If you’re not early, you’re late – a lesson I’ve learned the hard way two Christmases in a row, having never managed to get my hands on one of Anthropologie’s giant bow tree toppers. They became a runaway TikTok success almost as soon as they dropped in 2024, and from the OG satin to gingham, they’re now selling for nearly double their retail price on eBay.
For the 2026 season, Anthropologie has finally brought back the bow: a charming plaid that pairs the usual red, green, and cream Christmas colorways with cheerful pops of peach, magenta, and sky blue. In all its oversized, patchwork glory, it’s once again the holiday hero piece that carries the room. You don’t need kitschy throw pillows. You barely need ornaments, for that matter, when the Christmas tree is sporting a bow the size of Lady Gaga's iconic 'Camp' number for the Met Gala.
Back by popular demand, the viral Christmas tree idea returns in a patchwork-style plaid, its offbeat palette dotted with petite jewels.
Like a Birkin, like a tote bag from Trader Joe's, these bows have developed a lively resale market of their own. In theory, you could dress your tree in plaid for a season, then make more than your money back later. (Not that you’ll ever actually part with it.)
It’s, obviously, a statement piece, so if you do anything else with the tree at all, I’d keep it fairly minimal. Weave in strings of barely-there Christmas lights, letting them disappear into the pine needles for an ethereal glow rather than another layer of decoration. From there, the rest of the room can take its cues from the bow.
Try green garland alongside magenta rather than red, then perhaps a coordinating plaid tree skirt in a wool blend to ground the scene. And if you never quite kicked the coquette thing, Anthropologie also dropped matching plaid ornaments to go even bigger with the ribbon references this year.
’Tis the magic of a truly gargantuan tree accessory. Lock in one great, slightly ridiculous thing early, and the rest of your Christmas scheme can follow. Beyond the smug superiority of owning an impossible-to-get item, there's something very chic about letting one personality-packed bow do the lion's share of decorating.
I missed my holiday hero twice. I refuse to make it a third.
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More Anthropologie Bow Tree Toppers
Anthropologie has added a few more bows to its viral Christmas cannon. Here are the patterns and fabrications I wouldn’t count on staying in stock (or selling at retail) for long.
This airy ivory organza bow lends an angelic elegance to any holiday tree. The softly gathered loops and long, flowing tails are pure romance. At this scale, though, the drama remains. Also available in maroon.
Could baby blue be the surprise color trend of Christmas 2026? From the hint in the plaid bow above to this all-satin number, it certainly seems so. Try it in the shiny original fabrication that started it all.
Striped like the candy cane of dreams, this satin bow tree topper brings a tailored touch to a tree that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Punch up this magenta-and-red pairing with gold metallic accents on the tree and around the room.
The best-dressed attendee at your next Christmas party may very well be your tree. For more head-turning holiday looks, Anthropologie recently debuted a whole wardrobe of fashion-forward accessories to match.
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