You'd have to be living under a rock to not realize that bows are big news this Christmas. Adorning everything from our trees to our front doors; ribbons and bows are this year's must-have holiday style.
Trending on TikTok as 'coquette' style and borrowing from fashion with an abundance of must-have hair bows and accessories, it is no wonder this whimsical motif has translated into Christmas decorating ideas, too. And they're bigger than ever (quite literally, too).
'Bows are a quick and easy way to transform your Christmas decor as they can be added to just about any scheme,' says Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography & film at Cox & Cox. From supersized tree toppers to tiny embroidered bows on your holiday linens, there's a maximalist and minimalist way to love bows this season.
But of course, decorating with bows really isn't anything new. Which is in part why we love it so much. They evoke nostalgic memories of beautifully wrapped gifts and traditional holiday cheer, but they’re also incredibly versatile for more modern interiors.
'Bows on Christmas trees have a long tradition, with their roots embedded in the symbolization of unity. Some seasons, such as this one, they step up and take center stage as a full-on trend in their own right,' explains Gisela Graham.
There’s something so timeless about a bow, yet this year, it feels reimagined and fresh. Whether it’s an oversized bow inspired by Drew Micheal Scott from Lone Fox's latest tree topper tutorial or delicately ribbon-wrapped kitchen cabinets, the bow Christmas trend is undeniably the star of this holiday season.
How to decorate with bows this Christmas
According to designer Gisela Graham, if you're thinking of buying and tying your own bows with velvet or silk ribbons, 'the most important things to consider are color and the type of ribbon you use to tie the bow.'
'Choose shades of ribbon that match or tone with your existing color palette of tree decorations. Secondly, give some thought to how you want the finished bow to look before choosing the ribbon. If you want a casual, more informal look, consider a ribbon without wired edges. This will give you a more ‘freehand’ effect with ends that hang naturally. In contrast, a wider ribbon with a wired edge will allow you to tie very precise bows, bending the ribbon any way you want as the wire will hold it in place. This results in more formal, obvious bow shapes,' she advises.
Don’t limit yourself to just trees and gifts. This works for any bow-bombing – from napkin ribbons at the Christmas table to little dainty bows tied around glassware stems or candlesticks, backs of dining chairs, and even staircase and entryway Christmas decorating.
Alternatively, you can grab packs of pre-tied bows and start adding them everywhere from your Christmas tree to your front door Christmas wreath and beyond.
'Pre-tied bows ensure a perfect finish to embellish your tree and any garlands from mantelpiece to staircase,' says Danielle from Cox & Cox. 'Make the bow the star of the show or invest in jewel-toned velvet ribbons to create bows around crisp linen napkins on the Christmas table for low-key luxury.'
Lucy Uren, founder of Rowen & Wren suggests using the bow motif throughout your decor, not just on the tree to create more of a theme. 'The tree is often the centerpiece of your festive decoration, but I love how a simple ribbon bow used on the tree can be mirrored on gifts, table settings, and even used to adorn candlesticks or wall sconces. This repetition ensures a consistent, thoughtful design that brings the whole room together in harmony.'
15 Bow-tastic Buys For Christmas 2024
Ready to embrace this timeless yet trendy detail? I’ve rounded up some of the most stylish bow-themed festive finds to inspire your shopping.
This giant gingham bow has gone straight into my basket ahead of payday for a fun alternative to a Christmas wreath for my front door. Available in 3 festive hues.
Designed in Wales, United Kingham, by Brixton Pottery this 'swags and bows' platter is hand-made using ancient techniques to create the perfect serveware for your Christmas delicacies.
Don't leave the ribbons at the front door. Fashion designer Monique Lhuillier's Christmas collection for Pottery Barn is filled with bedroom bows like this set of 2 400-thread-count pillowcases that get softer with each wash.
Created for Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Home, these woven and scalloped placemats feature one teeny bow for a subtle nod to the trend. A charming way to dress up the table.
These cotton-blend napkin bows take all the hard work away if you're not keen on tying your own. Made for formal affairs, these are sure to delight even the trendiest of guests.
If pudding is your swansong, make it a really decadent dish with these serving utensils. The bows are wrapped in stainless steel bows to feel like a gift ready to be unwrapped.
Stripes and bows, oh my! Made by Barcelona craft brand DOIY, this taper candle holder makes for a great gift for a fashionable friend or a cheery addition to your Christmas mantel.
Looking to upgrade your Christmas wreath? Hand-crafted especially for Terrain, this over-the-door wreath hook is topped off with a brass bow to elevate your door year after year.
This super viral 72" satin bow garland from Anthropologie is the talk of TikTok right now thanks to its vibrant hues and whimsical bow design. In fact it's so popular it has sparked many DIY copy-cats if you're brave enough.
Not just for the festive season, these bow place card holders will elevate every gathering from Christmas to New Year's, birthdays, and even weddings. The gold hue adds an elegant touch.
Pop out these linen coasters during cocktail hour and be sure to feel like the host with the most. Embroidered with tiny red bows, at under $25 I'm grabbing two packs.
Available in five playful colors decorated with either baubles or bows, these little trees are such a cute addition to your more timeless holiday decorations. Collect them all for a fun fireplace display.
This gilded tree topper was designed in collaboration with the duo behind Chris Loves Julia and will sit prettily atop your Christmas tree. Made from steel with an antique brass finish, it is attached with zip ties to the branches.
Gingham, bows, and bells make this one of the most cottagecore garlands around. Use a Nancy Meyers-inspired layered garland technique and drape this over a faux foliage garland on your mantel.
For just $5 you can deck the halls, tree, wreath, and more with these velvet bows from Target. Available in red and gold too, the thin and dainty ribbon makes a more minimalist take on the trend.
Bows are a simple yet stunning way to elevate your holiday decor and embrace one of the season’s most popular trends. From your Christmas tree to your dining table, whether you opt for oversized velvet statements or dainty satin details, bows bring a timeless charm that feels both nostalgic and fresh. We wish you a beautifully bow-adorned Christmas!
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