A simple technique for adding color, personality, and cheer to every corner of your home

If you’ve ever wanted to bring more joy and color into your seasonal decorating, let me show you how to make a 3-loop whimsical holiday bow—my go-to trick for creating playful, personality-filled décor in seconds. These cheerful bows look elaborate and layered, but they’re incredibly simple to make, and they instantly add charm to wreaths, trees, garlands, chandeliers, and even gifts.

My friend Kim from @chicitsimpleshop came to help me decorate for the holidays this year, and she showed me her signature bow…which is easy and amazing!

These cheerful ribbons show up on my wreaths, chandelier, Christmas tree, and even my wrapped gifts. They look layered and lush — but you only need three loops to make them.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how to make them and give you ideas on how to use them around your home for instant holiday magic.

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🎀 Why This Bow Works (Even If You’re Not a Crafter)

Unlike traditional multi-loop bows, this version is:

• fast — you can make one in under a minute

• easy — no fancy tying technique

• versatile — works with any ribbon

• whimsical — looks custom and joyful

I also love mixing patterns — checks, stripes, velvet, solids, and even contrasting colors. That’s what gives these bows their signature “Chair Whimsy” look.

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🎀 What You’ll Need

• Wired ribbon (varied widths)

• Scissors

• Floral wire or a twist tie

• Optional: multiple ribbons for layering

My favorite places to find fun ribbon is Ribbon Bazaar and Craft Tex.

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🎀 Step-By-Step: The 3-Loop Whimsy Bow

1. Make your loops

Create three loops in your hand.   They don’t need to be perfect — we’re going for playful, not formal!

2. Secure it

Wrap floral wire or a twist tie around the center and twist tightly.

3. Leave enough extra for ribbon tails

Fishtail cut them for extra charm.

4. Fluff and bend

Shape each loop until it feels right.
Wired ribbon makes this forgiving — fluff away!

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🎀 Layering for Extra Whimsy

This is where the magic happens.

Try stacking:

• checks + solids

• stripes + velvet

• bold color + pale color

• oversized ribbon + skinny ribbon

Layer two or three bows together for a fuller, dramatic look.  Tie them together using the floral wire, then tie it to the tree, wreath, or chandelier.  This one below has two layers of the gingham bow and one velvet pink.

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🎀 Where to Use These Bows

These bows are like confetti—once you start, you won’t want to stop.

Here are my favorite places to use them:

• Christmas tree branches (instant pop of color!)

• Wreaths on your front door

• Chandeliers for a festive focal point

• Stair railings

• Mantle garlands

• Gift wrapping

• Even tucked into floral arrangements

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🎀 Final Thoughts

The best part about this little technique is how fun and freeing it feels. Once you try making a 3-loop whimsical holiday bow, you’ll see how easily it transforms your décor with color, movement, and personality. Whether you tuck one into a tree, add it to a wreath, or layer several together for extra drama, these bows bring instant joy to any space.

If you make one, tag me on Instagram @chairwhimsy—I’d love to see how you add your own whimsy to the season!