Ribbon can elevate a gift from simply wrapped to fully finished. It provides a splash of color, texture, and definition, and gives you the chance to customize your wrapping.
That said, a gorgeous ribbon won’t automatically transform bad wrapping into great wrapping. The width, material, color, placement, and bow style of the ribbon all matter.
Pick the Right Ribbon
Ribbon styles make different statements.
Satin ribbons have a sleek surface and can give a package a sleek, sophisticated look. Cotton and linen ribbons are softer, and more organic-feeling, and velvet ribbon can add dimension and a richer feel.
Paper or raffia-like ribbon can look appropriate for casual or rustic wrapping.
When selecting a ribbon, think about the wrapping paper. A busy pattern might pair better with a plain ribbon, and plain paper leaves more room for experimenting with textured ribbon.
Consider the Proportions
Size matters.
A wide ribbon can overwhelm a small box, while a very narrow ribbon might get lost on a big gift.
As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the gift, the thicker the ribbon can be. On smaller gifts, thinner ribbon can look more refined.
Before tying the final bow, try draping the ribbon around the gift and comparing the width of the ribbon to the size of the box.
Make a Classic Cross
A cross-wrap is one of the most adaptable ways to use ribbon.
Wrap the ribbon once around the long side of the box, then wrap it around the short side. Tie the ends together on top or in the middle of the gift.
Cross-wrap works especially well with rectangular boxes, as the ribbon adds a clean, geometric element and provides a convenient spot to tie a bow or affix a gift tag.
Tie a Simple Bow
You can make a simple bow with almost any pliable ribbon.
Begin by making two equal-sized loops. Cross them over each other, loop one through the center, and pull the ends tight.
Loosen the loops and tails, adjusting them to your liking, rather than trying to perfect the bow as you’re tying it.
Finally, even out the ribbon ends or trim them at an angle to make the bow look tidier.
Make a Layered Bow
To create a more dramatic effect, use two different ribbons.
Pick two ribbons with varying widths or textures, but make sure the colors complement each other. First, wrap the wider ribbon around the box, then wrap the narrower ribbon on top of it.
Alternatively, you can create a layered bow using both ribbons.
Combining two different types of ribbon can add interest without needing other embellishments.
Treat the Ribbon Like a Design Element
Sometimes, the ribbon doesn’t need to be wrapped in a specific way or tied in a bow.
Consider wrapping the ribbon vertically, tying a simple knot, layering two ribbons in different colors, or leaving the ribbon ends longer for a more casual look.
In a more minimalistic approach, a single strip of ribbon wrapped slightly off-center could be all you need.
Think about the silhouette of the box or bag, and use the ribbon to echo that shape. ## Attach a Gift Tag Instead of Taping One On
The gift tag can be affixed directly to the ribbon rather than taped to the wrapping paper. This will save you from having any tape marks on the paper and the tag will be integrated into the design. Choose a tag that matches the ribbon in color, size, and style. If the ribbon is flashy, go for a more subtle tag.
Consider the Bow’s Placement
The middle of the package is the classic spot for the bow, but there are plenty of options available. An asymmetrical bow lends a more modern touch. A bow tied closer to the bottom of a long, rectangular box might look just as good as the center. Try a few different placements before securing the bow to get a sense of what looks best. View the package from different angles as well.
Keep the Ribbon Tight
The ribbon should be tight enough to stay put but not so tight that it rips or creases the paper. A loose bow will make the package look sloppy. Pull the ribbon too tightly, though, and the paper will crease and distort the shape of the box. Wrap the ribbon snugly and make sure it’s the right tension before tying the final knot.
Mix Textures and Colors
One of the simplest ways to liven up a ribbon is to use contrasting textures. You can match smooth satin with rough kraft paper or pair a linen ribbon with textured wrapping paper. Color is another way to play with textures. A plain package can support a bold ribbon, whereas a brightly colored paper could use a more subdued accent.
Don’t Overdo It
The bow should highlight the gift, not overwhelm it. If you’re using patterned wrapping paper, a decorative gift tag, and a bow, adding a big ornate bow might clutter the look. If you’re unsure, remove one thing from the package and see how it looks. Often, simple wrapping looks more elegant when each element has its own place.
Storing Your Ribbons
Ribbons can get creased, tangled, or otherwise mangled if you aren’t careful with storage. Store your rolls in a container where they won’t get crushed, or simply stand them up. You can organize smaller pieces by color or type. Having your ribbons neatly organized also makes it easy to mix and match.
Practice to Perfect Your Bow
A beautiful bow comes from repetition. Experiment with different ribbon widths and types. Tie bows of varying sizes and see how they look on different boxes. Take pictures of your wrapped gifts. Stepping back to look at your completed package helps you see if any issues with proportion, placement, or color exist.
Last Thoughts
While ribbons and bows are relatively minor additions, they have the power to significantly change the overall appearance of a gift. Use a ribbon that works with the wrapping paper. Pay attention to scale, keep the ribbon taut, and try out different positions. The best ribbon addition isn’t always the flashiest. The best bow is one that fits the wrapping and ties everything together.