10 Christmas tree decorating ideas with ribbon and glass

See 10 Christmas tree decorating ideas with ivory bows, navy ribbon, glass baubles and wooden stars, plus placement tips.

SFStephanie Fallis
10ideas
6 minread

Christmas tree decorating ideas work better when the colors relate to the room. Choose one main ribbon color before adding ornaments.

Glass, wood and fabric give the tree different surfaces to compare. Repeating a few materials keeps the branches readable without filling every gap.

Place the tree and check its stability before decorating. Add suitable lights first, then distribute ribbon and larger ornaments before filling the remaining spaces.

Choosing colors for Christmas tree decorating ideas

Sort existing ornaments by finish before buying ribbon. Photograph a trial branch in daylight, then check the colors again with lights on.

Ribbon or themePair withRepeat nearby
Ivory bowsMatte white baublesCream wrapping
Navy velvetGold stars and clear glassBlue cushion
Burgundy velvetBrass bellsMatching wreath bow
Natural materialsWood and strawPlain fabric tree skirt
In this post: 10 ideas
  1. Emerald velvet ribbon with gold ornaments
  2. Oversized ivory bows with white baubles
  3. Navy ribbon with gold stars
  4. Blush baubles with rose colored details
  5. Dried orange slices with cinnamon bundles
  6. Candle shaped LED lights with glass icicles
  7. Flocked branches with pearl and silver ornaments
  8. Burgundy bows with brass bells
  9. Champagne gold with ivory ribbon
  10. Wooden ornaments with straw stars

1. Emerald velvet ribbon with gold ornaments

SaveChristmas tree decorating ideas, emerald velvet ribbon with gold ornaments

Emerald ribbon curves through a tree covered with gold and green ornaments. A dark green fireplace repeats the ribbon color. The gold decorations remain visible against both the greenery and the room. Ribbon focused Christmas tree decorating ideas need green gaps between the curves so the fabric stays visible.

Cut ribbon into manageable lengths rather than wrapping one long strip around the tree. Tuck each end between branches and let the middle form a loose curve. Repeat gold at different depths, keeping larger pieces nearer the stronger inner branches.

2. Oversized ivory bows with white baubles

SaveLarge ivory bows repeat down the tree between matte white baubles

Large ivory bows repeat down the tree between matte white baubles. Plain light walls and cream furniture echo the pale decorations. The bows create larger shapes than the round ornaments.

For bow based Christmas tree decorating ideas, compare loop widths before cutting all the ribbon pieces. Choose a few bow sizes before attaching them. Place the largest bows around the middle section and smaller ones toward the top. Leave green gaps between them, so each bow keeps its outline. These white Christmas tree arrangements show more pale ornament combinations.

3. Navy ribbon with gold stars

SaveNavy velvet ribbon crosses branches filled with gold stars and clear ornaments

Navy velvet ribbon crosses branches filled with gold stars and clear ornaments. Dark blue furniture repeats the ribbon color in the room. Pale walls separate the tree from its background.

Navy Christmas tree decorating ideas need ribbon near the front, where it stays visible against dark branches. Place the ribbon where it remains visible between branches. Add gold stars near the outer edges, then hang clear baubles where they catch nearby light. Use some ornaments farther inside the tree rather than placing everything at the tips. This creates visible depth without adding more colors.

4. Blush baubles with rose colored details

SaveBlush pink glass baubles repeat across a green tree with pale metallic accents

Blush pink glass baubles repeat across a green tree with pale metallic accents. Matching wrapped gifts continue the colors below. The ornaments range in size without changing the overall palette. Pink Christmas tree decorating ideas can vary bauble sizes while keeping the color range limited.

Start with the largest pink baubles and space them around the tree. Fill the remaining gaps with smaller pieces, keeping some dark greenery visible. Place fragile glass ornaments on secure branches away from the lowest edge. Compare these Christmas room arrangements for matching nearby accessories.

5. Dried orange slices with cinnamon bundles

SaveDried orange slices and tied cinnamon bundles cover a tree with warm colored lights

Dried orange slices and tied cinnamon bundles cover a tree with warm colored lights. The orange centers remain visible against the dark branches. A woven basket surrounds the base.

For natural Christmas tree decorating ideas, use shorter loops on orange slices so they do not overlap nearby ornaments. Use dry slices and secure hanging loops before adding them to the tree. Spread the larger slices across the middle and lower branches. Keep natural materials away from heat sources and follow the light manufacturer’s clearance instructions. Check the ornaments before storage and discard any damaged pieces.

