Christmas Mannequin Decoration Ideas So Cute, They Stole the Table

There’s something so unexpectedly charming about dressing up a mannequin dress form for the holidays, especially when it takes less than 15 minutes. With a few sprigs of evergreen, a pink ribbon, and a sprinkle of vintage flair, this easy idea became one of my favorite Christmas mannequin decoration ideas to date.

I found this vintage tabletop bust form for just $40 while Thrifting with the Gals in Maine last summer, and I knew it was coming home with me. Around here, old mannequins and dress forms can be pricey, so finding one in such great shape (and in that pretty blue!) felt like a win. Today, it’s a fun focal point in my Vermont craft room, and the perfect canvas for some festive Christmas mannequin decoration ideas.

Christmas Mannequin Decoration Ideas: A Simple Evergreen Dress for a Tabletop Bust Form

Decorating a bust form for Christmas doesn’t have to be complicated, and the secret to making it really easy is starting with the right kind of mannequin. Whether you’re styling a full-size dress form or a tabletop version like mine, using an adjustable mannequin makes all the difference when it comes to creating a quick and beautiful evergreen dress.

Why Adjustable Bust Forms Make the Best Christmas Mannequins

The trick to this easy Christmas mannequin decoration idea is using a bust form that has adjustable panels. These older-style mannequins, often made by brands like Fairloom for Sears & Roebuck, feature small gaps and holes around the waist and hips, which are meant for resizing. But during the holidays, they’re perfect for tucking in evergreen branches, ribbon, and other festive details; no wire or extra tools required.

If you don’t have an adjustable mannequin, you can still create this look by wrapping chicken wire around the base and styling your evergreens from there. But today, I’m showing you how easy it is to decorate an adjustable tabletop bust form in just a few simple steps.

What You’ll Need to Style an Evergreen Dress on a Christmas Mannequin

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More About the Materials I Used

Evergreen Branches with Pinecones

I used five packages of faux evergreen branches with pine cones from Amazon. They were the perfect size for this bust form and offered just the right amount of fullness and texture.

Pink Ribbon

To match the pink accents in my craft room, I chose a wide, high-quality pink ribbon that’s also available in other colors. It holds its shape well for bows and wraps easily. You’ll also want two safety pins (or something similar) to secure your ribbon and create a fitted “waist.”

Adjustable Vintage Bust Form

An adjustable bust form is key to making this mannequin styling project quick and easy. You can find these at thrift stores, antique shops, or online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay. The adjustable holes allow you to tuck in evergreens without any wire or tools. Shop adjustable bust forms on Etsy.

Vintage Navy Christmas Ornaments

To finish the look, I added a few extra-small navy blue vintage ornaments I found from The Collected. The deep color adds a bit of contrast and gives the bust form that festive holiday sparkle.

How to Place Evergreen Branches on Your Christmas Mannequin

Start by positioning your adjustable bust form mannequin on the table where you’d like to display it. This project is one of my favorite Christmas mannequin decoration ideas, and it all begins with the greenery.

Lay out your faux evergreen branches and fluff them up before styling; it’s much easier than adjusting them once they’re attached. You’ll use all but two branches during this step, so set a couple aside to finish things off later.

To begin building the evergreen dress, bend each branch slightly and insert it into the waist gap of the adjustable bust form. The built-in openings make it easy to tuck and layer the branches into a full, festive shape, no wire or glue required.

Continue adding the evergreen branches all the way around the waist of the bust form, tucking them into the adjustable gaps as you go. I used nearly every branch from the five packages, except for the two I set aside earlier for finishing touches.

For a fuller look, try layering a few branches on top of each other as you build out the shape of the evergreen dress. This adds volume and makes your Christmas mannequin decoration feel lush and complete from every angle.

How to Add Ribbon to Your Christmas Mannequin Decoration

Next, let’s add the ribbon to your Christmas mannequin decoration.

Wrap your ribbon around the top of the evergreen branches, just above the adjustable waistline of the bust form. This creates a clean “waist” and helps define the shape of your evergreen dress.

Cut the ribbon in the back and secure it with a safety pin (or a dab of glue, if you prefer). Then straighten the ribbon so it lies evenly all the way around without gaps.

Now grab those two extra evergreen branches you set aside earlier. Gently pull off the individual tips; most will slide right off the stems.

Use these smaller pieces to fill in any gaps around the waistline, tucking them into the bust form just above the ribbon for a seamless finish.

Finishing Your Christmas Mannequin Decoration with a Festive Bow

At first, I planned to tie the bow at the back of the vintage bust form—thinking it would be a sweet finishing touch to this Christmas dressmaker mannequin. And that’s definitely one fun way to style a bow for this kind of display!

But since my tabletop bust form is styled against the wall, I ended up placing the bow on the front instead, so it would be the focal point of the whole arrangement. I created a simple pink bow to match the ribbon and secured it right over the waistline using my second safety pin.

There are so many ways to make a Christmas bow, whether you prefer something big and bold or small and tailored. I find quick YouTube searches like “how to make an easy Christmas bow” super helpful if you’re just getting started.

Add Vintage Ornaments to Personalize Your Christmas Mannequin Decoration Ideas

To complete your Christmas mannequin decoration ideas, add a few favorite holiday ornaments for that extra sparkle and personality. I styled mine with 36 extra-small vintage navy blue ornaments, which I found while thrifting at The Collected.

The rich navy tone adds a beautiful contrast to the pink ribbon and evergreen base, and gives the whole bust form a classic, vintage holiday feel. Choose ornaments that reflect your own color palette or swap them out seasonally for a fun update!

Embellish Your Christmas Mannequin Decoration Ideas with Vintage Jewelry Accents

Take your Christmas mannequin decoration ideas to the next level with a little added sparkle. Try layering costume jewelry, a neck ribbon, scarf, or even a festive hat to create a signature look that reflects your holiday style.

For this tabletop bust form, I draped a few strands of vintage costume pearls that I found at a local thrift shop. The pearls add a classic, feminine touch and elevate the entire display with nostalgic charm; just another reason I love mixing thrifted finds into my seasonal decor.

More Vintage Christmas Decorating Ideas You’ll Love

Looking to add even more vintage charm to your holiday home this year? From cozy thrifted vignettes to creative DIYs using antique finds, these Christmas decorating ideas blend nostalgia with personality. Whether you’re decking the halls with flea market treasures or styling a table with heirloom china, you’ll find plenty of inspiration below to make your season feel merry, meaningful, and uniquely yours.

Would you decorate a vintage bust form for the holidays?

Incorporating vintage bust forms, dressmaker mannequins, and tailor display forms into your Christmas decor is one of my favorite ways to add a creative, unexpected twist.

From tabletop styles to full-sized dress forms, these timeless pieces offer endless Christmas mannequin decoration ideas, whether styled with faux evergreen dresses, vintage ribbons, or twinkling ornaments. Their elegant silhouette adds charm, nostalgia, and personality to any corner of your home this holiday season.

Looking for more Christmas mannequin decoration ideas?

Check out my other styled forms; from spooky Halloween witches to full-on holiday glam.
👇 Scroll down to see them all linked below and get inspired to thrift and style your own!

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Shop Christmas Mannequin Decoration Ideas

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.