Why Quality Christmas Ribbon Makes Such a Difference

If you've ever compared Christmas ribbon and wondered why one roll costs more than another, the difference isn't always obvious until you actually decorate with it.

At The Jolly Christmas Shop, we carry ribbon for customers who want more than a basic finishing touch. Our collection includes everything from classic wired Christmas ribbon and soft unwired ribbon to luxe velvet, satin, embroidered, hand-beaded, sequined and specialty designer ribbon.

For a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, wreath or garland, the quality and style of the ribbon can make a much bigger difference than you might expect.

What Makes Our Christmas Ribbon Different?

One of the biggest differences is the variety of materials, craftsmanship, finishes and detailing available.

Instead of offering only basic solid colors and printed patterns, our Christmas ribbon collection can include details such as:

• Velvet and satin finishes
• Wired and unwired styles
• Metallic embroidery
• Hand embroidery
• Hand-applied beadwork
• Pearl and jeweled accents
• Sequins
• Decorative fringe
• Scalloped and specialty edges
• Double-sided designs
• Plaid and tartan patterns
• Sueded textures
• Traditional Christmas motifs
• Whimsical candy, gingerbread and novelty designs
• Bold and unexpected Christmas colors

Some of our most elaborate ribbons feature hand embroidery or hand beadwork, meaning the decorative detail involves significantly more craftsmanship than a simple printed ribbon.

These are the types of details that can turn ribbon from a basic craft supply into a true decorative element.

Ready to find the perfect ribbon for your tree? [Shop our Christmas Ribbon Collection →]

What Is Luxe Christmas Ribbon?

You may see terms such as luxe ribbon, luxury Christmas ribbon, premium ribbon or designer ribbon when shopping for more decorative styles.

There is not one single feature that makes a ribbon “luxe.” Instead, it is usually the combination of fabric, construction, detailing and design.

A luxe Christmas ribbon may feature rich velvet, metallic embroidery, intricate beadwork, sequins, dimensional trim, pearls, decorative stitching or an elaborate pattern.

Some are so detailed that they almost function like jewelry for the Christmas tree.

These ribbons are meant to be noticed.

Rather than disappearing into the branches, they can become one of the main design elements of the entire tree.

Some of Our Ribbon Includes Hand Beading and Hand Embroidery

This is one of the biggest differences between certain specialty ribbons and the ribbon commonly found in a big-box seasonal aisle.

Some of the ribbon we carry includes hand-applied beadwork, hand embroidery or other intricate decorative details.

That extra craftsmanship creates dimension and texture that cannot be duplicated by simply printing a pattern onto fabric.

A hand-beaded or embroidered ribbon catches the light differently, has more visual depth and can make even a simple bow feel much more substantial.

It also helps explain why two rolls of ribbon that may appear similar from across the room can be very different products when you see them up close.

Wired Christmas Ribbon: Made for Shaping

One of the most popular types of ribbon for Christmas decorating is wired ribbon.

Wired ribbon has flexible wire running through its edges, allowing the ribbon to be shaped, folded and manipulated.

This makes it especially useful for:

• Large Christmas bows
• Christmas tree ribbon loops
• Wreath bows
• Garland accents
• Staircase decorations
• Tree toppers
• Oversized holiday displays

The wire allows you to create curves and full loops and then adjust them after the ribbon has been placed.

That structure is particularly helpful when you want the ribbon to weave in and out of a Christmas tree while maintaining its shape.

What Is Unwired Christmas Ribbon Used For?

Not every beautiful Christmas ribbon needs wire.

Unwired ribbon has become especially popular for the soft, simple bows being tied directly onto Christmas tree branches.

Instead of creating large structured loops, decorators are taking pieces of soft ribbon, tying simple bows and placing them individually throughout the tree.

You've probably seen this look all over social media.

The bows have a softer, more relaxed appearance, with ribbon tails naturally falling from the knot. Velvet and other soft unwired ribbons work especially well for this style.

It is an easy way to bring one of today's most popular Christmas tree looks into your own home.

You simply:

1. Cut individual lengths of ribbon.
2. Tie each piece into a simple bow.
3. Place or tie the bows onto branches throughout the Christmas tree.

The bows can be spaced evenly throughout the tree or clustered among ornaments and other decorations.

The look can be traditional, romantic, vintage-inspired or playful depending on the color and type of ribbon you choose.

Wired vs. Unwired Christmas Ribbon: Which Should You Choose?

Neither is necessarily better.

They simply create different looks.

Choose wired ribbon when you want:

• Large structured bows
• Full ribbon loops
• Ribbon woven through the tree
• Dramatic tree toppers
• Ribbon that can be shaped and repositioned

Choose unwired ribbon when you want:

• Soft tied bows
• Flowing ribbon tails
• A relaxed or romantic look
• Small bows placed throughout the tree
• The popular bow-covered Christmas tree style

You can even use both on the same tree.

A wider wired statement ribbon can create movement throughout the tree while smaller unwired bows add another layer of texture and detail.

Whether you're looking for structured wired ribbon or soft ribbon for Christmas tree bows, [shop our full ribbon collection here →]

Ribbon Shouldn't Disappear Into the Tree

A Christmas tree contains a lot of visual competition.

There are branches, lights, ornaments, picks, sprays, flowers and other decorative elements all fighting for attention.

