I used 2 different tablecloths to make this oversized bow for my mantel. Here’s how to make a giant bow for Christmas decor.

A close-up of red tartan fabric with a plaid pattern, featuring intersecting lines in black, yellow, green, and white. The background is softly blurred with warm, glowing lights.

// plaid tablecloth //

Remember when I hosted 29 people for Thanksgiving dinner and put them all at one long table that stretched from the dining room to the living room? That one long table was actually five tables put together with these matching plaid tablecloths.

I found the tablecloths on Amazon in this amazing plaid that looks like it stepped out of the Scottish Highlands.

The tablecloths are soft and look so high-end and in my humble tablecloth opinion made the perfect Thanksgiving/holiday table. If you are looking for a tablecloth like this, you can see it here.)

But now?

Thanksgiving is over.

My table is taken apart and disassembled.

And I have stacks of plaid tablecloths left over that I don’t really know what to do with.

I could just pack them up and use them for next year’s Thanksgiving.

Or?

I could get a little creative for Christmas.

And put on my thinking brain (as my grandmother used to say).

And make this.

A white fireplace decorated with garlands, red berries, candles, and a large plaid bow. Six white stockings hang from the mantel. In front, blue-and-white vases hold red roses. The mantel is topped with small evergreen trees.

A GIANT BOW FOR MY MANTEL.

Can you even?

Did you guess?

Were you thinking tree skirt? That would have been a great idea.

Or shower curtain? Another great option.

Or even folding it for extra color over the back of an armchair. Totally brilliant.

A bright living room decorated for Christmas with a large red-themed tree, a mantel adorned with garland and plaid bows, stockings hanging, blue and white accents, and striped armchairs.

// plaid tablecloth to make bow //

But this is the year of the Ralph Lauren Christmas.

And what is more Ralph Lauren than a GIANT BOW made out of tablecloths?

(total aside: you could also make this with a table runner, too (like this one).

A white fireplace decorated with garlands, red berries, candles, and a large plaid bow. Six white stockings hang from the mantel. In front, blue-and-white vases hold red roses. The mantel is topped with small evergreen trees.

// plaid tablecloth to make bow //

I didn’t really take pictures when I was making it (because I wasn’t sure it would turn out). But here are the steps I used:

  1. The bow is made from two tablecloths.
  2. I took one tablecloth and cinched it in the middle with a pipe cleaner (this is the tail of the bow).
  3. I took that tablecloth and attached it to a nail using the ends of the pipe cleaner.
  4. Then I took the tail and use pushpins to attach it around the edges of the mirror.
  5. Next, I took another tablecloth and folded it in half and cinched it about 7″ down from the center of the fold with another pipe cleaner.
  6. I fluffed that center part until it formed a bubble (this is the very center of the wreath.
  7. Then I attached that second tablecloth to the same nail and used pushpins to attach the ends to the wall.
  8. Then I kept fluffing it until it looked right.

One quick note. If you are thinking the bow isn’t the only change? You are right—there’s normally a painting here and this mirror is in the dining room. I just switched the two for the holidays so I could add a bow to this mirror.

Three white vases filled with vibrant red roses are arranged on a table. In front of them is a small decorative white sphere with a blue floral pattern.

And now?

Who is up for a mini tour of the living room?

It’s all about plaid and greenery this year.

I tried to source things where I could for the room, but a lot of it is vintage.

A minimalist Christmas tree with sparse green branches decorated with shiny and glittery red ornaments stands on a glass table in a bright, modern living room.

// red ornaments //John Derian tree from Target //

A decorated Christmas tree with large red and navy blue ornaments, plaid ribbons, and red bows stands beside a white cabinet with festive decorations and greenery. Warm white lights are strung on the tree.

// bows made from plaid wreath sashes // my go-to Christmas lights //

A festive holiday wreath made of pine branches and red berries, decorated with a red plaid ribbon, hangs against a white background with greenery and decorative items blurred in the background.

// bows made from plaid wreath sashes //

A Christmas tree decorated with large red and navy blue ornaments, red bows, plaid ribbon, gold ornaments, glittery red snowflakes, and small string lights.

A bright living room decorated for Christmas with a large red-themed tree, a mantel adorned with garland and plaid bows, stockings hanging, blue and white accents, and striped armchairs.

A large rustic gold bell decorated with red berries hangs next to a red plaid ribbon against a white background.

// bell set (similar) //

A festive living room with a white fireplace decorated with pine garlands, red berries, plaid bows, and mini Christmas trees. Five white stockings hang from the mantel, and a mirror and candles sit on top.

// plaid tablecloth to make bow //

Bright living room decorated for Christmas with a red and blue theme, featuring a red Christmas tree, stockings on a white fireplace, plaid ribbon wreath, and festive accents on a glass coffee table and furniture.

A decorative blue bowl filled with blue and white patterned ornaments and three red glittery ornaments. The bowl features a geometric star design, and the scene is bright and festive.

// blue and white Christmas ornaments //

Several shiny red Christmas ornaments hang from the green branches of a Christmas tree. The background is softly blurred with hints of neutral and blue tones.

// red ornaments //John Derian tree from Target //

A festive mantel decorated with pine branches, red berries, plaid ribbons, small evergreen trees in blue and white vases, candles, and ornaments, with a red plaid fabric draped above.

