Christmas Tree With Bows Ideas
Christmas tree with bows ideas for every style, from velvet and linen to a bows-only tree, plus how to make ribbon bows and how many you need per foot of tree.
A Christmas tree with bows is the trend that refuses to fade, and honestly, it deserves to stay. Bows are soft, romantic and a little nostalgic. They make a tree look styled rather than just decorated, and they are one of the cheapest ways to add a lot of impact. Whether you want a classic red velvet look or a soft neutral linen tree, here are ideas, how-tos and the numbers you need.
Why bows work so well on a tree
Round ornaments are all the same shape. Bows add a different silhouette, with loops and trailing tails that create movement. They also fill space well. One medium bow covers about the same area as three ornaments, so you need fewer pieces overall. And because you can make them from ribbon you already have, they are budget-friendly.
12 Christmas tree with bows ideas
1. Classic red velvet bows
Deep red velvet bows on a green tree with warm white lights. Add a few gold ornaments for sparkle. This is the look that started the trend and it still looks beautiful.
2. Bows-only tree
Skip ornaments completely and use 30 to 60 bows in a single colour. The result is striking, almost like a designer shop window, and surprisingly simple.
3. Burgundy and blush
Mix burgundy velvet bows with soft blush satin. It is romantic and works well with pink or neutral rooms.
4. Neutral linen bows
Cream or oatmeal linen bows on a flocked or green tree give a calm, Scandinavian feel. Add wooden beads and white lights.
5. Plaid bows
Red and green tartan bows are cosy and traditional. Perfect for a cabin, farmhouse or family room tree.
6. Gold and red mix
Alternate red velvet bows with gold metallic bows. Very festive and very bright in the evening.
7. Long-tail bows
Make bows with extra-long tails, 40 to 60 cm, so they hang down through the branches. This creates a waterfall effect that looks elegant from a distance.
8. Pink bow tree
Pale pink satin bows on a white or flocked tree. Playful and pretty, and a favourite for girls' rooms and pink Christmas themes.
9. Black and white gingham bows
Gingham ribbon is fresh and a little unexpected. It pairs well with a modern farmhouse style.
10. Mini bows on a small tree
A tabletop tree with tiny bows (made from 2 to 3 cm ribbon) is charming in a kitchen or bedroom.
11. Bow topper
Swap the star for a giant bow with long tails cascading down the tree. It is easy to make and creates a beautiful focal point.
12. Bows plus ribbon
Make bows from the same ribbon you wind through the tree. The continuity makes everything look planned.
Choosing the right ribbon
- Wired edges are essential for full, shaped bows.
- Width: 4 to 6 cm for medium bows, 2 to 3 cm for small bows, and 10 to 15 cm for a topper.
- Fabric: velvet looks richest, satin is shiny and festive, linen and cotton feel relaxed, and grosgrain is crisp and tidy.
- Quantity: a 9 m roll of 6 cm ribbon makes around 10 to 12 medium bows.
How to make ribbon bows for a tree
The simple tied bow
This is the fastest way to make lots of identical bows.
- Cut a length of ribbon, around 60 to 70 cm for a medium bow.
- Tie it around something round, such as a broom handle or a rolled towel, in a normal shoelace bow.
- Slide it off, adjust the loops so they are equal, and tighten.
- Trim the tails at an angle.
- Use a pipe cleaner or floral wire through the back knot to attach it.
The florist bow
For larger, fuller bows, use the loop method: fold loops back and forth, pinch in the centre, and wire tightly. It takes a little longer but gives a fuller, more professional result.
The quick hack
Some people use a fork for tiny bows. Weave narrow ribbon through the tines, tie in the middle, and slide off. Great for mini trees.
How many bows per foot of tree?
Here is a simple guide for a tree that mixes bows and ornaments:
- 4 ft tree: 12 to 18 bows
- 6 ft tree: 20 to 30 bows
- 7 ft tree: 25 to 35 bows
- 9 ft tree: 35 to 50 bows
For a bows-only tree, roughly double these numbers. If you have fewer, make them bigger.
Where to place bows
Start at the top and work down in a loose zigzag so the bows do not line up in rows. Tuck some bows slightly deeper into the branches and keep others at the tips. Fill the gaps with ornaments. Step back regularly to check balance.
A helpful trick is to place five or six "anchor" bows first, spread around the tree, then fill in between them.
Lights, ornaments and finishing touches
Lights always go on first. Warm white is the safest choice with bows because it makes red look rich and neutral fabric look soft. Next come the bows, then ornaments in a complementary colour. Finish with a tree skirt that echoes your ribbon. A velvet skirt with velvet bows looks very polished.
If you love this look, a red bow Christmas garland on your mantel or stairs repeats the bow theme across the room.
Budget tips
- Buy ribbon after Christmas sales for next year.
- Use fabric scraps, cut into strips with pinking shears.
- Make bows while watching a holiday film. It goes faster than you think.
- Store bows in a box with tissue paper so they can be reused for years.
Mistakes to avoid
- Bows that are too small for the tree. Go a little bigger than you think.
- Unwired ribbon that flops after a day or two.
- Too many colours. Keep to one or two ribbon colours.
- Bows only on the front. Turn the tree or step around it to check every side.
Choosing ribbon for tree bows
Velvet is the classic choice and looks rich. Satin is shiny and smooth. Wired ribbon holds its shape best.
How many bows do you need?
Plan about 15 to 20 bows for a 7-foot tree.
One last tip
Start with the lights, then garland, then bows, then ornaments. Placing bows before ornaments lets you build an even framework across the tree, and the ornaments fill the gaps. Step back after every few bows and squint: any obvious holes or clusters show up instantly when the detail blurs.
Get the Home Journal Co letter
One thoughtful email a week with our newest guides and seasonal ideas. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
FAQ
Are bows on Christmas trees still in style?
Yes. Bows have been one of the most saved Christmas decor ideas for several years running, and they suit both traditional and modern styles.
What ribbon is best for Christmas tree bows?
Wired velvet or wired satin, 4 to 6 cm wide. It holds its shape and looks rich.
Can I put bows on a flocked tree?
Absolutely. Red, burgundy, pink or cream bows all look beautiful against a snowy flocked tree.
A Christmas tree with bows is simple, affordable and endlessly adaptable. Pick a ribbon, make a batch of bows, and enjoy a tree that looks beautifully styled.
Save this guide for later — this image is sized for pinning.
Some posts may contain affiliate links; see our disclosure. Photography: Emsel Ilijazi; Eugenia Remark; Sóc Năng Động; Lavi Crc; Sóc Năng Động; Eugenia Remark via Pexels.
