1. Make your bows using a ribbon that coordinates with your home's decor.
2. Velvet ribbon can difficult for beginners to use.
3. Wired ribbon holds its shape better than non-wired ribbon.
4. You can make almost anything "holiday" by gluing a bows onto it.
5. Embellish your bows by adding items that matches the wrapping paper.

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• by Darcy Logan

• Ribbon is simply a narrow piece of fabric, often tied up in a decorative way.WeddingChannel.com: Favors: Glossary - Definitions R-Z Typically, ribbon is made from silk, cotton, rayon, or nylon. However, they are defined more by the way they are woven.MarthaStewart.com: Ribbon Glossary Although red and green are traditional Christmas colors, you may want to pick a ribbon with a pattern that coordinates with your home's decor. If you can't, stick to using more universal colors like silver and gold.Lowe's: Ten Holiday Tips

• Here are some of the more popular types of ribbon used at Christmas time. For more information on the different types of ribbon, check out Choosing a Type of Ribbon on the How to Tie a Bow page.
  • Curling ribbon is designed to coil when drawn across a hard surface, like the blunt edge of a scissors.Google Book Search: Creative Bows Made Easy
  • Jacquard ribbon has an intricate woven pattern on it.WeddingChannel.com: Favors: Glossary - Definitions H-P
  • Metallic ribbon gets its sparkly looks from metallic fibers.MarthaStewart.com: Ribbon Glossary
  • Picot Edge ribbon is a smooth ribbon with small loops made of thread along the edges.WeddingChannel.com: Favors: Glossary - Definitions H-P
  • Poly ribbon is smooth and made out of polypropylene.GiftBasketOnlineNewsletter.com: Tie Up More Profits with Beautiful Bows (October 21, 2008) It may also be weather-resistant.MasterBow: Ribbon Descriptions
  • Raffia, which comes from a fiber made of leaves, is similar to twine.WeddingChannel.com: Favors: Glossary - Definitions R-Z
  • Satin ribbon is smooth surface with a shine on one side.JKM Ribbon & Trims: Helpful Hints: Did You Know? - Useful Ribbon Info It is inexpensive and easy to hold, which makes it good for beginners.Crafttown.com: Bow making
    • 1. Double-faced satin ribbon is glossy on both sides.ZestBit: Personalized Ribbon
      2. Two-sided satin ribbon has different colored sides.ZestBit: Personalized Ribbon
  • Velvet ribbon is thick with a soft surface on one side.WeddingChannel.com: Favors: Glossary - Definitions R-Z It can be difficult for beginners to use.Crafttown.com: Bow making

• Most varieties of ribbon are available in both wired and non-wired varieties. Most bows can be made using either type of wire. However, some bows (that are cut) require non-wired ribbon.
  • Non-wired ribbon is more versatile and allows you to use multiple colors if you wish.GiftBasketOnlineNewsletter.com: Tie Up More Profits with Beautiful Bows (October 21, 2008)
  • Wired ribbon has a thin line of wire on one or both sides.WeddingChannel.com: Favors: Glossary - Definitions R-Z It holds its shape easier and is nearly "crush-proof."Crafttown.com: Bow making It allows you to adjust it until you get the bow as you want it.About.com: Holiday Gift Wrapping Tips, p.2

• Bows are a great, inexpensive way to decorate your home for Christmas. You can make almost anything holiday-themed by gluing a few red or green bows onto it.All Things Christmas: 101 Holidays Decorating Ideas for the Holiday Season For beginners, it may be best to start making bows using cheaper ribbon. However, once you get good at making your bows, you will want to invest in expensive ribbon and save your bows for use every year.Interior and Health: Decorating Your Home for Christmas (September 26, 2008) Here are a few ideas on how to use bows in your holiday decor.

1. Decorate any tree (indoors or out) using a few strand of lights with some red and green bows.Interior and Health: Decorating Your Home for Christmas (September 26, 2008)
2. Add bows to your houseplants (either around a container or on the branches).Interior and Health: Decorating Your Home for Christmas (September 26, 2008)
3. Pin bows to your curtains or use them as tiebacks.All Things Christmas: 101 Holidays Decorating Ideas for the Holiday Season
4. Tie bows around your banister.Lowe's: Ten Holiday Tips
5. Other places you should consider adding bows include on entryway mirrors, sconces, mailboxes, mantels and handrails.FamilyCorner.com: Elegant Bows for Easy Holiday Decor

