Our Designer Rules for Fool-Proof Ribbon Combination

Let's do an exercise! Imagine yourself standing in front of a huge wall of holiday ribbon, and you're trying to figure out what to mix and match together because you really want something new.

Which one of these are you?

• 1) You immediately pull what works together and walk away, triumphant ready to tackle more holiday decorating.

• 2) You stand there for a few minutes going back and forth, finally deciding on something that you don't know if it goes together or not, and will just gamble and hope they look ok.
  
  
• 3) You stand there paralyzed with fear for 30 minutes, and just walk away with nothing in your hands.
  
  
• 4) You know this is your absolute worst nightmare and don't even bother trying.

Believe me, we see them all in our storefront during the holidays.  And we completely understand! There are so many options, that it can be almost paralyzing! That's why we thought we would share our "Rules of 2 or 3" for Fool-Proof Ribbon Combinations!   By using these short and simple rules, you'll be able to take away the stress of combining ribbons so that you can create beautiful combinations for your decor! And if we can take one thing off the stress list at the holiday....isn't it worth it!  It is for me!

I think it's only natural for us as humans to try to overcomplicate things when we're not for sure how to do something! There are many days in my youth, that I know I helped my parents gain some additional gray hairs because I would overcomplicate EVERYTHING. Sorry, Mom and Dad!  And it doesn't matter how simple things are, or how unimportant something might be! We can overthink it. And let's be honest, mixing ribbons isn't brain surgery, although for some it could be just as intimidating. In reality, it's quite simple if you just keep it to "2 or 3".

1) Designs of Ribbons: We suggest keeping it to a mix of "2 or 3" ribbon designs max for a wreath or swag. There's no reason to try to make a bow into Dolly's "Coat of Many Colors". Only she could pull that off. This will let the patterns and colors speak and shine, or sparkle if that's the case!

2) Color Pallete: We're not all Bob Ross when it comes to mixing colors. Keep the ribbons used limited to "2 or 3" colors. And remember, not all of the colors have to appear on all ribbons!

3) Patterns: Limit it to "2 or 3" patterns, of varying size and scale! This will help the patterns not fight each other. If you're really scared of mixing patterns, use one solid in the mix! It's a great way to bring out a focal color and really accent it!

4) Size/Width of Ribbon: Limit it to "2 or 3" width sizes! By using different widths, it also helps create texture and interest! The biggest thing here is to NOT use all of the same size widths! Because then the bow just looks bulky!

And y'all....that's it!  Keep it to those "2 or 3" pointers, and you'll have a stress free mix and matching party!  Armed with that information, you should be able to tackle any ribbon wall, no matter how big and know that what you're going to put together, works together!