A thin or lightweight ribbon can quickly disappear once it is added to a heavily decorated tree.

That is why we carry ribbon in a range of widths, including narrow accent ribbon as well as statement-making 2.5-inch and 4-inch Christmas ribbon.

Wider ribbon is particularly useful on full-size trees because it creates larger areas of color and pattern. It can visually connect ornaments and decorations throughout the tree while helping fill the spaces between branches.

Some Ribbon Is a Decoration All by Itself

This is where premium and luxe Christmas ribbon really begin to separate themselves from inexpensive ribbon.

Some specialty ribbon is almost a decoration by itself.

A ribbon may feature velvet trimmed in pearls, hand-applied beads, intricate embroidery, sequins, metallic thread, jewels, decorative edging or a dramatic specialty pattern.

These details create texture and dimension that you simply cannot get from a basic printed ribbon.

For example, an elaborate velvet ribbon can bring an elegant Christmas tree together, while a gingerbread, candy or novelty ribbon can instantly establish a whimsical theme.

The ribbon doesn't just coordinate with the tree.

It helps create the tree's personality.

Double-Sided Ribbon Makes a Big Difference

Another feature we love for Christmas decorating is double-sided ribbon.

When you weave ribbon through a Christmas tree or create a large bow, both sides of the ribbon naturally become visible.

With double-sided ribbon, the reverse side is intentionally designed to be seen.

This gives you much more freedom to twist and shape the ribbon without constantly trying to hide the back.

It can create a particularly polished look on large bows and dramatic Christmas tree designs.

Why Does Premium Christmas Ribbon Cost More?

The short answer is that there can be considerably more going on in the ribbon itself.

A basic printed ribbon and a wide velvet ribbon with hand embroidery, hand-applied beadwork, sequins, specialty trim or other decorative construction are simply not the same product.

The price of ribbon can reflect differences in:

• Material
• Width
• Construction
• Hand embroidery
• Hand beadwork
• Decorative stitching
• Sequins
• Trim
• Double-sided construction
• Pattern complexity
• Specialty finishes
• Overall design

With some luxe ribbon, much of what you are paying for is the detail.

And those details become very noticeable once the ribbon is placed among lights, ornaments and greenery.

Is Expensive Christmas Ribbon Worth It?

It depends on what you are using it for.

If you need ribbon to tie around a package that will be opened tomorrow, inexpensive ribbon may be exactly what you need.

But if you are creating a Christmas tree, wreath or garland that will be displayed for weeks, better ribbon can have a major impact on the finished look.

You also don't have to use elaborate ribbon everywhere.

One of our favorite decorating approaches is to combine a special statement ribbon with simpler coordinating ribbon.

For example:

One dramatic 4-inch luxe ribbon
+
One coordinating 2.5-inch wired ribbon
+
One soft ribbon tied into bows

This creates layers of color, texture and pattern while allowing the specialty ribbon to remain the star.

How to Choose Good Quality Christmas Ribbon

When you're shopping for Christmas ribbon, don't judge it only by the pattern.

Consider how you want to use it.

Do you want to shape it?
Choose a wired ribbon.

Do you want to tie soft bows onto your tree?
Try an unwired ribbon.

Do you want the ribbon to become a major part of the design?
Look for luxe ribbon with velvet, embroidery, beadwork, sequins or decorative trim.

Is your tree large?
Consider wider ribbon that will remain visible among the ornaments and branches.

Will both sides of the ribbon show?
A double-sided design may make decorating much easier.

Most importantly, choose ribbon that contributes something to the overall design.

Mixing Christmas Ribbon Creates a Designer Look

You do not have to choose just one ribbon.

In fact, combining different ribbons is one of the easiest ways to give a Christmas tree a layered, professionally decorated appearance.

Try mixing:

• Different widths
• Wired and unwired ribbon
• Solid and patterned ribbon
• Velvet and satin
• Simple and highly embellished styles
• Statement ribbon and coordinating ribbon

They do not need to match exactly.

Look for colors or details they have in common.

A patterned ribbon might introduce the colors of your tree, a velvet ribbon can add richness, and smaller tied bows can repeat one of the colors throughout the branches.

That layering creates the full, collected look often seen on designer Christmas trees.

A Different Kind of Christmas Ribbon

We know our ribbon isn't always the least expensive ribbon you will find.

That's intentional.

We aren't trying to offer the same ribbon you can find in every seasonal aisle.

We look for quality Christmas ribbon, designer ribbon and luxe specialty ribbon with beautiful fabrics, unusual details, intricate craftsmanship and decorating-friendly features that can help you create something special.

Some styles are classic and understated. Others feature hand embroidery, hand beadwork, velvet, sequins, jewels and elaborate designs.

And sometimes the simplest ribbon creates one of the prettiest looks of all—like a soft unwired velvet ribbon tied into bows and scattered throughout a Christmas tree.

Whether your style is traditional, whimsical, elegant, vintage-inspired, colorful or completely over-the-top, ribbon can be much more than a finishing touch.

The right ribbon can become one of the things that makes the entire tree.

Shop Luxe, Designer & Christmas Ribbon
From velvet and wired ribbon to hand-beaded, embroidered and unwired styles, explore our collection and find the perfect ribbon for your Christmas tree, wreath or holiday décor.
[Shop Christmas Ribbon →]