1. Decorate your bathroom by gluing bows (and other unbreakable ornaments) to the outside of a shower curtain.All Things Christmas: 101 Holidays Decorating Ideas for the Holiday Season
2. Adorn inexpensive lampshades with fabric bows and use them on your lamps at Christmas.All Things Christmas: 101 Holidays Decorating Ideas for the Holiday Season
3. Tie a bow around a few cinnamon sticks for an attractive way to scent your home.All Things Christmas: 101 Holidays Decorating Ideas for the Holiday Season
4. Hang a large bow at the top of a piece of ribbon and use it to attach any Christmas cards you receive.All Things Christmas: 101 Holidays Decorating Ideas for the Holiday Season
5. Make "Christmas bears" by tying bows around the necks of stuffed bears.All Things Christmas: 101 Holidays Decorating Ideas for the Holiday Season
6. Place several poly bows on a door or other flat surface in the shape of a tree, a wreath, or even spell out "Merry Christmas."Decorate with Bows: FAQ and Tips for use

1. Tie a bow around each napkin and place one atop the place setting.MarthaStewart.com: Fit to Be Tied: Ribbon Crafts, p.3 You could even insert a candy cane.
2. Make holiday place mats by gluing ribbon and bows to red or green place mats.All Things Christmas: 101 Holidays Decorating Ideas for the Holiday Season
3. Tie red, green or gold bows around the stems of your wine glasses.All Things Christmas: 101 Holidays Decorating Ideas for the Holiday Season
4. Tie bows around the candlesticks.Lowe's: Ten Holiday Tips
5. Tie bows around the outside spindles of your chairs.Designing Online: Ten Inexpensive Holiday Decorating Tips

1. Use oversized bows on your front or garage doors.Interior and Health: Decorating Your Home for Christmas (September 26, 2008)
2. Create a giant present by covering your doors with paper and adding a bow.The BathroomGuru Review: How to Create a Modern Christmas Theme for Your Bathroom
3. Tie bows on the door handles in your house.Interior and Health: Decorating Your Home for Christmas (September 26, 2008)
4. Tie a few bells together using a ribbon, then tie it above your doors so the bells will ring when the door is opened.All Things Christmas: 101 Holidays Decorating Ideas for the Holiday Season
5. Tie a bow around your door knocker.Designing Online: Ten Inexpensive Holiday Decorating Tips

• <iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=mahalo-20&o=1&p=15&l=st1&mode=garden&search=christmas%20bows%20and%20ribbons&fc1=000000<1=&lc1=3366FF&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" width="468" height="240" border="0" frameborder="0" style="border:none;" scrolling="no"></iframe>

• While it can be tempting to simply stick a bow on top of your package, it can be more rewarding (for you and the recipient) if you spend a little time touching up the bow on top of the gift. Here are some tips on how to enhance your gift's bow:

1. You can curl the ends of your ribbon using a scissors. Lightly press the ribbon between your thumb and the blunt end of a pair of scissors. Gently pull the ribbon through in a downward direction. The amount of curl depends on the amount of pressure you use.BBC: A Beginner's Guide to Wrapping Presents
2. Instead of tape, use stickers to attach your ribbon or bows.Mom Central: Wrapping Presents
3. Shred the ends of your ribbons after curling using your fingernail or a scissors to separate the ends and pulling gently.Expert Village: How to Use Ribbons for Wrapping Gifts (Time: 2:41)
4. Choose a color of ribbon that contrasts nicely with your wrapping paper, such as a black bow on white paper.BBC: A Beginner's Guide to Wrapping Presents
5. Don't be afraid to use more than one color.BBC: A Beginner's Guide to Wrapping Presents

• • For more information, check out Mahalo's How to Wrap Presents.

• If you want to wrap the ribbon around your package before tying your bow, there are a couple of ways to do it. The simplest method is to wrap the ribbon once around the box and then tie your bow without knotting the ribbon in the center.Heidi: How to Tie a Bow This eliminates the need to hold the knot. You can also wrap the ribbon around the corners of your box.Expert Village: How to Use Ribbons for Wrapping Gifts (Time: 2:41) However, if you want to wrap the ribbon around both directions, here's how to do it:

1. Place your box on top of your ribbon. One end of the ribbon should be slightly longer than the other.
2. Wrap the ribbon around the length of your box.MarthaStewart.com: The Perfect Package
3. When you get to the center, cross the two pieces of ribbon.MarthaStewart.com: The Perfect Package
4. Wrap the longer end of ribbon around the width of your box.MarthaStewart.com: The Perfect Package
5. Tie the two ends of ribbon in a single knot.DIY Network: Bow Basics
6. Place your thumb on the center or ask a helper to hold the knot with one finger.MarthaStewart.com: The Perfect Package DIY Network: Bow Basics

• Once your ribbon is wrapped around your package, you can use the ends to tie a classic bow or winged bow. You can also use the ends to attach any of the bows listed on How to Make a Bow page.

