If you’re looking to elevate your Christmas tree this year, focusing on ribbon is a simple yet stunning way to transform your decor. Designers agree that the most popular look for 2025 involves layering rich, textured ribbons to add dimension and movement, creating a luxurious but approachable style that works with both traditional and modern themes.
The standout trend this year is using wide, wired ribbons styled vertically from the top of the tree down, often paired with big bows or cascading waterfalls of ribbon, which bring an elegant flow and volume to your tree’s design. This approach helps you avoid the hassle of wrapping tinsel or lights in circles and instantly creates a polished, festive vibe.
You don’t have to stick to classic red and green either; many designers encourage experimenting with unexpected colors like soft pinks, blues, or even natural burlap textures for a cozy, outdoorsy feel. This gives you plenty of room to personalize your tree and make it feel truly yours.
Why Ribbon Is the Standout Christmas Tree Trend This Year
This holiday season, ribbons have become a key element in Christmas decor, offering a blend of tradition and fresh style. They bring texture, color, and flexibility, making it easy for you to personalize your tree with simple yet impactful touches.
The Rise of Ribbon and Bows in Holiday Decor
Ribbons and bows are enjoying a major comeback in home decoration this year. More than just accents, they transform your tree with softness and volume that ornaments alone can’t offer. You can choose from oversized satin bows for a bold statement or delicate lace ribbons for a classic feel.
This trend also taps into nostalgia by adding a handcrafted vibe. Tying small bows throughout the branches is simple and refreshes the look without clutter. Plus, buying a single length of ribbon to make multiple bows can be more budget-friendly than purchasing pre-made bows, giving you creative control over your holiday decor.
How Designers Are Reimagining Classic Ribbons
Designers are moving beyond the traditional use of ribbons by creating elegant effects like cascading waterfall ribbons or vertical twirls that run the full height of the tree. They mix colors beyond red and green, using pastels, whites, and even bright tones to add a personal touch.
You’ll also see ribbons paired with natural elements like leaves and twigs to enhance texture and create an outdoorsy look. Some decorators keep it minimalist, placing a few scattered ribbons for subtle style, while others layer ribbons with ornaments and garlands for a cozy, homemade feel. This versatility means you can easily tailor the trend to fit your holiday vision.
Designer Insights: Popular Ribbon Styles and Techniques
This year, designers emphasize texture and pattern to give your Christmas tree a rich, layered look. The use of velvet and plaid ribbons adds warmth and visual interest. Meanwhile, different ribbon placements, from bold statement bows to subtle accents, shape the overall vibe of your tree’s decor.
Velvet and Plaid: Texture and Pattern Trends
Velvet ribbons are making a strong comeback because of their lush texture and classic appeal. When you drape velvet ribbon through your tree, it adds softness and depth, creating an inviting, cozy feel. Plaid patterns, especially in traditional red, green, and cream, bring timeless holiday charm that echoes Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetics.
Using velvet and plaid together can balance luxury and tradition. Layering these ribbons on your tree gives it a tactile richness that catches light naturally, making your tree feel both festive and sophisticated. Opt for wired ribbons in these materials to easily shape and secure the design as you decorate.
Statement Bows Versus Delicate Accents
Large statement bows make your Christmas tree pop with drama and personality. If you prefer noticeable focal points, placing these bows evenly around your tree’s branches can serve as eye-catching highlights. Choose bows in coordinating colors that complement other decorations, like gold or deep red, for a cohesive look.
On the other hand, delicate ribbon accents create a lighter, more understated design. Thin strands of wired ribbon gently woven around branches provide subtle shimmer without overwhelming your ornaments. This technique works especially well if your tree is already detailed or if you want to maintain a minimalist style without losing the elegance ribbons offer.
Color Trends: From Traditional Red to Modern Jewel Tones
This year, your Christmas tree ribbon choices can either honor classic hues or explore rich, modern alternatives. You’ll find warmth and depth in deep reds as well as bold statements in jewel-toned shades. Mixing these colors thoughtfully can define the overall atmosphere of your holiday decor.
Embracing Burgundy and Jewel-Toned Ribbons
Burgundy ribbons have emerged as a sophisticated update to traditional bright red. This velvety, deep red adds warmth and richness to your Christmas tree, giving it a more grounded and elegant look. Using burgundy in ribbons pairs beautifully with gold or brass accents, adding a timeless touch without feeling predictable.
Jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple bring opulence to your tree. You can layer these colors by alternating jewel-toned ribbons or mixing them with metallics like gold or silver to create depth and sparkle. Velvet or satin ribbons in these shades add texture and luxury, turning your tree into a striking holiday centerpiece.
Mixing Contemporary Colors for Unique Looks
You might want to go beyond tradition with unexpected color combinations. For instance, pairing soft pastels like lavender or blush pink with rose gold ribbons creates a whimsical, modern take that feels airy and charming. Earthy tones like mocha or terracotta mixed with olive green ribbons can inject warmth and grounded luxury.
