Here's how to capitalize on the bow trend this season with a nostalgic and festive Christmas tree

This holiday season, people aren't just using ornaments, fairy lights, and a bit of garland to decorate their Christmas trees. Between all the tree ribbon ideas we see and the bow-adorned tree designed by Burberry's Daniel Lee for London's famous Claridge's Hotel, bows seem to be the best Christmas tree decorations of 2025.

Although the decorative detail is seeing something of a revival this year, for some it has always been a tried-and-true addition to their tree. In fact, designer Melanie Lissack of Melanie Lissack Interiors wrote about the arched tree trend two years ago, calling it the “big Christmas decor trend of 2023.” “I think bows for Christmas have become something of a trend over the last few years,” she tells ELLE Decor. “They're definitely a cost-effective way to decorate your Christmas tree without having to buy a lot of expensive baubles.” Get in on the trend with these simple steps.

Embrace nostalgia

Bows in particular have a simultaneously timeless and nostalgic quality – a classic, whimsical detail that is also reminiscent of youthful innocence. “Design trends are cyclical, and I think this year we’re all chasing nostalgia and the familiarity of the past,” says Lissack. “What better way to convey timelessness than by referencing vintage design trends?”

This was particularly the case this year with Nabela Noor, founder of Nabela Noor Home and Studio Nabela Noor. “This year I took inspiration from the old Martha Stewart Magazines from the '80s and '90s,” Noor tells ELLE Decor. “In one issue, she shared how she used dried hydrangeas and ribbon to decorate a tree and a wreath.” The result: a high-contrast tree with deep, burgundy bands cascading over the dried flowers.

Designer Nabela Noor used dried hydrangeas and velvet ribbons for the Christmas tree in her family room.

Reduce the ornaments

The beauty of using bows to decorate your tree is that you don't need as many ornaments. Instead, let your bows take center stage, cascading down your periwinkle in little streams of glittering velvet. This way, you don't have to spend extra money on more expensive glass balls or you can use the ones that are already in your collection. Apply some tinsel for a really sophisticated look, like Lissack did with her tree two years ago.

Add some extra tinsel to make your tree look extra classy.

Make your own bows

This is done both in the spirit of budget-friendly DIY and because it gives you more creative control over how your bows look on your tree. “By making my own bows out of craft ribbon, I was able to determine the size of each ribbon, making them sculptural and grand,” explains Noor.

Making your own bows gives you control over how your bows look and how they may fall from your Christmas tree.

Attach your bows to your tree

The impulse here is certainly to simply tie the ribbons directly to the tree. While this is certainly an option, it could result in a saggy appearance. Instead, use decorative hooks, wire, or even some bobby pins to attach your bows to the tree's branches.