• No matter how fancy your bow is, embellishing it will always make it look a little nicer. When considering what to add, you might want to try and match the item to your wrapping paper. For example, use a reindeer ornament on a gift wrapped in reindeer paper.Pioneer Thinking: 25 Festive Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas While this section focuses on embellishing bows on packages, many of these methods can be used to embellish bows hung other places as well.

1. Tape two candy canes facing each other so they make a heart.Mom Central: Wrapping Presents
2. Tuck a piece of artificial greenery or a few pine sprigs next to the bow.About.com: Holiday Gift Wrapping Tips
3. Cut out holiday shapes from felt to use. Punch a hole into the shape and add to the ribbon or bow.MarthaStewart.com: Sealed with Mistletoe
4. Thread a few bells on to a piece of cord and tie to the bow.MarthaStewart.com: Sealed with Mistletoe
5. If you have an old Christmas carol book (or print out pages from the net), roll up a sheet of it and tie it with a ribbon. Then, add it to your package.ThreadBanger: Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas
6. Add a few living pieces of greenery to your packages if you are taking them to a party.ThreadBanger: Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas
7. Use wired tinsel to create stars on top of your packages.MarthaStewart.com: Tinsel Stars
8. For a daintier look, use miniature ornaments, pine cones or small sprigs on your package.MarthaStewart.com: Gift Tags
9. For small packages, attach tiny wooden cutouts from a craft store.Christmas For All: Last Minute Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas (December 20, 2006)
10. Write the person's name onto a miniature stocking using a glitter pen and tie it to the present.Pioneer Thinking: 25 Festive Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas
11. Silk flowers such as poinsettias can be inserted or tied to the bow.Pioneer Thinking: 25 Festive Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas
12. Tie a few cinnamon sticks with a ribbon and attach.Pioneer Thinking: 25 Festive Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas
13. Add glitter to highlight your bow. Use a glue pen to draw on your package, ribbon or bow. Then, sprinkle the glue with glitter or Christmas confetti.BBC: A Beginner's Guide to Wrapping Presents
14. Instead of ribbon, wrap a band of contrasting wrapping paper around the package.Christmas For All: Last Minute Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas (December 20, 2006)
15. Cut out images from last year's Christmas cards and use them as gift tags or decoration on top of packages.RealSimple.com: Creative Wrapping Ideas, p.5
16. Other embellishments can include pine cones, berry picks, mistletoe and red bells.Christmas For All: Last Minute Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas (December 20, 2006)

• Double gifts are items you can use with or instead of bows on your packages that are presents in and of themselves.

1. Use fancy ponytail holders to tie packages (especially good for gift bags).RealSimple.com: Creative Wrapping Ideas, p.3
2. Attach an ornament to the bow of packages.Mom Central: Wrapping Presents You can use wire, ribbon or hot glue to secure them onto the package.Christmas For All: Last Minute Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas (December 20, 2006)
3. Attach a small toy on top of packages for children.Mom Central: Wrapping Presents
4. For a child's gift, use a jump rope around the package instead of holiday ribbon.RealSimple.com: Creative Wrapping Ideas, p.2
5. After tying ribbon around your package, attach a floral brooch or Christmas pin to the knot.Christmas For All: Last Minute Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas (December 20, 2006)
6. Take a piece of ribbon that is long enough to wrap around the present. Cut slots into the narrow ends of a gift tag. Thread tag onto the ribbon and attach it to your present.MarthaStewart.com: Holiday Gift Adornments
7. Lace your ribbon with wooden or plastic beads before using.Howdini: Creative and Unique Gift Wrapping Ideas
8. For a man's gift, use a holiday neck-tie instead of ribbon.Howdini: Creative and Unique Gift Wrapping Ideas
9. For a woman's gift, use a nice scarf instead of the ribbon.Howdini: Creative and Unique Gift Wrapping Ideas
10. For music lovers, roll up the sheet music of their favorite Christmas carol and tie it with a ribbon.ThreadBanger: Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas
11. Add winter mittens on top of the gift.Pioneer Thinking: 25 Festive Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas
12. Tuck a big candy cane under the bow.Pioneer Thinking: 25 Festive Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas
13. Attach a couple of servings of cocoa to the bow.Pioneer Thinking: 25 Festive Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas
14. Add a small picture frame ornament with your favorite holiday photo to the package.Pioneer Thinking: 25 Festive Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas