Looking for a decorating project that takes less space than a full wreath? You can decorate a lantern with ribbon and picks to make a lovely accent for a mantel, entry table, teacher gift, banquet display or seasonal centerpiece. A simple bow, a few short decorative picks and a battery-operated candle are often enough to transform a plain lantern. And because the bow can be removable, the same lantern can change colors throughout the year.
Quick Answer: Add a layered wired-ribbon bow near the lantern handle or top corner, secure a few short picks behind the bow, trim the tails so the lantern door still opens, and use a battery-operated candle rather than an open flame. Repeat one or two colors throughout the arrangement for a coordinated finish.
What Supplies Do You Need to Decorate a Lantern?
Start with a decorative lantern you already own, or select one that has a sturdy handle, stable base and accessible door. For the decorations, shop wired ribbon in two matching colors, a supporting stripe or dot, and a few picks and sprays to add texture. Short branches and leafy picks are often easier to balance than tall stems.
- Lantern: A freestanding lantern with a secure handle or top edge.
- Light: A battery-operated LED candle or battery fairy lights, following the manufacturer’s directions.
- Ribbon: Wired ribbon in a solid color and a narrower accent stripe, dot or metallic finish.
- Picks: Short greenery, floral or decorative sprays that coordinate with the ribbon.
- Fasteners: Chenille stems, floral wire or other removable fasteners appropriate for the lantern.
- Tools: Scissors, wire cutters and measuring tape.
Sports Wreath Shop specializes in ribbon, picks and crafting accents; the lantern itself can come from your own home or another retailer. Check the lantern’s manufacturer’s guidance before adding any decoration.
Idea 1: Make a Large Bow for the Lantern Handle
A layered bow makes a simple, visible focal point. Choose a wider solid ribbon for the back loops and a narrower striped ribbon for contrast. Fasten the bow center with floral wire or a reusable tie, then attach it near the handle or top hinge so it can be removed without damaging the lantern.
Open and close the lantern door after attaching the bow. If the handle must be used to carry the lantern, position the bow to one side so you can still grip the handle comfortably.
Idea 2: Add Ribbon and Picks to One Upper Corner
For a softer look, place the ribbon cluster on one top corner instead of centering it. Tuck a few short decorative picks behind the bow, pointing outward and slightly downward. A small asymmetrical arrangement feels intentional and leaves the lantern’s lines visible.
Use a removable fastening method rather than trying to permanently glue the decorations to painted metal or glass. Wrap any wire ends securely and keep stems away from door hinges.
Idea 3: Coordinate Your Lantern With Team or School Colors
A school-color lantern is a fun accent for a sports banquet, a graduate’s gift table or a game-day entryway. Choose one bold solid ribbon, one stripe and a neutral accent. Navy and orange, purple and gold, or red and black can all work using generic ribbon patterns with no team logos.
For a sport-specific display, place a small sports ornament beside the lantern or inside it only if the item is safely supported and does not touch the battery light. Do not assume an ornament designed to hang outdoors is heat-safe around a flame.
Idea 4: Use Short Floral Picks for Height and Movement
Picks should enhance the bow, not bury the lantern. Place the longest stems behind the upper loops and shorter stems near the ribbon center. Small greenery sprigs, seasonal leaves and metallic sprays add movement. If a pick is too tall, adjust the portion visible or choose a shorter design rather than forcing a bulky bundle onto a narrow handle.
At a banquet or holiday gathering, you can repeat the same bow-and-pick arrangement on several lanterns. The style stays consistent even when lanterns are different sizes.
Idea 5: Create a Simple Seasonal Lantern You Can Restyle
A removable bow gives you flexibility. Use red and gold ribbon for the holidays, school colors for graduation or Senior Night, and soft everyday colors for spring. Store the ribbon cluster as one piece and attach it again when the occasion changes. You can often reuse the decorative lantern while changing only the ribbon and picks.
Choose longer tails for a tall floor lantern and shorter tails for a small tabletop lantern. Always leave enough clearance that the lantern stands flat and the battery light can be switched on and off without pulling on the bow.
Step-by-Step: Decorate a Lantern With Ribbon and Picks
- Measure the lantern. Check top width, handle clearance, door opening and any battery access panel.
- Pick your palette. Choose two ribbon colors and one quieter pattern if needed.
- Make the bow. Form layered wired-ribbon loops, secure the center and leave tails suited to the lantern’s height.
- Position the picks. Hold them behind the bow to decide height and direction before fastening.
- Attach the cluster. Tie it to the handle or top structure with a removable, appropriate fastener.
- Check safety. Keep all fabric and stems clear of heat sources, hinges and electrical components; use battery lighting.
- Fluff and finish. Shape ribbon loops, trim tails and confirm that the lantern door operates normally.
How Much Ribbon Should You Buy for a Lantern Bow?
There is no fixed amount for every lantern. A tiny tabletop lantern may only need a compact bow, while a tall lantern with flowing tails requires considerably more ribbon. Create one finished sample and measure each ribbon type, then multiply by the number of lanterns. Add a modest cutting allowance, especially if you plan to use a new bow style.
Shop Ribbon and Picks for Lantern Decorating
Choose wired ribbon, decorative picks and sprays, ornaments and crafting tools at Sports Wreath Shop. For coordinated colors, start with ribbon and then choose picks that repeat one of those shades. Find more decorating tutorials in the FREE Wreath Maker Resource Center.
Decorating Lanterns With Ribbon and Picks: FAQs
Can I use a real candle in a decorated lantern?
Use a battery-operated candle or battery lights. Ribbon, mesh and many craft picks are combustible and should never be placed near an open flame or hot bulb.
How do I attach a bow without damaging the lantern?
Use a removable tie or appropriate covered wire around a sturdy handle or top detail, taking care not to scrape the finish or block a hinge.
Can I decorate lanterns for sports parties?
Yes. School-color wired ribbon and coordinated picks create festive table or entrance accents without needing school-logo ribbon.
What ribbon width should I use on a small lantern?
A narrower wired ribbon is often easier to proportion to a small lantern, while wider ribbon suits a tall or large lantern. Test your bow on the lantern before cutting all the tails.