The Stripe That Makes Christmas Look Like a Paris Awning.

Charmed House Interiors · Ribbons

Broad black and white stripes in satin, with the black bands worked in velvet so the two tones sit at different depths — matte against sheen. The reverse is plain white satin, and the wired black edge holds a loop exactly where you set it. Wide, graphic and entirely undecorative in the best possible way.

No red, no gold, no glitter. Just a very good stripe.

Style note — the tree: Cut long lengths and tuck them in as loose folded loops so the white reverse flashes through.

Style note — gifting: A wide bow on plain brown or white paper. Nothing more.

Two Ways to Style It

On a black-and-white monochrome tree. Layer with clear glass, mercury silver and warm white lights for a tree that reads architectural rather than festive.

Along a marble mantel. Loop it through dark eucalyptus with black candlesticks either side — graphic, modern, and it works right through to New Year.