Anthropologie Just Revived the Nostalgic Christmas Tree Topper Trend We Grew Up With – and It’s Bigger and Better Than Ever

If you’ve been saving Christmas decorating ideas lately, you may have noticed one festive detail appearing everywhere: the bow. For Christmas 2026, it’s getting bigger, bolder and much more of a statement, moving from a pretty finishing touch to a decoration in its own right.

Bows have been building momentum as a Christmas trend for the past few years, but this season the proportions are changing. Oversized bows are taking centre stage, adding softness and a sense of occasion to even the simplest Christmas schemes.

The look also taps into our enduring love of nostalgic Christmas decorating ideas. A large bow at the top of a tree has all the familiarity of a Christmas from years gone by, but supersizing it gives the traditional detail a fresher, more fashion-forward feel. It’s a balance we’re seeing across festive collections this year, too, with Anthropologie’s 2026 Christmas collection leaning heavily into nostalgic motifs and traditional references, but with a distinctly modern finish.

One Bow Can Be Enough

The good news is that you don't need to commit to a tree covered in bows to embrace the trend. In fact, one oversized bow Christmas tree topper can have far more impact than lots of smaller ones.

Positioned at the very top of the tree, a large bow immediately draws the eye upwards and can make a relatively simple tree feel much more considered. This works particularly well if you've kept the rest of your decorations pared back, allowing the bow to become the focal point rather than competing with a busy collection of ornaments.

Anthropologie’s Willow Plaid Bow Tree Topper is a particularly good example of the look. Its oversized proportions and traditional plaid pattern tap into the nostalgic side of seasonal decorating, while its scale gives it a distinctly modern feel.

Shop the Bow Tree Topper Trend

Shop Alternative Bow Tree Toppers

Think Beyond the Tree

The oversized-bow Christmas tree topper trend doesn't have to stop at the tree, either. A generous ribbon bow can bring the same effect to a mantel, front door, or wreath, creating a thread of festive decoration throughout your home.

On a Christmas mantel, try one large bow positioned at one end rather than scattering several smaller ones across the display. On a front door, a substantial bow can turn even a simple wreath into a statement decoration.

And if your Christmas tree is already heavily decorated, adding a bow to a wreath instead can be an easy way to introduce the trend without making the room feel overly busy.

The key is restraint: one or two oversized bows will make more impact than a scattering of smaller ones. Choose a ribbon that complements your scheme, from nostalgic plaid and velvet to sleek satin or grosgrain. Sometimes, one beautifully oversized detail is all it takes to give a familiar Christmas look a fresh, modern feel.