A Christmas tree decorated with red bows, navy blue and red ornaments, and plaid ribbon stands in a bright living room with striped armchairs and a hardwood floor.

My favorite thing about this room (other than the tablecloth bow)?

This tree.

The twins told me it looked like it belonged in a magazine.

And they have been raised to be very tree-discerning. 🙂

(total aside: I think I’m going to do an entire post on the tree and how I layered in those wreath sashes with pipe cleaners. All the ornaments came from Walmart.)

A wooden-handled wax seal stamp rests on a white plate next to three round, gold wax seals featuring an ornate letter "A" design.

One last note:

When we made the velvet ornaments? I got SO MANY emails about these seals I made with a glue gun and stamp and gold glue sticks.

I’m going to add these to the ornaments on my tree. I have them all made–I just didn’t have time before Thanksgiving and the entire plaid bow construction zone.

You just load the glue sticks into the glue gun and glop it onto a hard surface, and then press the monogram into the center.

Couple of quick tips:

  • once you use gold glue in a glue gun, you are kind of committed, so make sure you have an extra glue gun that you are okay with it turning gold
  • these make the cutest ornament toppers or present toppers and look so FANCY
  • make sure to let the monogram press set up in the glue for about 30 seconds before you remove it
  • let the “seal” dry thoroughly before you peel it off the plate
  • you can see the gold glue sticks here
  • you can see the monogram press here

A small red and white decorative pillow with the words "Merry Christmas" stitched on it rests against a patterned blue and white cushion on a striped surface.

// similar pillow //

Two ceramic salt and pepper shakers shaped like Santa Claus heads, featuring red hats, white beards, and rosy cheeks, placed side by side against a white background.

// Santa salt and pepper shakers //

PS I just got these Santa salt and pepper shakers and you will NEVER BELIEVE what I’m making with them.

Stay tuned and I’ll share it on Wednesday.

disclosure: affiliate links are used in this post.

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Posted On: December 1, 2025

Written By: KariAnne Wood

Comments

  2. Image for Dory Messenger Dory Messenger

    Your entire living room should be on the cover of a magazine! Your tree is gorgeous, and the giant bow is just absolutely "over the top KariAnne" but perfection! Who but you would think to even try that, much less accomplish it so beautifully. I think you have even outdone you this time! It is all just stunning - WOWZA 😁

    Reply
  3. Image for Jodena Beale Jodena Beale

    KariAnne, I am just flabbergasted. That bow is Sax Fifth Ave and then some. The room looks beautiful in pictures. I can only imagine how gorgeous it is to the naked eye. Because I know 100% pictures never reveal the real beauty of people places or things. That is a beautiful room. And that bowl, wowzer.

    Reply
  4. Image for Katherine Katherine

    KariAnne, You are something else again. Where did you come from? All fooling aside your talents are ever ending. You are something else again. You are so clever, creative and wise to create something with the tablecloth. Wowie, did you ever. It turned out beautiful. The bow is protection. Your tree is stunning. I agree with your gorgeous twins this tree should be on the magazine, but wait, guess what with YOU beside it. Give yourself big pats on the back. You are a SUPERSTAR. Do you ever sleep? I do not see my blue and white Christmas card around, maybe it’s hiding out in the tree.

    Reply
  5. Image for Susan Susan

    Oh my goodness! You have the most creative thinking cap I’ve ever seen!😂 I would have never come up with that idea. It is absolutely beautiful!

    Reply
  6. Image for Jan Jan

    KariAnne, Beautiful! You could also use the tablecloth material to cover pillows. You know the ones that look like a present. And how about covering an outdoor pot? Maybe both in your gazebo! I know very random but they popped into my head.😆😆

    Reply
  8. Image for Rizae Rizae

    Prettiest plaid bow I've seen! I always love when you show your Christmas decorating skills you are amazing. Big Hugs

    Reply
  12. Image for Marlene Stephenson Marlene Stephenson

    What a surprise to see that bow over your mantle, it's so creative and pretty. I love your tree, so different but so lovely!!

    Reply
  13. Image for Debbie Debbie

    I love it. Great way to reuse them. I wrapped my house (a rancher) with tablecloths i bought from the dollar store . Folded them like a ribbon around a package , my house lol and used 1 to make a big bow I tied in the middle. I got the ideal from a Hallmark movie. Your living room and tree are beautiful as always!😍

    Reply
  14. Image for Shelley Shelley

    Hi KariAnne... Your tree! That mantle bow! Absolute perfection. I always especially love your Christmas decor! I especially love decorating the mantle. Wonderful ideas. Thank you. Blessings.

    Reply
  16. Image for Martha Martha

    Are you kidding me??!!!! You are simply the BEST!! You brain must be on fire!! Everything! I’m speechless…..

    Reply
  17. Image for Karen B. Karen B.

    Everything looks so festive. I love the plaid touches and the fact that you made them is even better! I'm happy for December and the upcoming holidays. xx, Karen B.

    Reply
  19. Image for Lori Lori

    Wonderful idea changing out the artwork with the mirror. The bow is what makes it though - very creative and a beautiful touch to the room!

    Reply

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