Bows were one of last year’s biggest Christmas decorating trends – and they’re already shaping up to be just as popular this festive season. From tree decorations to tableware, the charming motif is appearing across new homeware collections, including M&S’s set of four ribbon-pattern candles.
While some trends disappear as quickly as they arrive, the bow trend has real staying power. After entering the mainstream fashion conversation in 2024, they have become a major festive decorating trend over the last two years – and show no sign of slowing down.
Last Christmas, bows were everywhere: draped across bannisters, tied around dinnerware and chairs, and even used in place of baubles. Remember Stacey Dooley's Christmas tree decorated with nothing but big tulle bows?
Their appeal is easy to understand. Bows are a familiar, classic shape woven into everyday life – from shoelaces tied in the morning to presents wrapped for loved ones. For many, they also carry a hit of nostalgia, taking them back to childhood days when bows were the ultimate hair accessory.
This time, however, bows have evolved into a more elevated design motif, appearing across everything from candles and baubles to tableware and textiles – rather than just satin and velvet ribbons adorning the Christmas tree.
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M&S's set of four dinner candles shows how to bring the trend into your home with a lighter touch. The set includes two magenta candles decorated with delicate, light pink bows, and two in the reverse colourway.
Weave them through a festive tablescape for a hint of romance and playfulness, or style on console tables and shelves purely for decoration.
Whatever your decorating style, M&S’s £6 candles are a budget-friendly way to introduce the bow motif to your Christmas scheme. For the bow-curious, candles are also a low-commitment way to try the trend without investing in decorations you may not reach for again next year.
