this before you wrap the ribbon around the tree. This will result in a more appealing layering effect.
Techniques for Wrapping Ribbon
Now we've reached the important part: How to put a ribbon around a Christmas tree. There are several methods you can use to wrap a tree with ribbon, and we'll cover a few of the most popular options below.
Traditional Wrap Technique
The traditional spiral Christmas tree ribbon wrap involves starting at the top of the tree and working downward in a spiral. If you're learning how to wrap a ribbon around a Christmas tree and are nervous about getting it right, the spiral method is a good starting point.
For a more varied and eye-catching look, try layering and overlapping. Use different colors for each layer, and work in different directions to add depth and texture.
Vertical Ribbon Technique
For a quick, easy and eye-catching tree, try the vertical ribbon technique. This is the lazy version of how to do ribbon on a Christmas tree, but it can produce great results!
Cut ribbon into vertical strips of varying lengths and pin them to the tree, starting near the top. Use different colors or patterns for variety.
Clustered Loops Technique
For a more organic look, try the clustered loops technique. Form loops with the ribbon and tuck them into the branches. Pair some of the loops with ornaments to add an extra dimension. You can use this along with other ribbon techniques on a large tree to improve coverage.
Cascading Effect Technique
Create a waterfall ribbon Christmas tree by placing ribbons in layers, working from the top of the tree to the bottom. The cascading ribbon Christmas tree is a more advanced version of the vertical method, and it can work quite well if you choose contrasting ribbon colors.
Tuck and secure each section of ribbon using clips. Take care to make sure the clips are concealed for a natural look.
Securing Ribbon in Place
Try to fasten or tuck the ribbon in place discreetly, and without damaging the branches. Some options for securing ribbon on a Christmas tree are listed below:
Using Wire or Ribbon Ties
Wire or ribbon ties can be used to hold ribbons to thin branches. Make sure you step back from the tree to check the position of the ribbon and that the ties are discreet. If they're not, consider hiding them with other ornaments or tinsel.
Tucking into Tree Branches
If the tree is strong enough, you may be able to tuck ribbons into branches without needing to use fasteners. This is the best option because it produces a more seamless, natural look.
Adding Complementary Decorations
Once the ribbon is in place, examine the tree and consider if the look would be improved by adding contemporary decorations.
Integrating Ornaments With Ribbon
Adding a mixture of large and small ornaments scattered across the tree can enhance the look of the ribbon. For best results, place large ornaments near the base and smaller ones further up the tree.
Incorporating Additional Elements
Bows, garlands, and beads are good options if you want to add variety but don't want to go overboard with baubles and large ornaments. You can even layer garlands with more ribbon for a multi-dimensional look.
So, now you know how to wrap a ribbon on a Christmas tree. Step back, admire your handiwork and make some last-minute adjustments to ensure the decorations are placed evenly. Finally, take a photo to preserve the memories of your artistic talents and enjoy the start of the holiday season!
Ready to Create a Beautifully Ribbon-Wrapped Christmas Tree?
If you're feeling inspired by these trips and would like to create your own beautifully ribbon-wrapped Christmas tree, check out our extensive collection of Christmas trees. From timeless and traditional blue spruce trees to flocked pines, pampas and more, we've got something for everyone at Seasonal LLC.
Photo by Arun Kuchibhotla on Unsplash