Blue Ribbon Kitchen: Day 3: 12 Days of Christmas: Ribbon!!

The thing about holiday decorating...

it doesn't have to be expensive to look beautiful...

That's the good news.

Even better news??

Yes, there is even better news.

Ribbon is the answer.

True Confession:

I once did this with ribbon...

I tied a blue ribbon
Yes, and actual ribbon...

(as in... a first place looking... royal- blue colored ribbon)

around a resume I was submitting...
(cringe...)

(Was this smart marketing or a recipe for disaster??)

It worked!!

So welcome everyone!
Warmest holiday wishes to you today...
on this, the
third day of our 12 DAYS of Blue Ribbon Kitchen!!

Below you’ll find a variety of my favorite ways to include ribbon in decorating… from hand-wired bows to flowing garlands… the ribbon done right can add so much to the setting.

Pretty wins in my book when

it comes to decor choices... even if

NOBODY

else is doing it... if you LOVE it and think it

looks good...go with your gut.

For my too much...over-the-top,

beautifully tied, blue-ribbon wearing resume...

Or a ribbon-clad wreath… if you love the look… that’s the most important element at the end of the day.

If you are not using ribbon in

your decorating... don't be shy

about trying it...

Consider ALL the amazing possibilities it offers...

10 Reasons to LOVE Ribbon

Ribbon comes in every style and color...so you are never stuck...endless possibilities.
Ribbon is versatile...can be used indoors, and out.
Wire or without wire... which might matter depending on the project...Perfect for bow making.
Ribbon can be dressed up and dressed down...
It's reusable... take it off projects/tables carefully and you'll have some for the next project.
Adds a polished look to gifts... nice ribbon can liven up even the silliest of white elephant gifts.
Ribbon...tied around my resume...landed me a fantastic opportunity! (I just KNOW it was that ribbon)
Ribbon adds so much to table settings...added to a centerpiece or tied around a napkin.
I always incorporate ribbon as garland on some of our Christmas tress... it's lightweight.
Budget friendly...use a coupon, wait for a sale, or buy off season...ribbon is always in style!

I use ribbon ALL the time:

You'll see it regularly on FOX19
recipe segments to add

a pop of color and movement to my displays

Floral arrangements

Wreaths

Treat bags

Christmas Garland

Pumpkins

Eater Baskets

Embellishments

Vases

Chairs

Napkin Holders

On Curtains and Draperies

Sometimes in place of curtains

Table Runners

Jar Lids

Ornaments

Gift Cards

Envelopes

As Seasonal Garlands

Chandelier Decor
Urns and Outdoor Decor
Fence Posts
Light Posts...

Seriously, ...add a pretty ribbon to almost

anything and it takes it up a notch...

I once added a ribbon to a bottle

opener at a very casual party...

I tied the bottle opener onto a small galvanized

tub of adult beverages.

One of the guests was so impressed....

the ribbon kept the bottle opener in place

and from falling to the floor...

She said "It's such a nice touch...the ribbon hanger..."

I agree... It was... ribbon WINS again!!

I will say in reviewing this fine piece

of blogging work/photo essay...

I do have a propensity for the red and gingham

during the holiday

season. Wow!

I can promise you, I do branch out into other

colors and other patterns the rest of the year...
I do however stick to reds... in December.

--if a color speaks to you...

I think you have to go with

what makes you feel the happiest.

Clearly, I have a thing for red and gingham.

Cutting Tips:

Buy good ribbon...with a nice feel and made well.

Do not use good scissors to cut wired ribbon.
Instead...Use a pair of wire cutters or a
designated pair of "wire ribbon"
scissors so your good scissors stay sharp.

Use good sharp scissors to make cuts on the ends.

For large projects, buy an extra roll...
So many times, I was just a few
inches short and then could not
find the same color... Measure twice... buy once!

If you end up not needing it... return it.