Think about layering textures and finishes: consider matte ribbons alongside glossy or metallic ones to add visual interest. Using contrasting ribbon widths or patterns within the same palette helps your tree feel curated and unique. Whether you’re after subtlety or bold impact, combining colors thoughtfully lets your ribbons express your personal holiday style.
How to Layer Ribbons with Lights, Ornaments, and Tree Toppers
Creating a balanced look involves carefully placing your ribbons alongside your lights and ornaments. The goal is to make each element stand out while blending smoothly with the others. You want your tree to look full and polished without feeling cluttered.
Pairing Ribbon With Twinkle Lights for Extra Magic
Start by weaving your twinkle lights evenly throughout the tree, focusing on both the interior branches and the outer tips. This helps create a multi-dimensional glow that enhances the ribbons.
Next, layer your ribbons in flowing vertical or diagonal streams, tucking them gently between lit branches. Use wired ribbons so you can shape loops or bows that catch the light. The sparkle from the twinkle lights will highlight the ribbon’s texture and color.
Try to keep ribbons slightly wider than your lights to avoid covering the sparkle. Incorporate lighter or metallic ribbons near clusters of lights to amplify their shimmer. This layering makes your tree glow softly while maintaining depth and interest.
Choosing a Tree Topper That Complements Ribbons
Your tree topper should feel like the finishing touch that ties your ribbon and lights together. Stick with a topper that matches your ribbon’s tone—whether it’s metallic gold, blush pink silk, or vibrant velvet.
Oversized ribbons can replace or work alongside traditional toppers like stars or angels. Cascading ribbon tails create height and elegance without overwhelming the top of your tree.
If you use a bold topper, opt for simpler ribbons so neither element competes. With delicate ribbons, a more ornate topper adds personality. Keep your topper secure, allowing ribbons to flow naturally beneath without tangling or looking forced.
Incorporating Ribbon into a Ralph Lauren Christmas Look
Using ribbon in your Christmas tree decor can transform it from simple to sophisticated. The key lies in choosing patterns and textures that evoke warmth, tradition, and a touch of rustic charm. Layering ribbons with different widths and materials helps you build a rich, inviting holiday vibe.
Classic Americana Elements and Cozy Nostalgia
Start with tartan ribbon—that’s a signature of the Ralph Lauren Christmas style. Its plaid patterns bring a sense of heritage and warmth reminiscent of old sporting lodges and countryside estates. Opt for deep reds, navy blues, and forest greens to keep things traditional and cozy.
Cut your ribbons into 3–4 foot strips and tuck them loosely throughout the tree. The goal is effortless charm, not stiff perfection. You can layer a thinner velvet ribbon over a wider tartan for added texture and depth.
Adding touches like velvet bows and pairing the ribbon with pinecones and magnolia stems will enhance that timeless Americana feel. These natural, classic accents bring a soft, nostalgic look that ties your tree together beautifully.
Combining Vintage and Modern Ribbon Styles
Mixing vintage patterns with fresh, modern textiles creates an updated yet classic holiday tree. If you have older ribbon with gold or silver metallic threads, layer it with newer ribbons in bold jewel tones. This adds shimmer without overpowering the traditional color palette.
Velvet ribbons are a must. Their rich texture contrasts perfectly with plaid and adds luxury to your holiday decor. Use velvet ribbons in places where you want to draw attention—like the tree’s outer branches or near a striking ornament.
Be playful with asymmetry. Rather than symmetrical loops or perfectly spaced bows, tuck ribbons unevenly for a collected, lived-in feel. This balance between polished and playful keeps your Ralph Lauren Christmas tree warm, inviting, and stylish.
Personalization and Sustainability: DIY and Eco-Friendly Ribbon Ideas
You can refresh your Christmas decor this holiday season by mixing creativity with eco-consciousness. Using handmade and natural materials gives your tree a unique look while reducing waste. Plus, crafting your own ribbon allows you to customize colors and textures that perfectly fit your style.
Handmade Ribbons and Upcycled Materials
Making your own ribbons from natural fibers like burlap or cotton adds a rustic, warm feel to your tree. These materials are biodegradable and more sustainable than synthetic options. You might also use scraps of fabric or old holiday clothes to upcycle into ribbon, cutting down on waste.
Try decorating these ribbons with simple natural touches such as pinecones, dried orange slices, or cinnamon sticks. These add subtle but charming details and a lovely scent. Handmade ribbons made this way also reflect a personal touch that store-bought ribbons often lack.
Creating Your Own Signature Tree Ribbon Look
To truly make your Christmas tree ribbon stand out, experiment with layering different textures and widths. Mixing wired velvet, satin, and mesh ribbons can add depth and movement. You can also dye plain ribbons in custom shades to match your holiday color palette.
With DIY techniques like folding, twisting, or weaving ribbons, you create a look that’s entirely your own. This approach makes your tree feel special and cohesive with the rest of your decor. Plus, working on the ribbon design can be a relaxing holiday activity that gets you into the festive spirit.