Tinsel gets a bad reputation. Applied the wrong way, it deserves it. Applied the right way, it's one of the most quietly beautiful things you can do to a Christmas tree — and the technique makes all the difference.

The best discoveries are the accidental ones. A few years ago I bought green wired ribbon that happened to be the exact color of my faux tree. What I found when I put it up changed how I decorate every year.

Velvet ribbon is one of the simplest ways to elevate a Christmas tree — but the bow technique makes all the difference between elegant and homemade. Here's how I tie mine.

Metal wreath hangers are bulky, can damage your door frame, and often prevent the door from closing fully. Ribbon solves all three problems — and looks better doing it.