Whether used to hang the wreath or as a decorative bow, a ribbon makes a fabulous flourish, adding beautiful color and texture. Depending on the color and style you choose and your existing Christmas decorating ideas, a ribbon can be a subtle addition that helps bring the wreath together or can transform it into a beautifully bold statement piece. With winter on the way, we’ve rounded up a host of Christmas wreath ideas and fall wreath ideas that have beautiful wreath ribbons to help inspire your seasonal decorating.
Wreath ribbon ideas
Whether you’re looking to make your own wreath or seeking to elevate a bought wreath, wreath ribbons ideas are a wonderful way to give a wreath a personal touch. When it comes to Christmas decor no scheme is complete without a beautiful wreath, whether hung indoors or as a Christmas door decor idea, so we’ve shared a selection of designs perfect for the festive season. However, wreaths aren’t just for Christmas, they can make lovely wall decor and are a wonderful way to celebrate the seasons throughout the year, so we’ve added in some designs which will delight you all year round. While they can add to the cost, good quality ribbons are well worth buying as they can elevate the simplest of designs. ‘Ribbons are the single most expensive item when I make wreaths, but they can be used over and over. A good quality ribbon will bring your wreath together and is a good investment. Also, any offcuts can be tied to your Christmas tree, so there’s no need for any to go to waste,’ says florist Claire Bowen of Honeysuckle & Hilda (opens in new tab).
1. Choose a color that complements the wreath
If you’re planning on making your own fresh wreath then simplicity is key when it comes to wreath ribbons says Thomas Broom-Hughes, director of horticulture at Petersham Nurseries (opens in new tab). ‘Choose a plain ribbon that complements the tints and tones of the foliage, berries, and seed heads. Avoid using textured or patterned ribbon, as this can detract from the beauty of the seasonal foliage.’
2. Go for something subtle
Florist Philippa Craddock agrees that with fresh wreaths the foliage should be the star of the show. For this stunning natural wreath handmade from seasonal foliage, she chose a delicate champagne-colored silky ribbon that brings glamor and elegance without overpowering the show-stopping array of sculptural sprigs. ‘For me this year, I love rich, abundant designs with deep natural moss bases and a mass of locally sourced mixed greenery. And for the additions, focussing on elegant, delicate details, such as long-lasting petite blooms, natural fir cones, lengths of ribbon (I often use recycled ribbon from wrapped parcels) and aged matt gold decorations for beautiful decadence,’ says Philippa Craddock (opens in new tab) who runs online guides on how to make a Christmas wreath for her subscribers.
3. Go classic with red
For a traditional festive welcome on your door, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful wreath of foliage and red winter berries topped with a red wreath ribbon. For a smart, formal look place a neat, short bow at the top of the wreath – velvet brings luxury and if you want the bow to stay in place consider a wired ribbon. Wired ribbons can be tricky to cut so be sure you have good-quality scissors. If you want the perfect bow, rather than the ribbon around the wreath, it’s often best to make it separately and to attach the bow to the wreath using floristry wire.
4. Spice it up
If you love color why not trade in a traditional red and green Christmas wreath for a bolder palette? Perfect for giving visitors a joyful welcome on a grey day, this simple wreath of bay and eucalyptus has been elevated with dried flowers and shiny baubles in winter spice tones and is finished with a stunning orange velvet ribbon to match. Stylist Selina lake chose to keep the ribbon long, tying it asymmetrically for a relaxed, bohemian feel.
5. Keep it natural
When it comes to wreath ribbons florist Claire Bowen, founder of the floral studio Honeysuckle and Hilda likes to take a sustainable approach and chooses ribbons colored with plant-based dyes. ‘I like to make my wreaths in a sustainable way, with locally grown and foraged materials and no floral foam. So when choosing ribbons I like to know that they have been produced in a sustainable way too,’ says Claire. ‘I use ribbons that are naturally dyed - both silk and velvet, which supports small businesses and means I know exactly how they were produced. Also, they are incredibly beautiful.’ Featuring dried ferns, straw flowers, and grasses, this eco-friendly wreath is perfect for those who like decorating with dried flowers and will delight season after season.
6. Think about complementary color combinations
If you’re planning to hang a wreath on a painted door try using a ribbon in a contrasting color to make it really pop. We love this combination of dark purple and lime green. Many handmade wreaths can be deceptively heavy, so when using ribbon to hang a wreath make sure it can support the weight and consider doubling up the ribbon if the wreath is particularly heavy.
7. Celebrate texture
Choosing a ribbon that contrasts with your wreath can make a lovely playful touch. Created from beautiful teasels, this fabulous wreath doubles as a piece of wall art bringing beautiful rustic texture to the room, while the delicate silky satin ribbon plays on the textural theme.
8. Go two-tone
Can’t decide on just one ribbon color? Try two! The great thing about fabric ribbons is that they can be re-used so it’s worth keeping a selection on hand to play around with to get the perfect color combination. ‘The same ribbon can be used on a wreath from year to year, providing it remains in good condition. Keep your ribbons that have been used to wrap birthday and Christmas presents, as they always come in handy for decorating wreaths both large and small throughout all seasons,’ says Thomas Broom-Hughes, director of horticulture at Petersham Nurseries (opens in new tab).
9. Complement your home decor
If you’re planning to hang a wreath indoors then adding a colored ribbon is a wonderful way to coordinate your wreath with your home decor. Look to accent colors used throughout the room for inspiration or the colors in an artwork. If it’s a perpetual wreath, such as a beautiful dried flower wreath, then changing the color of the ribbon from time to time can be a lovely way to reflect the changing seasons – try pastels for spring decor ideas and rich oranges or plum tones for fall decor ideas.
10. Wrap ribbon around your door
For those that love getting in the festive spirit why not go one step further than using a ribbon on your wreath by wrapping one around your door as an outdoor Christmas decor idea? Guaranteed to add the most curb appeal, this front door trend has been growing on Instagram in recent years, with some even going as far as wrapping the whole house like one giant gift. We can’t wait to see what fun ideas people come up with this year.
What is the best ribbon for a wreath?
Ribbon is a great way to add a personal touch to a wreath so choose something that reflects your tastes and style. Ribbons can be used to hang wreaths, but generally, they are used more for decoration. ‘The most simple way to hang a wreath is by using loops of twine, as this is mostly concealed by the foliage and the ribbon can be used to decorate,’ says Thomas Broom-Hughes, director of horticulture at Petersham Nurseries (opens in new tab). If you are planning to hang a wreath using ribbon choose something strong enough to support it – thick hessian ribbon works well. For decorative ribbons look to the wreath for inspiration and choose something that picks up on the colors within it. When it comes to natural wreaths be careful not to choose something too overpowering, less is often more and more subtle colors work well as they are less likely to distract from the wreath design. When it comes to material many florists are moving away from disposable plastic ribbons in favor of reusable fabric ribbons to lessen their impact on the planet. ‘In order to make your wreath as sustainable as possible, you could always opt for a raw-edged Habotai silk, dyed with natural plant material,’ suggests Thomas Broom-Hughes, director of horticulture at Petersham Nurseries.
