For the past two years, bows and bow motifs have been everywhere during Christmas – from tree decorations to festive tablescapes, it’s been all about the bows. And last year gave rise to the XL Christmas bow trend that’s only gotten more popular this year.
The bigger the Christmas bow, the better – that’s the motto of this festive period and Christmas decor trend. Considering the huge demand for super-sized Christmas bows of 2024, with pretty much every brand selling out very soon after dropping their Christmas collections, it’s no surprise that even more brands and retailers have jumped on the XL Christmas bow trend, coming up with bigger, better and more creative takes on the look.
‘Oversized bows feel playful and a little nostalgic, almost like stepping into a festive storybook,’ says Sienna Brooks, Flitch interior stylist. ‘They make a bold statement without needing a lot of extra fuss. Part of the appeal is that they are Instagram-ready. One big bow delivers drama and elegance in a single gesture. In a cost-of-living squeeze, they are also a smart investment piece: one XL bow can elevate existing decorations without needing a full overhaul.’
I’ve been getting early previews of many of the popular high street brands’ Christmas collections – and large bows are everywhere. Some of them are already live, while others you’ll have to wait for a little longer – like the M&S XXL velvet bows pictured below, available in deep red, dusky pink and green, launching at the beginning of October. Watch this space!
But until then, these are the ones you can shop right now – and I wouldn’t wait around. As I said, they go quickly.
Top picks
This bow is unique in its almost cartoon-like plump fullness, compared to some of the other more draped designs. And the £10 price point makes it a bargain!
While velvet tends to be the material of choice when it comes to Christmas bows, I like the glossy satin approach that Anthropologie took. And it's so huge, measuring 135 centimetres in length.
Sophie Robinson is the queen of colour so it makes sense that the designer brought a lot of vibrancy into her collection with Dunelm, including the Christmas decs like this bold striped bow.
Just because the massive bow is a statement in itself, it doesn't mean you have to stick to a solid colour. These gingham-print ones, available in three different colourways, will be super popular this year, I'm sure.
If you're after large bows that won't break the bank, Dunelm is the place to go. With prices starting at £8, including this burgundy satin number, you can go bow crazy this festive season!
John Lewis' XL-sized Christmas bow decorations also sold out super fast last year. So this year, the brand released not one but two different sizes of its large bows, with this 90-centimetre one being the largest one.
As Christmas bows have been a trend for the past couple of years, brands are trying to mix it up a little with new takes on the look. Dunelm has gone down the faux fur route.
Measuring 60 centimetres in length, this red velvet number looks especially great thanks to the contrasting piped trim outlining the bow silhouette. Obsessed!
With the amount of XL Christmas bow designs on offer, it was impossible to include only one style from Anthropologie. This sophisticated satin number in black is further elevated by pearl applique.
How to style XL Christmas bows
When it comes to Christmas bow ideas, there really is no limit. You can go as wild and creative as you like. At the Christmas press shows, I’ve been seeing them placed on the backs of dining chairs, used as a tree topper, turned into wreath decor and also simply hung on the wall. But you can do any of those things and more.
‘Think beyond the front door. Tie one onto a hallway mirror to create a festive focal point, or fasten one above the mantle as a soft frame for your stockings. For tablescapes, I suggest using a velvet bow at the end of a runner, almost like a ‘gift wrap’ for the dining table. Outdoors, layering an XL bow with evergreen garlands on a porch gives that classic, welcoming, and very Christmas look,’ Sienna at Flitch suggests.
The bottom line? It’s all about the bows this Christmas once more.
