There comes a point when decorating the Christmas tree when you stand back, look at the branches and wonder what it needs.
Another bauble? More lights? The star you've used for the last ten years?
Or perhaps something completely different.
An oversized velvet bow can give a Christmas tree a wonderfully individual look. Soft, sculptural and just a little theatrical, it brings colour and texture to the branches without requiring an entirely new collection of decorations.
And the lovely thing is that you don't need to be particularly good at decorating to make it work.
Whether you prefer a traditional tree dressed in burgundy and gold or something brighter and less expected, here's how to use an oversized velvet Christmas bow to create a tree that feels special to your home.
Can You Use an Oversized Velvet Bow as a Christmas Tree Topper?
Absolutely. A large velvet bow can replace a traditional star or angel, creating a softer focal point at the top of the tree.
The simplest approach is to choose one generously proportioned bow, secure it to a sturdy upper branch or central stem and allow the tails to fall naturally across the greenery.
You can also position the bow slightly below the top or to one side, particularly if your tree has an irregular shape or a less conventional decorating scheme.
For a statement, we particularly love the Kika Bespoke Oversized Velvet Christmas Bows.
Handmade from upholstery-grade velvet, the bows measure approximately 44cm wide and 90cm long. Their structured construction helps them hold their generous shape, while a Velcro fastening at the back makes them easy to position and restyle.
They're substantial enough to be noticed making them easier to incorporate into a traditional Christmas tree than some floor-length ribbon designs you may find.
How to Put a Large Velvet Bow on a Christmas Tree: Step by Step
1. Start with the shape of your tree
Before choosing where to position your bow, look at the natural outline of your Christmas tree.
Is it tall and narrow, wide and full or a little more relaxed and uneven?
A broad tree can accommodate a centrally positioned bow at the very top, while a slimmer tree might look more balanced with the bow placed slightly lower, where the branches begin to spread out.
Don't worry about creating perfect symmetry. Sometimes a bow positioned just off-centre gives the tree more character.
If you're using a real Christmas tree, check that the upper branches are strong enough to support the bow before attaching anything.
2. Add your Christmas lights first
We prefer to put the lights on before positioning a statement bow.
This allows you to see where the light falls and find a spot where the velvet will be beautifully illuminated without covering too many of the bulbs.
Warm white LED Christmas lights look particularly lovely against rich velvet, bringing out the depth of burgundy, forest green and rust.
Try not to place the bow directly against the light fittings. Use cool-running LED lights and keep fabric decorations away from sources of heat.
3. Position the bow before adding your baubles
Rather than treating your velvet Christmas tree topper as the very last decoration, try placing it once the lights are arranged but before you've added all the baubles.
This lets you build the rest of the tree around its shape.
Hold the bow in your intended position and look at it from different angles.
Do the loops sit comfortably against the foliage? Do the tails hang naturally? Is the centre visible from the part of the room where you'll see the tree most often?
You might find the best position isn't exactly where you expected.
4. Secure the oversized bow carefully
Once you're happy with the position, attach the bow to a sturdy part of the tree.
The Kika Bespoke velvet bows have a Velcro strap at the back, allowing them to be fastened around a suitable branch or support point.
Make sure the fastening closes securely and that the bow doesn't pull the branch forward. If the upper branches aren't strong enough, move the bow slightly lower to a firmer section.
A discreet soft tree tie can provide additional support if necessary, without piercing or damaging the velvet. Avoid attaching anything directly to electrical cables.
For taller Christmas trees, use a stable step ladder and have someone steady the tree while you position the decoration.
5. Let the tails fall naturally
One of the most appealing things about an oversized velvet bow is the movement of the fabric.
Rather than arranging the tails into perfectly straight lines, let them rest over the branches.
You can gently guide one tail slightly to the left and the other to the right, allowing them to follow the tree's shape.
There's no need to force the bow into rigid symmetry. The softness of the velvet is part of what makes this look so appealing.
6. Add decorations that complement rather than compete
Once the bow is in place, begin adding your favourite baubles and Christmas decorations.
We would avoid crowding the branches immediately around the bow. Leaving a little space allows its shape to stand out and gives the tree a more considered appearance.
Repeat one or two colours from the bow elsewhere in the tree, perhaps through glass baubles, decorative ornaments or ribbon.
You don't need every decoration to match.
In fact, a tree that combines old family favourites with a beautiful new statement piece can feel much more personal than one decorated entirely from scratch.
Which Velvet Bow Colour Should You Choose?
The colour of your oversized Christmas bow can influence the whole look of your tree, although it doesn't have to dictate every decoration.
Here are a few combinations we'd happily bring home.
Burgundy Velvet with Warm Gold and Cream
Deep burgundy has a richness that works beautifully with natural greenery, warm white lights and aged metallic finishes.
