more space the ribbon takes up, the fewer ornaments you will need! if you are aiming to spend less on your tree, then you really cannot afford to skip the ribbon!
one suggestion when adding the ribbon. please, please, please, do not rest it on the branches… if you have an artificial tree then you have it really easy! i actually bend the branch around the ribbon to make sure it stays put! if you have a real tree, simply use a metal ornament hook ( use it like a bread twisty-tie), wrap it around the ribbon and then on to a branch.
like i said, if i can get you to 