Step-by-step tutorials showing three professional ways to add ribbon to a Christmas tree: waterfall, feminine bows, and vintage crumpled ribbon styles.
Every year I used to realize after decorating the trees that I should have shown how I put ribbon on them. This year I made a point of documenting the full process with three clear techniques because I get asked about this all the time.
Putting ribbon on a tree looks simple but can be surprisingly tricky. There’s no single “perfect” approach — I think the most beautiful ribbon work is the perfectly imperfect kind — but these step-by-step methods make the process straightforward so you can achieve a polished look that suits your holiday decor.
3 Ways to Put Ribbon on a Christmas Tree
Waterfall Ribbon Christmas Tree
If you want a clean, modern, slightly polished look with soft cascading ribbon, the waterfall ribbon method is ideal. This technique creates graceful, billowy swags that fall down the tree and add movement without overwhelming ornaments.
Best ribbon: wired ribbon with a smooth face and crisp wired edges. I find 2″–3″ widths work best; 2 1/2″ is a great compromise between bold and refined. Wired ribbon holds the shapes you create, making the billowed waterfall look easy to form and adjust.
Suggested ribbon types
Wired velvet, satin-backed wired ribbon, and other wired fabrics produce the nicest waterfall effect. Choose a ribbon with enough body to hold a curve but not so stiff that it looks rigid.
Step 1 – Cut ribbon to about 2½-foot lengths
You don’t need a tape measure — just cut ribbon into pieces roughly 2 1/2 feet long. Keep the wired edges smooth and avoid creasing so the ribbon bends and billows nicely.
Step 2 – Hook one end of the ribbon on a branch
Start near the top of the tree. Hook one end of the ribbon on a sturdy branch so it stays put while you shape the rest of the piece. Wired ribbon makes this simple because it holds the curve you create.
Step 3 – Pinch the middle and tuck
Weave the ribbon down the tree in a gentle zig-zag. Halfway down the ribbon, pinch it to create a soft loop or billow and tuck that pinched section between branches so it stays secure. Leave some slack above to fan the ribbon outward for volume.
Step 4 – Tuck the end
Tuck the other end of the ribbon between branches to anchor the piece. The two tucks combined with the pinched middle give you that signature waterfall look without additional fasteners.
Step 5 – Repeat down the tree
Start the next piece just below where the previous one finished and repeat the hook-pinch-tuck sequence, working in a zig-zag pattern until the tree shows the amount of ribbon you want. Adjust spacing and billows as you go. Because ribbon is placed first, it fills gaps and frames ornaments beautifully.
Vintage Crumpled Ribbon
The vintage crumpled ribbon look embraces imperfection and vintage charm. It works beautifully with fabrics that have an organic feel like cotton, burlap, velvet, jacquard, or chiffon. This technique intentionally creates a slightly worn, textured appearance that reads as timeless and cozy.
Suggested ribbon types
Choose ribbons with character — anything that softens when scrunched will give a lovely aged texture. Velvet, linen blends, and rustic woven ribbons are ideal.
Step 1 – Crumple the ribbon
Use the same roughly 2 1/2-foot wired ribbon lengths but scrunch them into a loose ball in your hand, then gently pull them back out. This pre-creases the ribbon and gives it a softer, vintage appearance when placed on the tree.
Step 2 – Use the waterfall technique
After crumpling, place the ribbon pieces using the same hook, pinch, and tuck method from the waterfall approach. The pre-crumpled ribbon will lay with a relaxed, lived-in texture that enhances a vintage theme.
Step 3 – Fill in with ornaments
Once ribbon is placed to your liking, add ornaments, floral picks, dried fruit, and other accents. The crumpled ribbon provides a soft backdrop that makes vintage-style ornaments and natural elements pop.
Feminine Bows Tree Ribbon
If the waterfall or crumpled methods feel too involved, tying simple bows on branch tips creates an immediately sweet, feminine look. Bows are easy, fast, and lovely for a softer, more traditional tree.
Non-wired ribbon works best for tied bows — velvet, silk, taffeta, cotton, or satin will all look beautiful depending on the mood you want.
Suggested ribbon types
Non-wired velvet or silky ribbon in widths from 3/4″ to 3″ will give you options from dainty to dramatic. Choose narrower widths for delicate bows and wider ribbon for bold, statement bows.
Step 1 – Cut ribbon pieces
For medium bows, cut ribbon to about 2 1/2 feet. For shorter tails, cut 1 1/2 to 2 feet. For long dramatic tails, cut 3 1/2 feet or longer. You can eyeball the measurements; bows don’t require precision.
Step 2 – Tie bows on branches, evenly spaced
Tie bows on branch tips and spread them evenly around the tree. You can add as few or as many as you like. These bows read sweet and feminine and are a great finishing touch over other ribbon or on a simpler tree.
Final Decorating Notes
After placing ribbon (I chose the vintage crumpled look for this tree), ornaments and picks can be added to personalize the tree — any combination of balls, battery candle picks, dried fruit, foliage stems, metallic accents, and a topper will finish it beautifully.
Ribbon is one of the simplest ways to change a tree’s color palette and overall vibe from year to year — swap ribbon colors and textures to transform the theme from traditional red and green to blues, neutrals, mixed metallics, or bold seasonal palettes.
More Christmas Tree Ribbon Ideas
Bows Method
Waterfall Method
Vintage Crumpled Method
Ribbon has the power to change the theme and mood of your holiday decor quickly and affordably. Try different widths, materials, and application styles to discover which ribbon method best complements your ornaments and overall holiday vision.
More Christmas Decorating Tips
- How to hang wreaths on windows for Christmas
- How to change the look of your Christmas decor each year inexpensively
- DIY Christmas decorations you can make inexpensively
- Simple and inexpensive Christmas table centerpiece ideas
- Vintage Christmas decor favorites that never go out of style
