Decorative Packaging

Ribbon Table Runner
Set the table for an elegant festive Christmas meal by layering color, texture, and materials.
Purchase runners or make them by cutting lengths of fabric and pressing the
edges under. Add layered lengths and widths of shiny satin ribbon to the top of the runner.

Ribbon Bow Topper for a Christmas Tree
Step 1
Cut a piece of cardboard about as wide as you want the finished bow.
Step 2
Wrap the shiny wide ribbon around the cardboard about 12 times, with the loops on top
of each other. Leave extra ribbon on the ends of the loops to make tails.
Step 3
Remove the loops of ribbon from the cardboard, being careful to keep the
loops neat.
Step 4
Fold the loops of ribbon in half. Cut off the corners of the folded area,
making sure you don’t cut the loops apart, then unfold the loops.
Step 5
Cut a short piece of matching ribbon and tie it tightly around the center of
the loops.
Step 6
Fluff out the ribbon loops so that the bow looks full and even.
Step 7
Tie the ribbon bow to the top of the Christmas tree.

Making Ribbon Tinsel for a Christmas Tree
Step 1
Choose a narrow ribbon, about 1/8-inch wide. A yard of ribbon will be enough for three pieces of tinsel, so you may need several spools to decorate a large Christmas tree.
Step 2
Choose a wholesale ribbon that sparkles and catches the light, such as silver or gold, or a ribbon color that contrasts with the Christmas tree, such as white.
Step 3
Cut the ribbon into strands about 12 inches long.
Step 4
Drape the center of each Christmas Tree ribbon strand over the end of a Christmas tree branch, so that the ends of the ribbon hang evenly over the branch.
Step 5
Continue adding ribbon tinsel to the Christmas tree branches until the tree is as decorated with ribbon tinsel as you like.

How to Decorate a Christmas Tree With Ribbon

You can use holiday ribbons as garlands and as a substitute for tinsel, and you can even use a ribbon bow to top the Christmas tree instead of a star. Garlands can add a festive look to a tree, and help fill in gaps between the branches. Wide ribbon, with or without wire, works best for garlands. You’ll need enough of this type of ribbon to wrap around the tree several times, plus extra if you want to make a ribbon bow topper.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You’ll Need:
Christmas tree
2- to 3-inch wide ribbon
1/8-inch wide shiny ribbon
Scissors
Cardboard (optional)
Garlands
Step 1
Unroll a spool of 2- to 3-inch wide holiday ribbon. Cut the ends of the ribbon at a 45-degree angle to help prevent unraveling.
Step 2
Drape the ribbon over the branches of the Christmas tree like a garland, beginning at the back of the tree. Let the ribbon hang softly over the branches in a gentle wave-like pattern.
Step 3
Wrap the ribbon all the way around the tree. Cut the end of the ribbon at a 45-degree angle.
Step 4
Drape another garland or ribbon around the next layer of branches, several inches away from the first layer of ribbon.
Step 5
Continue adding garlands of ribbon until the Christmas tree looks well balanced.