The “So Vintage” Holiday Decor Designers Are Using Instead of Bows

Long used as curtain tiebacks, as accents on old-school room keys, and for school graduation cords and caps, fabric tassels are a familiar adornment and feel equal parts fancy, fun, and so vintage. But this year, these tiny, fringe-like design details are coming for your holiday decor in ways that you probably haven’t seen before — and I’m here for it.

Earlier this summer, I first spotted tassels being used on a Christmas tree at the McGee & Co. holiday preview. Designer Shea McGee brought in her brand’s own bullion tassels to add another hit of texture and color to her traditional-meets-maximalist tree decked out with orange slices and ball ornaments. 

What a smart decorating move, for multiple reasons! Tassels make great “ornaments” because most styles come with a pre-existing loop, so they’re ready to hang. As soft textiles, they’re also virtually unbreakable (although I imagine curious cats might be interested in playing with them, so proceed with caution accordingly). 

Tassels aren’t just great ornament substitutes. They can be put to a ton of uses, particularly in a holiday decor scheme. Case in point: Our own original (and super-easy!) DIY project for a mantel garland. 

All you have to do is take your greenery (real or faux, although faux is honestly probably a little less finicky to work with) and tie some colorful tassels through it (choose all the same shade or work your existing holiday palette). Zhuzh the leaves to hide your knots, and you’re good to go. 

We used fairly inexpensive tassels from Amazon and found the design looked its best when the tassels were hung at different heights and staggered throughout the entire garland. You could create a pattern with alternating colors, but we just choose to go a little looser and more free-form with what colors we put where.

Tassels are available in so many different sizes and colors, so you can really make this easy idea your own. And just a reminder that tassels make great gift toppers, too, if your packages are looking a little incomplete. 

You can also use them as napkin holders on a tablescape. Honestly, any place you might put a bow made out of ribbon this holiday, think about using a tassel instead (think: around candle sconces, candle holders, door handles, the backs of certain dining chairs). The list goes on and on. 

We’re calling it: Tassels are the new bows this holiday season. You can even use them all year round.