How To Make Christmas Tree Bows

Pink Christmas Tree With Bows

This year, I decided to take a completely different approach to decorating my Christmas tree—no traditional ornaments, no same-old, same-old baubles. Instead, I went all-in on a trendy idea I stumbled upon: decorating with a big, beautiful bow! Lucky for me, I already had a long strip of pink tulle at home—a leftover from making my daughter’s skirt. Talk about a budget-friendly win!

The result? A dreamy, pink-toned Christmas tree that feels delicate and airy. But, oh, the drama at home! My son wasn’t thrilled about the “girly” theme and declared the tree too feminine. Thankfully, my daughter was all for it, so we struck a deal—I promised him next year’s tree would have a boyish vibe. With that compromise sorted, I dove headfirst into this pink bow adventure.

The Game Plan for Bow-Magic

  1. Make a stunning oversized bow.
  2. Craft lots of smaller bows for balance.
  3. Spruce up the tree base.
  4. Add those finishing touches around the tree.

How To Make The Show-Stopping Big Bow

Pink Christmas tree with a large bow

For the centerpiece, I used tulle—a total lifesaver! It’s soft, easy to
work with, and holds its shape beautifully. Plus, the transparency of tulle creates this magical effect when the lights shine through. If you don’t have tulle, organza works great too. Just make sure whatever fabric you pick isn’t too floppy—it needs a bit of stiffness to look full and fabulous.

Simple version I made: I took a wide strip of tulle and tied it into a classic bow—nothing fancy. The tails weren’t super long, but they still added a nice, flowing touch.

If you want drama: You can make longer tails by cutting them separately and attaching them to the bow with glue or wire. This works especially well if your tulle is on the stiffer side.

I just plopped my finished bow onto the top of the tree, and it sat perfectly without any extra support. It was such a relief that it didn’t need pins or ties—sometimes, things just work out!

Pink Christmas tree with a large bow

The Adorable Little Bows

After the big bow was done, I turned my focus to the smaller ones. These were the real MVPs for creating that cohesive, pink wonderland vibe. I wanted the tree to feel super soft and romantic, so I used different shades of pink for variety—but made sure they all complemented each other.

Two easy ways to make little bows:

Tulle bows: These are ridiculously easy. Just cut strips of tulle, tie them into bows, and pop them on the branches. The texture of the tulle clings to the tree, so you don’t even need to secure them.

Tulle bows: These are ridiculously easy. Just cut strips of tulle, tie them into bows, and pop them on the branches. The texture of the tulle clings to the tree, so you don’t even need to secure them.

Ribbon bows: I used satin ribbon for a more polished look. My favorite method was tying the bows directly onto the branches and leaving long, trailing tails. It gave the tree this elegant, cascading effect that I’m totally obsessed with.

Ribbon bows: I used satin ribbon for a more polished look. My favorite method was tying the bows directly onto the branches and leaving long, trailing tails. It gave the tree this elegant, cascading effect that I’m totally obsessed with.

Another technique I love is making ribbon bows on your fingers. Wrap the ribbon around two fingers, cross the ends, and tie a knot in the middle. It’s super quick and perfect for making multiple bows in no time.

Another technique I love is making ribbon bows on your fingers. Wrap the ribbon around two fingers, cross the ends, and tie a knot in the middle. It’s super quick and perfect for making multiple bows in no time.

Pro tip: Mix textures! The contrast between the light, fluffy tulle and the sleek satin ribbon made the tree look more layered and interesting. Also, mix tones.

Dress Up the Tree Base

Let’s not forget the tree base—it’s like the shoes to your outfit. It’s gotta match! I made a pink “skirt” using a wide strip of tulle. I folded the tulle into layers for extra volume. Gathered the top edge with a needle and thread to create a ruffled effect. Wrapped it around the base of the tree and secured it with a few discreet pins. If sewing isn’t your thing, no worries—just wrap some fabric or tulle loosely around the base and call it a day. For added flair, you can stack a few wrapped gift boxes under the tree or use a pretty basket.

The bows were definitely the star of the show, so I kept the rest of the decorations super minimal. I hung a few clear “icicle” ornaments and some soft pink and white baubles that matched the color palette. Nothing too bold—just enough sparkle to catch the light without stealing attention from the bows.

And let’s talk about the gifts under the tree! I wrapped them in plain brown paper but tied them with—you guessed it—pink ribbons. This tied the whole look together (pun intended) and added a cohesive, thoughtful touch.

How To Make Christmas Tree Bows
How To Make Christmas Tree Bows

The Pink Christmas Tree Verdict

This pink bow tree turned out even better than I imagined! It’s light, feminine, and totally unique. Plus, it was such a fun way to use leftover materials and try something new. The best part? My daughter can’t stop gushing about how “pretty” it is, and even my skeptical son admitted it’s growing on him.

So, if you’re looking for a fresh way to decorate your tree this year, give bows a try. They’re inexpensive, easy to make, and can completely transform your tree into a showstopper.

How To Make Christmas Tree Bows
How To Make Christmas Tree Bows