I decorated my Christmas tree with lights and ornaments but I am not sure how to add ribbon. I see pictures where the ribbon looks perfect but mine always looks messy. Do you wrap it around in circles or do you drape it vertically. I want the ribbon to look neat and festive but I do not know the right technique. I also wonder what type of ribbon works best. Some are stiff and others are soft. I want my tree to look like the ones in magazines but I am not sure how to achieve that. Has anyone here mastered wrapping ribbon on a Christmas tree. 
I usually wrap ribbon around the tree in a spiral. Start at the top and work your way down. Keep it loose so it flows naturally. Do not pull it too tight. Fluff it as you go. It looks better when it is not perfect.
Vertical ribbon looks elegant. Cut strips and tuck them into the branches from top to bottom. It creates a cascading effect. I use wired ribbon because it holds shape better. It is easier to adjust and it stays in place.
I think the key is to use wide ribbon. Narrow ribbon gets lost among the ornaments. Wide ribbon stands out and makes the tree look fuller. I usually use two different colors for contrast. It adds depth to the decoration.
Thank you I will try that!
I wrap ribbon in sections instead of one long piece. It is easier to manage. Cut shorter strips and tuck them in. That way you can control the look better. It also saves ribbon because you only use what you need.
I decorated my tree with gold ribbon and it looked amazing. I draped it loosely and added bows at random spots. It gave a whimsical look. Guests said it looked like a professional decoration. It was simple but effective.
If you want a polished look use ribbon with wire edges. It holds shape and you can bend it. Non wired ribbon tends to droop. Wired ribbon makes the tree look structured and neat. It is worth the extra cost.
I think mixing ribbon with garland works well. I used red ribbon with green garland. It looked festive and balanced. The ribbon added softness while the garland added texture. It was a nice combination.
That is a great point I did not think of that before.
I usually add ribbon after the lights but before the ornaments. That way it does not get hidden. It frames the ornaments nicely. It is easier to adjust before the tree is full of decorations.
I once used sheer ribbon and it gave a soft glow. The lights shone through it and made the tree sparkle. It was delicate but beautiful. Sheer ribbon is a good choice if you want a subtle effect.
I think ribbon is flexible. There is no single right way. Try different methods until you like the look. It is about creativity. Do not worry about perfection. The tree should reflect your style.