Bows are back, and for Christmas 2026, this whimsical decorating trend is better than ever. From oversized velvet designs to delicate satin ribbons, bows offer a timeless yet playful way to dress a tree, bringing softness, texture and a touch of nostalgic charm to festive decorating. And if you need inspiration for embracing the look, Victoria and David Beckham's Christmas tree from last year is a beautiful place to start.
The couple's festive tree featured golden-yellow bows that brought warmth and understated glamour to the traditional Christmas greenery. The look demonstrated how a simple ribbon detail can transform a tree, making it feel more considered and individual without relying on an elaborate collection of decorations.
I've used the Vintage Velvet Ribbon Bows from Amazon and the Adea Ornaments from Lulu and Georgia to replicate the look in my own home.
'Bows are such a lovely way to bring a sense of whimsy and personality to Christmas decorating,' says Hebe Hatton, Head of Interior Design at . 'They have a nostalgic quality that feels wonderfully traditional, but the right ribbon and color palette – particularly when decorating with gold – can make them feel fresh, contemporary and wonderfully elegant, too.'
For 2026, gold bows are an especially elegant way to embrace the trend. Their warm, reflective finish catches the glow of Christmas lights beautifully, complementing everything from classic red and green ornaments to more understated schemes of bronze, champagne and warm neutrals. Velvet and grosgrain ribbons create a richer, more traditional look, while sheer or satin styles lend a lighter, more delicate finish.
The secret to making this whimsical trend feel elevated is to avoid making every detail too uniform. Vary the sizes of your bows, place them at different points throughout the branches, and mix them with glass baubles and warm white lights to create a layered, collected look. You could even use longer ribbon tails for added movement and softness.
Whether you opt for golden bows inspired by the Beckhams or experiment with rich burgundy velvet and delicate cream ribbons, this returning trend proves that Christmas decorating can be both playful and sophisticated. For 2026, bows are back and better than ever, bringing a little magic, nostalgia and personality to the festive home.
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