You may also like17 Christmas Crafts for Kids to Cut, Build and Decorate

6. Candle shaped LED lights with glass icicles

SaveSmall candle shaped lights follow the tree branches among clear hanging icicles

Small candle shaped lights follow the tree branches among clear hanging icicles. Large gaps remain between the decorations. A woven tree collar covers the lower trunk. Candle effect Christmas tree decorating ideas should use manufactured tree lights rather than open flames.

Use lights manufactured for decorating a tree, following their attachment instructions. Position them before hanging the glass icicles, so the cables or clips remain accessible. Hang fragile pieces where branches can support them securely. Keep the arrangement clear of curtains and avoid using real candles on the tree.

7. Flocked branches with pearl and silver ornaments

SaveWhite flocking covers the branches between pearl colored ornaments and silver baubles

White flocking covers the branches between pearl colored ornaments and silver baubles. Pale blue walls and silver wrapped parcels repeat the cool colors. Warm lights provide a separate yellow tone. White Christmas tree decorating ideas need darker ornaments where pale pieces disappear against flocking.

Choose baubles with a few different surfaces, such as matte and reflective finishes. Place darker silver pieces where they contrast with the white branches. Keep pearl colored ornaments near open greenery, so their edges remain visible. These white tree ideas give more spacing examples.

8. Burgundy bows with brass bells

SaveBurgundy velvet bows repeat across a natural green tree with brass bells

Burgundy velvet bows repeat across a natural green tree with brass bells. Dark furniture and framed art give the room a deeper background. A woven basket surrounds the tree base. Burgundy Christmas tree decorating ideas can repeat the ribbon on a nearby wreath or parcel.

Tie a sample bow before cutting all the ribbon lengths. Keep the loops similar in size, but vary their positions around the branches. Hang heavier bells closer to the trunk. Spread the burgundy through the full tree instead of concentrating the bows in one vertical strip.

Repeat the ribbon on one nearby parcel or wreath. These Christmas mantel decorations show another place for burgundy.

9. Champagne gold with ivory ribbon

SaveWide ivory ribbon curves between champagne gold ornaments on a full green tree

Wide ivory ribbon curves between champagne gold ornaments on a full green tree. Pale furniture and cream wrapped gifts repeat the lighter colors. Larger baubles occupy the lower branches. Gold Christmas tree decorating ideas can vary ornament surfaces without adding another metallic color.

Place the ribbon in short curves before adding the largest ornaments. Check the arrangement from the room entrance, where gaps are easier to notice. Mix matte and reflective gold rather than several competing metallic colors. Keep a few ornaments deeper within the branches to connect the outside decorations with the trunk.

10. Wooden ornaments with straw stars

SaveWooden shapes and straw stars decorate a green tree above a pale fabric skirt

Wooden shapes and straw stars decorate a green tree above a pale fabric skirt. The natural materials repeat the wooden furniture nearby. Wide spaces between ornaments keep the branches visible. Wood based Christmas tree decorating ideas need short loops to keep neighboring shapes apart.

Distribute the largest straw stars first and fill selected gaps with smaller wooden pieces. Choose short hanging loops, so neighboring ornaments do not overlap. Keep the tree skirt flat around the base without covering vents or cables. These Christmas tree designs include other natural material combinations.

Planning Christmas tree decorating ideas by color

Use the room’s existing textiles as a starting point. Navy cushions can connect with blue ribbon, while pale curtains can connect with ivory bows.

Lay ribbon and ornaments together before decorating. Make handmade Christmas decorations to match the colors already on your tree. Remove colors that look unrelated beside the rest of the set.

Christmas tree ribbon placement

Cut ribbon lengths after testing one section on the tree. Shorter pieces are easier to tuck into separate branch gaps.

Check the result from several angles before adding fragile ornaments. Keep ribbon away from hot bulbs and follow the lighting instructions.

Keeping Christmas tree decorating ideas ready for next year

Pack glass pieces separately with support around their sides. Keep large bows in a shallow box to protect the loops.

Label the box by color and material. These home gift ideas include more uses for seasonal ribbons.

Questions about Christmas tree decorating ideas

Should ribbon or ornaments go on first?

Fit suitable lights first, then place ribbon before the largest ornaments. This leaves room to tuck ribbon ends between branches.

How much ribbon should I cut at once?

Test one short section on the tree before cutting the rest. Branch spacing and bow size change the length you need.

Where should fragile glass ornaments go?

Use secure branches away from the lowest edge in homes with small children. Check each hanging loop before releasing the ornament.

The CPSC holiday guidance covers breakable decorations and small loose parts.

Stephanie Fallis

Written by Stephanie Fallis

Mom and homemaker who shares budget friendly DIY projects, decorating tips and gardening ideas for busy families.

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