Burgundy Christmas Tree
How to Create a Burgundy Floral Christmas Tree with Draped Ribbon Garland
Move over, basic burgundy ornaments. This isn’t your standard approach to burgundy Christmas tree decor.
This tree combines two designer-level techniques that most people skip. The first is draped ribbon garland that flows continuously through the branches. The second is using florals as your primary decoration, not just filler.
The result is a sophisticated, editorial-worthy tree that looks expensive. But the technique is actually more approachable than traditional bow-making.
Here’s exactly how to recreate this luxurious burgundy floral Christmas tree.
What You Need to Create This Look
The Ribbon Foundation
Extra-wide wired ribbon is essential for this technique. You need 6-10 inch width ribbon in burgundy satin or velvet or satin fabric.
Plan for 20-30 feet of ribbon for a 7-foot tree. Smaller trees need less, larger trees need more. The wired edges are non-negotiable—they hold the draping shape.
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Extra-Wide Wired Ribbon (Burgundy Velvet)
If you can’t find wide enough ribbon, use satin fabric cut into long strips. Just add floral wire to the edges yourself.
Burgundy Floral Picks
Look for substantial floral stems that make a statement. Magnolias, poinsettias, and large roses work beautifully in burgundy tones.
You’ll need 12-18 stems for a standard tree. Mix sizes for visual interest. The largest blooms go in prime viewing spots.
Choose stems with some burgundy variation. Deep wine, lighter rose-burgundy, and rich maroon create depth.
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Burgundy magnolia stems (multiple styles)
Burgundy velvet poinsettia picks
Mixed burgundy floral bundles
Berry Clusters and Botanicals
Layer multiple berry varieties throughout the tree. Small clustered berries add texture between larger elements.
Look for frosted berry picks, matte berry stems, and glossy berry clusters. The variety in finish catches light differently.
Burgundy leaf picks are your secret weapon. Those scattered petals and leaves fill gaps beautifully.
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Supporting Elements
You still need some ornaments, but they’re accent pieces. Choose glitter ornaments in burgundy and lighter rose tones.
Ball ornaments in various sizes work best. They add sparkle without competing with the florals.
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A coordinating tree topper completes the look. Starburst styles in gold complement burgundy perfectly.
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The Draped Ribbon Garland Technique
This is where most people get intimidated. But draped garland is actually easier than making structured bows.
Start at the top of your tree with your ribbon end. Secure it near the trunk with floral wire or by tucking it into branches.
Begin weaving the ribbon down through the tree branches. This is the key: push the ribbon deep into the tree in some sections.
Let it billow out and drape in other sections. You’re creating intentional peaks and valleys as you work.
The rhythm is: push in, drape out, push in, drape out. Work your way around and down the tree in a spiral pattern.
When you push the ribbon deep into the tree, really tuck it. It should nearly disappear into the branches. This creates those dramatic gathered sections you see in the images.
When you let it billow out, allow 12-18 inches of fabric to cascade. Don’t pull it taut. The beauty is in the excess fabric.
As you spiral down, slightly angle your path. You don’t want perfectly horizontal lines. A gentle diagonal flow looks more natural.
Use your hands to arrange the draped sections as you go. Push and gather the fabric to create volume. Adjust the folds so they look intentional.
The wired edges let you manipulate the shape. Create gentle curves and swoops in the draping sections.
Continue this pattern all the way down the tree. The ribbon should look like one continuous piece flowing through the branches.
Secure the end at the bottom by tucking it deep into lower branches. You can also tuck it under your tree collar or skirt.
Step back frequently to check your work. You want fairly even distribution of those billowy sections around the entire tree.
Layering Your Florals
Now the florals get tucked into that ribbon structure. This is where the magic happens.
Start with your largest floral stems. Place them in the billowy ribbon sections where the fabric cascades out.
Tuck the stem directly into the gathered ribbon fabric. The ribbon helps anchor and hide the stem base. This eliminates the need for additional securing.
Work around the tree, spacing your largest blooms evenly. Place them at varying heights for a natural look.
Angle some flowers to face outward. Tuck others slightly into the tree to create depth. Not everything should face the viewer head-on.
Next, add your medium-sized floral picks. Fill in spaces between your statement blooms. These create transition zones and visual flow.
Tuck these stems into the ribbon as well. Or nestle them directly into the tree branches. The goal is to hide every stem.
Now layer in your berry clusters. These add crucial texture and fill remaining gaps.
Tuck berry stems into the ribbon draping. Place them where fabric is pushed deep into the tree. They help create that lush, abundant look.
Mix your berry varieties throughout. Cluster several different berry picks together for maximum impact.
