The Velvet Ribbon Garland: A Christmas Trend Revival

This Christmas season has seen a notable increase in the popularity of homemade velvet ribbon garlands, significantly impacting local businesses and the retail market. Josie Rossington, the owner of Follie gift store in Lincoln, reported an extraordinary demand for velvet ribbon, selling approximately six miles since October. Customers have been purchasing large quantities, with some buying 20 to 40 meters at a time. Rossington initially attributed the spike to a temporary surge in interest but soon recognized it as part of a broader online trend.

The Guardian

Emma Howard, who runs a small business called Mother of Pearl in Stockport, has also experienced remarkable success, selling her handmade velvet ribbon chains online. She noted that her sales have reached customers as far away as a chocolatier in London and a hotel in Switzerland, with an estimated 250 packages shipped weekly. The simplicity of creating these garlands—cutting strips of ribbon and looping them together—has made it a popular family activity.

The Guardian

The trend has not only benefited small businesses but has also influenced major retailers. Hobbycraft reported a 334% increase in sales of burgundy wire-edge satin ribbon, with searches for "ribbon" on their website soaring by over 2000% since December 2024. This surge reflects a shift in Christmas decorating towards handmade and nostalgic aesthetics, a phenomenon described by experts as “retromaxxing.”

The Guardian

Whinnie Williams, an interior designer and trends forecaster for Balsam Hill, highlighted that garlands have emerged as a standout decoration for 2025, with paper chains and honeycomb garlands also gaining popularity. These decorations are appreciated for their nostalgic appeal, lightweight nature, and recyclability.

The Guardian

The rise of the velvet ribbon garland signifies a cultural shift in how families approach Christmas decorating. Africa Daley-Clarke, a home interiors writer, emphasized that these homemade decorations foster a family-oriented environment, moving away from the pursuit of perfection towards a more personalized and tactile approach. This trend encourages the use of rustic textures and decorations that can withstand family life.

The Guardian

Howard believes that the velvet ribbon chain has the potential to remain a lasting holiday tradition, as it not only serves as a festive decoration but also creates lasting memories through family crafting activities.

The Guardian

• “People have been buying 20, 30, 40 metres. It’s a lot of ribbon,” — Josie Rossington, Owner of Follie Gift Store

The Guardian

• “The opportunity has been incredible. I can’t believe it,” — Emma Howard, Owner of Mother of Pearl

The Guardian

• “Garlands have been a breakout star of 2025, in all their shapes and sizes.” — Whinnie Williams, Interior Designer

The Guardian

• “It’s less about a perfect tree and more about a home that reflects the people living in it,” — Africa Daley-Clarke, Home Interiors Writer

The Guardian

The velvet ribbon garland trend illustrates a broader movement towards handmade, nostalgic decorations that resonate with families, suggesting that this festive season may mark the beginning of a lasting change in holiday decorating practices.

The Guardian