Brits on a budget swear by Action’s €3.99 chair bow: will 50 x 38 cm in red or gold impress guests?

A quiet shift is underway at the festive table: small, precise tweaks are doing what big, costly overhauls can’t.

This season’s most talked‑about upgrade costs less than a coffee and takes seconds to fit. Spotted in Action stores, a ready‑made chair bow is slipping into decorators’ kits and household baskets alike, adding polish, colour and a hint of theatre without the faff.

The small accessory turning heads at the Christmas table

Action’s ready‑tied chair bow has become a go‑to for party planners who need impact on a tight budget. Priced at €3.99 per piece and cut to a generous 50 x 38 cm, it straps neatly around most chair backs and instantly tidies the view across a dining room. Two colours lead the line‑up: a bright, traditional red and a warm gold that catches candlelight.

€3.99 each, 50 x 38 cm, in red or gold: a fast route to a pulled‑together, photo‑ready dining space.

What it is and why it works

The bow arrives pre‑formed with an integrated fastening, so no tools, pins or extra ribbon are needed. Polyester fabric keeps the silhouette crisp, resists creasing during the evening and wipes clean if someone brushes past with gravy or red wine.

• Fits common chair types: wood, upholstered or metal frames.
• Fastening included: no knot‑tying skills required.
• Repeats a single visual motif around the room, creating cohesion.
• Re‑usable across the season, then folded flat for storage.

Red or gold: picking a colour that actually suits your room

Colour choices steer the mood more than most centrepieces. Red brings warmth and energy, anchoring classic schemes with greenery, white crockery and timber. Gold adds luminosity and a more refined tone, glinting against glassware and metallic accents without shouting.

Placement that looks professional

Consistency sells the effect. Set the bow centre exactly halfway down each backrest and match heights from chair to chair. Smooth the tails so they fall evenly, then step back and adjust the line across the room until it reads as a repeat pattern.

Equal height, same spacing, tidy tails. Repetition beats quantity when you’re dressing a festive room.

Style it in minutes: a simple method

Beyond the dining table: creative twists

The bow’s size makes it useful far beyond chairs. A single unit can define a focal point or link separate corners of a room into one scheme.

• Stair banister: tie at the turn of the stairs with clipped spruce and a bell.
• Entry door: fix at handle height for an instant greeting.
• Large vase or lantern: cinch around the neck to echo your table palette.
• Bench seating: one bow at either end visually “frames” the bench.

Build a look around it without overspending

A handful of simple add‑ons make the bow feel intentional rather than improvised. Keep textures varied and the palette tight to avoid visual noise.

• Micro string lights laid as a runner along the table centre.
• Tea lights grouped by threes on window sills.
• Sprigs of pine, pinecones or red berries to link with napkins.
• Linen or jute placemats to ground the shine.
• Small gold‑toned votives that mirror the bow’s sheen.

Costing it up: what you’ll actually spend

The predictable unit price makes budgeting straightforward. Here’s the outlay for common seating counts:

If that stretches the budget, zone the room: dress only the dining table and head chairs, then repeat the colour in napkin ties elsewhere.

Where to buy and when to go

The bow is currently an in‑store item at Action. It sits in the seasonal decoration aisle and tends to appear from late October, with stock turning fast as parties ramp up. There’s no online purchase route in France at the time of writing, so timing matters.

In‑store only, seasonal aisle, limited runs near peak season. Check early, then check again.

Care, safety and storage

Polyester is low‑maintenance but treat it kindly. Spot‑clean food marks with a damp cloth and mild detergent. If creased, use a steamer or an iron on a low setting from the reverse with a pressing cloth. Keep all fabric decor well away from flames or hot bulbs; place candles in stable holders and allow a wide margin around chair backs and bows.

For storage, fold the tails flat and place each bow in a large envelope or zip bag labelled by colour. Add a silica sachet if your cupboard runs damp. The re‑use potential cuts waste and keeps your festive kit consistent from year to year.

If you can’t find it, smart substitutes work

• Wide ribbon (at least 7.5 cm): tie a classic bow around chair backs; double‑layer for volume.
• Pre‑tied gift bows: cluster three on a thin strap for a fuller look.
• Event‑hire stock: rent chair sashes for a one‑night fix without storage.
• DIY fabric: cut strips from surplus curtain lining; hem the edges with fabric tape.

Pro tips to make the most of the look

Think repetition: the eye loves order. Ten identical bows read as a single design decision rather than ten separate objects. If children are on the guest list, alternate red and gold and add a small tag with each name; the bow doubles as a place marker. For photos, seat the most camera‑shy guests against the tidiest run of bows and shoot at chair height across the room.

Want a focal point without clutter? Assign a “host” or “Santa” seat with the opposite colour to the rest, add one extra ornament, and position it at the table’s visual centre. You’ll get a talking point, a clear spot for speeches, and a festive anchor that costs less than €5.