Many people decorate their Christmas trees using ribbon, however most only use one type of ribbon on their entire Christmas tree.
Instead of using a basic one-ribbon garland decoration this year, why not try something a little different?
In order to create a designer looking Christmas tree, consider using 5 different ribbons for your Christmas tree garland.
Ribbon
Before you start decorating your Christmas tree, you must gather your ribbons.
You can use ribbon that you currently own, but you will most likely need to supplement with more.
All of the ribbon that you select should compliment each other, but not match or be too similar.
Select ribbon with different textures, widths, materials, and patterns.
Consider having 1 or 2 ribbons with multiple colors and the other ribbons with only 1 or 2 colors.
You can use ribbon as wide as 6 inches, but not less than 1 inch wide.
Wired ribbon works best because it can be manipulated and it holds its shape.
Don't just shop in the Christmas section of the store - also view general purpose ribbon for a more custom look.
For a standard sized 7 foot tall Christmas tree, you will need a minimum of 6 yards of each type of ribbon, however 10 yards or more is better.
Since ribbon comes in different lengths per roll, the exact number of rolls needed is unknown, so consider purchasing more rolls than you think you will need and return what is unused.
You do not want an equal amount of each type of ribbon, so purchase more length of one of your ribbons to be your primary ribbon.
Christmas Tree Setup
It is now time to set up your Christmas tree.
If you have a live tree, make sure to rotate it so the best side is most visible.
If you have an artificial Christmas tree, make sure to properly fluff it so it looks full and minimizes the holes.
Do not skip this step because you do not want to try and fluff your tree after it is decorated since the ornaments might fall off the tree and break.
For step by step directions, see the article How to Fluff an Artificial Christmas Tree into the Correct Shape.
If you have a lot of holes, consider adding some greenery around the trunk of the tree to make it look more full. You can add a garland wrapped around the tree trunk or other basic greenery stems to make it look more full.
Christmas Lights
If your tree does not have lights, add a minimum of 1 strand of 100 lights per foot height of tree.
In addition to basic Christmas lights, consider adding a strand or two of gently blinking lights to the center of the tree running vertically near the trunk.
Don't be concerned if the lights are too bright at this stage because most of them will soon be covered by decorations.
Also consider adding a strand or two of lights with larger bulbs around the tree for interest.
For more ideas and detailed instructions about Christmas lights, see the article Designer Secrets for How to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree.
Primary Ribbon
Cut one length of your primary ribbon in a section about 2 or 3 foot long.
Attach one end of the ribbon inside your tree by either bending a branch or using wire.
Make a double loop with your ribbon going diagonally down your tree by securing the middle and end of the ribbon also.
Continue adding sections of that ribbon around your tree.
Try not to be too symmetrical.
Other Ribbon
Add the other ribbon to your tree using the same method as your primary ribbon, but in different quantities.
The ribbons on this tree are a shiny gold, a red plaid, a brown burlap with a holly design, and a red burlap with brown burlap stitching. The 5th ribbon (used later) is red with a velvet texture.
You may choose to reserve your 5th ribbon (your lesser quality, least exciting ribbon) until later to fill in gaps and holes, or you can add it now.
Floral Pick Fillers
Use evergreen floral picks to fill in any holes and make your Christmas tree look extra full and add extra texture.
Your evergreen floral picks might also have other accessories attached, such as little faux pinecones.
Decorative Floral Picks
Also use larger decorative floral picks to enhance your Christmas tree.
You can use poinsettias, flower clusters, and other non-ornaments to decorate your Christmas tree.
Large Ornaments
Add a few larger ornament to your Christmas tree.
These can be large spheres or any other ornament that you prefer.
**Designer Trick - bend your ornament hooks so the ornament hangs just below the branch and little to none of the hook is visible.
Smaller Ornaments
Add a large amount of a smaller filler ornament to enforce the color scheme of your Christmas tree.
The color of these ornaments should be found in the color of at least one of your ribbons.
After that, add a smaller amount of a different colored ornaments to add more color.
Continue adding ornaments of different colors in different quantities to your Christmas tree.
Add some lighter colored ones and some darker colored ones for contrast, as well as some medium sized ones and smaller ones for interest.
Filler Ribbon
If you reserved your 5th ribbon for later, now is the time to add it.
Attach the ribbon using single loops to any holes or gaps.
Different Ornaments
Add a few different ornaments for interest.
They might be different in their shape, size, or material.
Smaller Floral Picks
Attach smaller floral picks to your Christmas tree.
You can use berries on a branch or any other little item you wish.
Natural Items
If you wish, now would be a good time to attach natural items to your Christmas tree.
You can add pinecones, grapevine spheres, or whatever inspires you in nature.
Tree Skirt and Tree Topper
If you desire, add a tree skirt and tree topper to finish off your Christmas tree.
Instead of a tree topper, you could add floral picks to the top of your Christmas tree.
An alternative to a tree skirt is a simple piece of fabric draped to hide the underside of your Christmas tree.
Christmas Gift Wrap
To make your Christmas tree extra special, wrap your Christmas gifts in coordinating gift wrap.
You can select 3 or more different wrapping papers and 3 or more ribbons, then mix and match to create interesting combinations.
For more information about decorating this Christmas tree, see the video below:
