Decorating your Christmas tree with ribbon is easy to do. There are a few ways of doing it, but this one is the easiest. Ribbon can be added to either a real Christmas tree or an artificial tree.
Since we all need a relaxing fun Christmas this year our tree this year is going to mainly red and green with a bit of white and natural wood.

Christmas Tree Ribbon and Tree Topper Bow
For the tree below (read more about this tree HERE), I used two ribbons as well. Since the plaid ribbon was wider so I placed it on the bottom. I placed them on the tree vertically in the same manner. In other words, the ribbons can be added vertically or horizontally.

DIY Farmhouse Christmas Tree

Farmhouse Christmas Tree, homemade ornaments, homemade stockings
*This post is one stop on the ultimate blogger Christmas Tree Tour. Therefore be sure to visit all the other blogs (find the links at the end of this post) for a ton of holiday decorating inspiration.
How to Put Ribbon on a Christmas Tree
If you are decorating an artificial tree, you will need to fluff the tree before adding the ribbon.

Fluffing the Christmas Tree
Decorating a simple Christmas tree with ribbon takes only minutes, and it adds a ton of visual interest.
The first step is cutting the first piece of ribbon about 36″ long. I will be using two ribbons on this Christmas tree; however, sometimes, I use three ribbons.

Cut Christmas Tree Ribbons
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Trim the ribbons’ ends into a chevron by folding it in half and cutting it diagonal towards the center.

Cut the ends of the ribbons into a chevron shape.
Place the striped ribbon on top of the red ribbon and treat them as one ribbon.
At eye level, tuck one end of the ribbons into the tree and weaving the ribbon in and out of the tree in a diagonal going down the tree.
Note: This is the tree I am decorating (it is a 7-foot tree) and I am using wired ribbon.

Starting at eye level, place ribbons in the tree.
Every 10 to 12 inches, pinch and tuck the ribbons into the tree and then continue.

Pinch both ribbons together and place in the tree
Christmas Tree Ribbon Supplies
You can find all my Christmas Decorating must-haves HERE.
Tips and tricks I want to share before you purchase ribbon are to look for a 25ft or larger roll of ribbon and use wire-edged ribbon if possible. You can use any type of ribbon but I like 2″ to 3″ wired ribbon.
Place your next rows evenly spaced and follow the first row’s as a guide.
Tree Decorating with Ribbon
Continue in the same manner as the first row of ribbon, adding each ribbon row until you have all the rows started.

Ribbon Decorations on Christmas Tree
Once you are satisfied with the placement of your rows, add the next piece of ribbon cut to 36″. Push the ribbon into the tree behind the end of the first ribbon and continue your pattern of hanging the ribbon on the Christmas tree.

Add more ribbon to the top row.
Always step back and see if you like the placement between each loop.

Then add more ribbon to the next ribbon row.
Want to enjoy all the holiday season has to offer, but it all seems overwhelming? Join me as we enjoy a stress-free holiday season with a ton of inspiration, money-saving ideas for decorating, gift-giving, and so much more.
Join HERE! And have the best of everything this holiday.

More ribbon was added to the third row.
Once all the rows are finished, take a final assessment of your ribbon design. I noticed that the top of the tree needed ribbon. Therefore I added one short row at the top of the tree.

Finish adding ribbon to the bottom of the Christmas tree

Added the final row of ribbon
Christmas Tree Bow
The perfect tree topper should be made from the same ribbon on the tree.

Christmas tree Topper Bow
I made two of my double ribbon bows (see how to make this bow HERE), wired them together, and then placed them on the top of the tree.
You can find more Christmas decorating ideas HERE.
Another bow that would look gorgeous on your tree is the easier bow ever (see how to make one HERE).

How to make a bow
How to make DIY Embroidery Hoop Ornaments.

DIY Embroidery Hoop Ornaments with vinyl decals

Handmade Christmas ornaments

DIY Wood Christmas Tree Ornament
The Christmas stockings I made last year with this pattern. Also, I needed a place to hang them, so we made the blanket ladder (see how to make one HERE).
I made the adorable Gnome look like a Santa Gnome (see how to make one HERE).
At Home, Mr. Kippi whipped up the tree stand box for our new tree (see how he made it HERE).

Christmas Tree with Ribbon
While you are decorating your tree, play your favorite Christmas music and enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies. The adorable felt Hot Cocoa garland was made by my daughter (see how she made it HERE).

DIY Hot Chocolate Bar
Welcome To The Fourth Annual Christmas Tree Decor Blog Hop
Be sure to visit all the participating bloggers below for gorgeous holiday decorating ideas for your Christmas tree.
Our Crafty Mom // Sustain My Craft Habit // Red Cottage Chronicles // Celebrate and Decorate
Jenron Designs // 2 Bees In A Pod // Virginia Sweet Pea // From House To Home
Tribe of Burton // Across the Boulevard // Intelligent Domestications // Simply Beautiful By Angela
Modern on Monticello // Redneck Rhapsody // Purple Hues and Me // My Pinterventures

Christmas Tree Ideas
Zucchini Sisters // One Thousand Oaks // Raggedy Bits // Southern Yankee DIY
My Sweet Home Living // Pretty DIY Home // Michelle James Designs // Daily DIY Life
Happily Ever After, etc. // Kippi at Home // Simple Nature Decor // Design Morsels
Want a Stress-Free Holiday???
Want to enjoy all the holiday season has to offer? Feeling overwhelmed?
Join me as we enjoy a stress-free holiday season with a ton of inspiration, money-saving ideas for decorating, gift-giving, and so much more. Join HERE! And have the best of everything this holiday. Have a Merry Christmas, and enjoy all the blessings of the season!
Thank you for your visit today,
Kippi
Wanda | From House To Home says
Thanks for the ribbon tutorial, Kippi. It’s amazing how ribbon can totally transform the look of a tree!
[email protected] says
The ribbon is the hardest part of decorating a tree for me. Your tips are just what I needed to read and I’ll definitely use your technique next year. Your tree looks spectacular and I hope that you and you family enjoy it very much this Christmas season.
Andrea says
What a great looking tree, especially for smaller spaces. I love the ladder for stockings. Very clever. Nice to hop with you.
Maria says
I love the red ribbon, its perfect now, thanks for sharing how its done!
Marie-Interior Frugalista says
Kippi this post couldn’t be more timely! I struggle with the ribbon EVERY SINGLE YEAR. Yesterday it took me all afternoon to hang the ribbon and looking at it this morning, it looks awful. So it’s coming off today and I’m going to try your method of cutting it 36-inches long so it’s easier to work with. Thank you!!!
Chloe says
Kippi, Your tree is lovely. Your post made me think about all of the trees I have used ribbon on over the years and when did I start using ribbon on trees. I know as a child we never had ribbon on a tree. Your tips are so right, especially for those who have never used ribbon on their trees. I hope you have a happy and safe holiday season!
Trina Welch says
I love ribbon on trees. It is such an economical way to change up everything.
Michelle James says
Kippi, thanks for sharing this great tutorial on how to add ribbon to a tree. I love the traditional colors and handmade ornaments. Happy holidays!
Gail @Purple Hues and Me says
Thanks for sharing how to use ribbon to decorate a tree, Kippi! Your tree looks beautiful and professionally done!
Betsy @ Happily Ever After, Etc says
Such an easy way to add ribbon to a tree, and it looks fantastic! I am definitely pinning!
Sonja says
First of all, I love how classic and traditional your red and green Christmas tree is, it’s sooo pretty. I have yet to add ribbon to my tree, so thank you for the tips, it makes such a difference. It’s kinda funny, I’m a crafty-type but I can’t tie a decent bow to save my life!
Rachel Harper says
Such great tips. Pinned. So excited to be featuring you on Wednesday’s Charming Homes & Gardens Link Party.
Rachel
Kim | Shiplap and Shells says
Your Christmas tree is so beautiful Kippi! I really loved learning about how to decorate with ribbon. Pinned for future use! So happy to be featuring you at Charming Homes and Gardens this week.
Danielle says
This is a great tutorial! I love to use ribbon all over for Christmas. I used the same red and white stripe in my kitchen last year, it’s one of my favorites!
ERLENE says
You made so many decorative things for and around your tree. I love it! Thanks for sharing your tips on adding ribbon and making a bow topper too.
Marie B. says
Kippi, I followed your tutorial and did my tree ribbon this way. Oh my gosh, it rocked my tree decorating world! Mr. Frugalista thanks you too because truthfully, when it came to the ribbon part, he would leave the house until it was done. Let just say I became the Grinch personified with much more colorful language. THANK YOU!!
Beverly says
Wonderful tips for using ribbon on a tree. Your way looks to be the best I’ve seen!