Velvet ribbon has a way of changing the whole feel of a room. It doesn’t shout for attention; it just brings in that soft, classic charm that feels right at home with vintage pieces, warm woods, and winter greenery.
A single strand can elevate a mantel, a wreath, or even a simple basket.
I suggest you start with the surfaces you touch every day. Wrap velvet ribbon around your garlands to soften the greenery and give it a pretty finish. Tie a loose, relaxed bow around a vintage bell or two and let them rest on a stack of old books or hang from a cabinet knob. These tiny touches give a finished touch.
Crystal bowls are another beautiful way to carry a theme. Fill them with mercury glass ornaments of different sizes, tones, and don’t worry about making it perfect. The shimmer of mercury glass against the cool crystal brings a glow that works on coffee tables, console tables, or tucked beside a lamp where the light can catch the surface. If you want a little extra depth, tuck a sprig of cedar or a velvet ribbon tail into the bowl too, so the whole arrangement feels festive.
A few other ways to keep going with your velvet ribbon. Add a drop bow to a hanging basket filled with winter greens. Loop it around the top of a bell garland and let the ends trail down the side of a door or cabinet. If you’re decorating the Christmas tree, add drop bows to cascade down the branches for a soft, draped look that feels timeless.
Here’s a small but great trick that decorators use: Choose one ribbon color like deep burgundy, forest green, or warm caramel, whatever feels like “your” holiday color, and repeat that same color through the house. It doesn’t need to dominate each room, just a bow here, a tail of ribbon there. By the time you’re finished, every room feels connected in an understated, classic way.
And if you want an easy finishing layer, pair your ribbon touches with baskets filled with pinecones, small clusters of metallic bells, or leftover ornaments. This type of gathered elements keeps your holiday style warm, but not overly polished.
I like the kind of decorating that feels timeless because it’s built on simple materials of velvet, bells, greenery, crystal, and mercury glass. They all come together to create a holiday home that feels inviting the moment you step through the door.
It is all in the details!