Add your burgundy leaf picks last. These scattered petals and leaves soften the overall look.
Tuck them randomly throughout the tree. They should look like they’re naturally falling between other elements. Some can even appear to cascade down with the ribbon.
Strategic Ornament Placement
Your ornaments are sparkle, not structure. Place them intentionally but sparingly.
Tuck glitter ball ornaments deep into the tree between florals. They catch light from within the branches.
Place a few larger ornaments in prominent spots. These ground the design and add weight.
Avoid clustering ornaments together. Spread them throughout so they punctuate the florals.
Some ornaments can nestle right into the ribbon draping. This integrates all your elements cohesively.
Finishing Touches That Matter
Lighting is crucial for this rich burgundy palette. Warm white lights work best.
Weave lights deep into the branches before you start decorating. You want backlighting for all those florals and draping fabric.
Consider adding light strands along the ribbon path. This highlights your draped garland work beautifully.
Your tree topper should complement, not compete. A simple gold starburst or burgundy floral topper works.
If you choose floral, make sure it’s larger scale than your tree florals. It needs to hold its own at the top.
A tree collar or velvet tree skirt completes the luxurious look. Burgundy velvet is stunning, but cream or gold also works.
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Getting the Proportions Right
Tree size dictates everything. A 6-foot tree needs less ribbon and fewer florals than an 8-foot tree.
For reference, a 7-foot tree typically needs 25 feet of wide ribbon. Plan for 15-18 large floral stems. And 20-30 berry and leaf picks.
Start with less than you think you need. You can always add more. It’s harder to edit down an overstuffed tree.
The ribbon should be visible but not overwhelming. You should still see tree branches between draping sections.
Florals should cluster in groupings, not cover every inch. Negative space makes the florals more impactful.
Color Variations to Consider
While this tutorial focuses on burgundy, the technique works for any color. The draped garland + florals approach is universally sophisticated.
Burgundy and gold is particularly stunning. Add gold floral picks, gold-dipped leaves, and champagne ornaments.
Burgundy and navy creates a jewel-tone effect. Navy velvet ribbon with burgundy florals is unexpectedly beautiful.
For a softer look, mix burgundy with blush pink. Use lighter pink florals with deeper burgundy ribbon and berries.
Why This Technique Works
The draped garland creates movement and luxury. It’s miles beyond static bows or garland.
Using florals as primary decoration elevates the entire look. It reads as designer, not DIY.
The continuous ribbon flow ties everything together visually. Your eye follows that path around and down the tree.
Layering textures—satin ribbon, velvet petals, glossy berries, glitter ornaments—adds sophistication. One-note decorating looks flat.
The deep burgundy palette feels expensive. It’s rich without being overwhelming, festive without being traditional.
Tips for Success
Work in good lighting. Burgundy is a dark color, and you need to see what you’re doing.
Fluff your tree branches thoroughly before starting. Spread them out to create depth for tucking ribbon and stems.
Use floral wire to secure anything that won’t stay put. Small pieces of wire disappear into the tree.
Step back frequently. Your close-up view doesn’t show balance issues that are obvious from across the room.
Take photos from multiple angles. Your camera catches things your eye misses.
Don’t rush this process. Plan for 2-3 hours to complete the entire tree properly.
Play music, pour wine, and enjoy the process. This is meditative, creative work.
The Shopping Strategy
Buy your ribbon first. Everything else coordinates to that foundational piece.
Order florals online for better selection. Craft stores have limited options in specific colors.
Look for floral bundles or multipacks. They’re more economical than individual stems.
Berry picks are often sold in sets. Buy several packages of different varieties.
Watch for after-Christmas sales. Stock up on burgundy elements for next year at 70% off.
Making It Your Own
This technique is a framework, not rigid rules. Adapt it to your aesthetic.
Add more gold elements for traditional luxury. Keep it monochromatic burgundy for modern sophistication.
Include natural elements like dried orange slices or cinnamon sticks. They add organic texture.
Incorporate family ornaments strategically. They can coexist with the designer florals.
Make the tree topper meaningful. Even with this sophisticated look, sentimentality has a place.
The beauty of this approach is its flexibility. The techniques work, but the specifics are yours to choose.
Final Thoughts
This burgundy floral tree with draped ribbon garland represents elevated Christmas decorating. It combines technique, materials, and aesthetic vision.
The result looks like you hired a designer. But you created it yourself with the right approach.
The investment in quality ribbon and florals pays off in years of use. These materials last when stored properly.
More importantly, this technique teaches you professional-level decorating skills. You can apply draped garland and floral layering to any color scheme.
Your burgundy floral Christmas tree becomes the focal point of your holiday decor. It’s sophisticated, current, and uniquely yours.