This “Foolproof” 20-Second DIY Solves “99% of Holiday Decorating Problems”

It feels like coquetteish bows have long been dominating social media feeds — but gorgeous bows are poised to be the star of the holiday season. Bows look beautiful tied on presents, dotting the tree, and even as hair accessories for holiday parties. Buying them can be pricey, and making them can be frustrating — that is, unless you’re using chopsticks to get the job done. Yes, you read that right: Keep reading to find out how. 

“I used thrifted fabric and chopsticks for mine, but honestly, it works with anything you have on hand,” Jolene from Desert Rose Market wrote in a recent Instagram caption. “It doesn’t matter how thick, thin, long or short your ribbon is. … It’s foolproof. Save this for when you’re decorating and want things to look like you tried! Because everything looks pretty with a bow.”

All you need to start creating delicate bows from ribbons is a set of chopsticks taped to a flat surface (about 2 inches apart). You can also use skewers, pencils, or any other similarly shaped item you have in your home. These bamboo chopsticks from Amazon are super durable and reusable, so you can use them for your sushi after you’re done tying bows!

To make larger bows, place the chopsticks farther apart; to make smaller bows, tape them closer together. Then, just wrap a length of ribbon around both of the chopsticks, carrying one of the tails up and over the center of the loop before tying the two tails together.

Use your choice of ribbon, strips of fabric, or twine — you’ll get a perfect bow every single time! This green velvet ribbon from Amazon could be a great place to start if you don’t already have a collection. It’s the perfect green shade for the season, and because it’s wider, it’s easy to work with. (You could even create a bow tree on your wall!)

With this handy bow-tying hack on hand, this holiday season is going to be one of the best-decorated yet! You’ll have your tree decorated, hair accessories made, and even present toppers topped in no time.