Pair the Kika Bespoke Oversized Burgundy Velvet Christmas Bow with cream decorations, antique gold baubles and perhaps a few pieces of vintage glass.
The result is traditional without feeling overly formal.
It's an especially lovely option for a tree standing near a fireplace, wooden furniture or an invitingly dressed Christmas dining table.
Forest Green Velvet with Brass and Natural Decorations
For something quieter, forest green works particularly well.
Against the tree's own greenery, the Kika Bespoke Oversized Forest Green Velvet Christmas Bow introduces a subtle change in texture rather than a dramatic contrast.
Add brass-coloured ornaments, natural wooden decorations or a few softly shimmering baubles.
This approach is particularly effective if you enjoy a more understated Christmas home, where festive details sit comfortably alongside your existing interiors.
Coral or Hot Pink for a More Colourful Christmas
Not everyone dreams of a traditional red-and-green tree.
If you enjoy unexpected colour combinations, an oversized bow can be a wonderful starting point.
The Kika Bespoke Oversized Coral Velvet Bow looks especially playful against green branches. Try it with warm gold, soft pink or decorative glass ornaments in different colours.
For something brighter, the Kika Bespoke Hot Pink Velvet Bow creates an entirely different mood.
We love the idea of combining pink with deep red, burgundy or a little orange. It's festive, expressive and a reminder that Christmas decorating doesn't have to follow a rulebook.
Do You Need Lots of Bows on Your Christmas Tree?
Not at all.
Although smaller ribbon bows can look lovely scattered throughout the branches, using one oversized velvet bow creates a different effect.
It gives the eye somewhere to settle and means you can keep the rest of the decorations relatively simple.
For a full-sized Christmas tree, you could use a single statement bow near the top, repeat its colour through a handful of baubles and finish with warm lighting.
It's a particularly good approach if you already own decorations you love and simply want to give your tree a different look this year.
And when Christmas is over, a beautifully made bow can be used time and time again throughout the year.
A Handmade Christmas Bow Worth Bringing Out Again
What appeals to us about Kika Bespoke isn't simply the scale of the bows. It's the sense of personality behind them.
Rather than being limited to the Christmas tree, a handmade velvet bow can become part of your wider festive decorating.
One year, it might sit proudly at the top of the tree. The next, you could fasten it to an indoor staircase, position it on an interior door or use it to introduce colour above a mirror.
The upholstery-grade velvet gives the bows substance, while the internal construction helps the loops retain their generous shape.
They're designed for indoor decorating, so they're best kept away from rain and outdoor weather.
For an alternative to velvet, Kika Bespoke also creates an Oversized Gold Foil Christmas Bow, which brings a more theatrical metallic finish to Christmas trees and festive displays.
That ability to use one decorative piece in different ways is something we particularly appreciate at Mash + Mint. It's a much more interesting approach than buying an entirely new set of Christmas decorations every December.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Tree Bows
How do you attach an oversized bow to a Christmas tree?
Position the bow against a sturdy upper branch or central support, then use its fastening to hold it securely in place. Kika Bespoke velvet bows have a Velcro strap at the back. Check that the decoration is balanced and doesn't cause the branch to bend forward.
What size bow is best for a Christmas tree topper?
It depends on the height, width and fullness of your tree. A larger tree can carry a more generously sized bow, while a smaller tree may look better with a more compact design. Kika Bespoke's oversized velvet bows measure approximately 44cm wide and 90cm long, offering a statement option for suitably proportioned trees.
Can you put a velvet bow on a real Christmas tree?
Yes, provided the branches can support it securely. Keep velvet away from water, excess moisture, heat sources and any sharp fixings that could damage the fabric.
Do you need a star if you're using a bow tree topper?
An oversized bow can be the main decoration at the top of the tree. You can still include stars and other traditional ornaments elsewhere among the branches if you wish.
Can you use the same Christmas bow every year?
A well-made fabric bow can be reused with appropriate care and storage. Kika Bespoke's velvet bows are internally fused to help maintain their shape. Keep them clean, dry and protected from crushing when storing them between seasons.
A Christmas Tree with Character
Perhaps the nicest thing about decorating a Christmas tree is that there isn't a single right way to do it.
Some of us bring out the same decorations every year. Others change the colours, move things around and try something completely different.
An oversized velvet bow offers a way to bring a fresh perspective to the decorations you already own.
One beautiful bow, a few favourite baubles and the familiar glow of Christmas lights might be all your tree needs.
And whether you choose Burgundy, Forest Green or something wonderfully unexpected, the best result is always a Christmas tree that feels like yours.
Explore Kika Bespoke's Oversized Christmas Bows at Mash + Mint.
For more ideas beyond the tree, discover our earlier journal feature, The Bow Is Back: Christmas Decorating with Velvet, Colour and Drama.
And if you're bringing the same colours to your dining table, explore our Christmas Table Colour Schemes for 2026.
