Every winter, we look forward to observing (and writing about) the playful trends that shape how we decorate for the Christmas season. However, some designs endure, returning year after year, and eventually, decade after decade. This is certainly the case with Reba McEntire's retro holiday postcard, where red ribbons and bows are the central feature.
The singer announced the start of Christmas on Instagram (and yes, it's officially happening because no one can argue with Reba), sharing a nostalgic photo of her younger self in a living room. Despite dating back several decades, her Christmas decor would look just as perfect in a contemporary home– and the red ribbon is her secret.
Red ribbon is one of the most versatile of all holiday decorations– perfect for tying around candles, draping from your mantelpiece (as Reba McEntire demonstrates), or using as decoration for your Christmas tree and gifts if you want to get even more creative.
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As good-looking today as they are in Reba McEntire's throwback Christmas postcard, red bows are one of the few trends that have survived through the years. This red bow takes the trend to new heights. It's designed to sit on top of your tree instead of a star or angel, and we think it's a beautiful twist on the classic.
Create luxe bows with this bright red velvet ribbon, perfect for decorating staircases or wrapping around gifts (after you've adorned your candles and mantlepiece, that is).
One-toned red bows fill McEntire's space, but she also exhibits some darker red pieces with a tartan twist. These bows from Wayfair are a lovely alternative. The pack includes six, perfect for scattering around your tree or in your garland and wreath.
One reason a design trend has survived through the years is its capacity for evolution. While red bows as a whole have remained a seasonal staple, these pieces have varied in both size and texture. Ann Marie Cousins, an interior designer and owner of AMC Design, says that thin velvet bows are particularly fashionable.
Bows have been appearing on Christmas trees for centuries, usually in a glorious multitude of colors and lengths. However, thin velvet bows in particular are emerging as the decoration of 2024; these delicate additions to a tree can create real sophistication with minimal effort,' she says.
'The bows lend a haphazard, colorful luxury to Christmas trees and are really inexpensive; you could even use any ribbons you have collected over the years. Lean into whichever color you like to suit the style of your property or the theme of your decorations. I really like how there are so many textures available, from grosgrain and satin to luxury velvet.'
Alternatively, while red is eternally classic, she adds that thin black bows (such as these from Amazon) are perfect for a more minimalist decor scheme, where monochromatic decorations create a pared-back yet modern effect for the festive period.
'You don’t have to limit bows just to the tree, tie them to candlesticks and wall sconces, also around the napkins on the dining table, or add larger bows to mantles so it is even easier to take the colourways through to other areas of the home.' Will you be following Reba's example this Christmas?
