How to Decorate a Christmas Tree With Ribbon Garland

Strategically placed ribbon can add a striking effect to your Christmas tree.

Using ribbon is more than just an elegant way to decorate your Christmas tree. It offers an endless array of decorative options, as well as colors. You can use matching ribbons or colors that complement one another, such as combinations of red and gold or blue and silver. You can use shades of green for a subtler effect or fluorescent, metallic or black ribbon for a modern, edgy look.

Things You'll Need

• 8 to 12 yards of wire-edged ribbon per project
• Step stool
• Scissors

Instructions

Spiraled-Ribbon Garland

1. Stand on a step ladder beside your tree. Unwind a length of ribbon from your spool from the top of the tree to the bottom. Cut the ribbon.

2. Cut four to six lengths of ribbon to the same measurement as your original length.

3. Stand on your step stool with your ribbon lengths in one hand. Tuck an end of each ribbon into the top of the tree. Make sure the ends are secure but cannot be seen. Make them equidistant from one another.

4. Walk around the tree, gently twisting each length of ribbon so that it spirals from the top of the tree. Let the ribbon lie on top of the branches.

5. Step approximately three to four yards away from your tree to check your work. Make sure the cascading ribbons are well spaced. Let the lower ends of ribbon lie naturally on the branches, or you can curl the ends slightly upward.

Banana-Curled Garlands

1. Stand on a step ladder beside your tree. Unwind a length of ribbon from the spool from the top of the tree to the bottom. Cut the ribbon. Cut two additional lengths of ribbon to the same measurement.

2. Wrap each length of ribbon around a broom handle to form a tight coil. Gently slide each coil off the broom handle so as not to disturb its shape.

3. Stand on the step stool with the end of a curled ribbon in your hand. Tuck it into the the very top of the tree, where the tucked-in edge will not be seen. Repeat with the other two curled ribbons.

4. Allow the coils to fall downward, creating a nice, tight "banana-curl" effect.

Tips & Warnings

• Use wire-edged ribbon, as it keeps its shape.

• Use ribbon that is at least 2 inches wide for dramatic effect.

• Start planning next year's tree by buying ribbon at after-Christmas sales. You can get elegant ribbon at a fraction of the pre-Christmas price.

References

• Christmas Organizing: Decorating the Tree
• "Nell Hill's O Christmas Tree;" Mary Carol Garrity; 2009
• I Love India: Christmas Decorations
• Lawn Ornaments and Fountains: Decorating the Tree