Happy Sunday before Christmas! I know, I know, by the time you get the tree up and the mantel finished, gifts wrapped and baking done, who has time to think about dining chairs???? Some of us die-hard Christmas decorators are always looking for more ways to use up the goodies we keep accumulating or maybe just want to use them in a different way. I’ve always liked the idea of decorating the back of dining chairs, but mine aren’t upholstered so somehow I didn’t think it would work. Well – I figured out a couple of options…and you can try them too!
RIBBON OR FABRIC CHAIR DECOR
Most of us have seen the treatment of wide fabric netting (tulle) wrapped around the chair back and tied with a big bow at the back of the chair (especially popular for weddings). Sometimes a little flower nosegay is tucked into the bow. For this most basic look you’ll need about 3 yards of fabric (something light and sheer like organza, lame` or tulle) 9″ wide that will give you this snazzy big bow.
Organza chair bow (via save-on-crafts.com)
Here’s my version made with 4″ wide wired shimmery ribbon. I tucked a little .50 floral pick into the knot and it’s instantly festive. Plan about 2 yds for a medium size shoestring bow and some tails, 3 yds for fuller bow and longer tails (of course depending upon the width of your chair backs).
As shown above (via Better Homes & Gardens) chair decor doesn’t have to be elaborate – a little sprig of green, a snowflake or ornament, tied to the chair frame with a festive bow. Working from BHG inspiration and what I had on hand, my chair looks like this. (Leave a comment and get your FREE copy of our Designer Bow pictorial instruction guide.) You can use ribbon to tie it to the chair or I just bent the stem of the greens into a hook…..
Below is equally easy & charming – use a wide ribbon tied or pinned (use safety pins!) to your chair. Attach Christmas cards, family photos or scherenschnitte snowflakes (did you see Cindy’s project post?).
My quick & easy version of this one is ribbon and a tree ornament (unbreakable of course). How easy is this? But it adds a little sparkle and finish to the rest of the table decor. See my easy centerpiece on the table – all the details are here.
From House and Home is a unique take on chair decor. Instead of wrapping the chair, a length of ribbon goes up and over the back and a small wreath is pinned to the ribbon.
I love the layering of fabric, ribbon and embellishment - so many possible variations. (via Southern Living)
Hopefully I’ve shown you how easy it can be to see a photo of a great idea and adapt it for your own. Don’t have time or enough ribbon or goodies to tie to all your chairs? Just do the 2 end chairs and pick up more goodies at the after Christmas sales so next year you’ll be ready to go. As you can see, even if you’re short on time it’s possible to tie up a couple chairs for that final touch.
REMINDER
Only a few days remain to submit an ornament and share a quick story about why it’s your favorite so you can possibly win the charming pillow cover offered by Michelle at Petit Coterie, ETSY.
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