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A French-Inspired Garden and Home by Judith Stringham

R is for Ribbons

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Christmas traditions add joy, love, sparkle, beauty, comfort, nostalgia, meaning, and laughter to the holiday season. Traditions from A to Z offer glimpses into how different traditions add to the season. R is for Ribbons is a light-hearted tradition that adds beauty, sparkle, and joy! 





is for Ribbons.

Ribbons on Christmas presents began in the 1930s by stationery stores to dress up gift-wrapped packages. Today ribbons play a bigger role in Christmas decorations than tied to gift  packages. 






Big ribbon bows are now common on exterior greenery decorations. From front doors to fences to entrance gates, ribbons are often the only decor tied to exterior greenery. 




Inside ribbons appear on mantles, windows, floral arrangements, mirror swags, and trees. Here  a fluffy wired chiffon bow adorns a gold wire minimalist angel and coordinates perfectly with a deep pink poinsettia. 





A deep peach dotted wired ribbon tops a cascading garland of coordinating peach Christmas ornaments. A beautiful alternative to a fresh greenery swag, the ornament garland will not dry out, never needs watering, and coordinates with everyday color decor. 




Ribbon designs continue to evolve beyond basic flat ribbons. Reindeer ribbon in ivory with gold bells and red with silver bells are just two of the many different shapes, textures, and embroidered designs available. Cut-out patterns, lacy edges, and multiple fabric options create ribbons in all imaginable designs. 

Yes, ribbons play a much bigger role than decorating gift packages, and have become a holiday tradition for decorating for the season.