Whether they're hung from trees or tied on presents, made from fabric or metallic in form, the bow Christmas decor trend has become a holiday decor staple. And according to Shea McGee, it's not going anywhere for 2025.
'I think a lot about bows when it's Christmastime,' Shea expressed in a recent video posted on Instagram. Each year, her 'bow decision' is a big one – finding the right size, the right color, and the right way to display this Christmas decorating idea is no easy feat. But this year, Shea's chosen a classic bow style to decorate her Christmas tree – a silky red ribbon bow with a wispy form and timeless, nostalgic appeal.
'I went with a 1.5" silk ribbon in this deep red that almost borders burgundy,' the designer explained in her video – a style that's just like the Wrinkled Faux Silk Ribbon from her homewares brand, McGee & Co. Of course, red is a traditional Christmas color, but the deeper shade of these bows brings an added a level of sophistication and cozy elegance.
Plus, these deep red bows work wonders in complementing the other adornments on Shea's tree, too. 'I get a lot of color from just that bow selection, and it completely changes all of the ornaments that I've collected over the years that are on my tree,' Shea remarked. The bows act as a dramatic yet tasteful pop of color that enhances the neutral tones of the other Christmas ornaments. Together, the wispy dark red bows and decorative ornaments create a dynamic and storied holiday display.
As for size, Shea tied these Christmas bows in a specific way to create a draping effect. 'I tied them really long because I wanted them to almost drape over and cover the full tree,' Shea remarked. From where the bow is tied, it drapes down over a few branches and lays over other ornaments, creating the wispy, effortless, and layered display.
Aside from the Christmas tree, Shea also incorporated a bow onto her Christmas mantel – only this bow is much larger and made from a white velvet ribbon. 'I'm so excited about how this turned out because it's a new look for my mantel,' Shea said about the mantel bow. This white bow is a tasteful addition that contrasts the red bows in size, but nonetheless enhances Shea's Christmas display.
From the tree to the mantel, the bows create a sense of continuity and cohesion in Shea's Christmas living room decor. Plus, they enhance the cozy, nostalgic holiday vibes in the space.
Shop Christmas Bow Decor from McGee & Co.
Bows have proven to be a Christmas decor feature that can spread holiday cheer around your home. Like in Shea's living room, these details add nostalgic holiday charm to the tree and the mantel, but they have the potential to do the same in lots of other parts of the home.
If you're interested in incorporating bow decor into your holiday setup this season, McGee & Co. has a selection of stylish bow decor that leans into the holiday trend. Find the perfect bow for your home from McGee & Co., below.
If hand-tied ribbon bows aren't something you're interested in making, consider adding a silver bow ornament to your tree, instead. This one is elegant in its design, but still has the same nostalgic charm as a hand-tied ribbon bow.
Forget the star, your Christmas tree needs a bow at the top. Made from brass with a slight patina, this bow tree topper is a timelessly elegant design that has aged, nostalgic appeal.
Your holiday tablescape won't be complete without a mood-setting candle in the center. Use this bow-shaped candle holder to set the scene with sleek style and refined elegance.
Hang your stockings from the mantel with this charming bow-shaped stocking holder. The twisted design of the bow itself adds visual appeal to the brass form. It'll hold a stocking and add some playful attraction to your mantel display.
This bow garland in red velvet fabric is tastefully adorned with miniature brass bells. It creates a classic holiday decor feature that can be strung around your Christmas tree, hung from a console table, or woven through an evergreen garland stand.
Just as Shea made her own bows for her Christmas tree, so can you. With this 1.5" ribbon, you can create elegant bows to tie anywhere around your home. Plus, you can decide which length is best – a long style like Shea's, or something shorter.
With their timeless, classic Christmas appeal, bows just so happen to be a feature of one of the year's biggest holiday trends – the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic. With an inclusion of bows, tartan, and some heirloom Christmas decor, you can achieve this aesthetic in your home this holiday season.
