Decorating for the holiday season is something many people enjoy doing. But when the holiday is over, and we take a look at those decorations we pulled out, we remember how much we dislike putting everything away. Storing holiday decorations doesn’t have to be a chore.
Here are some tips to help preserver your favorite decorations year after year.
- 1. Faux Fir Garlands – When taking your fir garland down from the banister, doorway, or mantle, gently drape it over your arm (or someone else’s arm, depending on the garland’s length) to make sure it doesn’t get tangled. Place the garland in a clear plastic tub, fitting it so it coils neatly inside the container. If you have any additional adornments that go with your garland, wrap them in tissue paper and store in the center of the container. Place a piece of paper inside the top of the container indicating where the garland goes, or add a label on the outside so you’ll remember for next year.
- Round Christmas Ornaments – Store similarly shaped ornaments, such as glittery orbs, in boxes with compartments. Heavy divided boxes that once held wine will work nicely, otherwise ornament organizers can be purchased at craft stores. Wrap each ornament in tissue paper and for it inside its own compartment. Pad it with small pieces of bubble wrap so it won’t be jostled in storage. When you’re finished putting all the ornaments in their box, make a list on the outside of the box so you know what ornaments it holds for next year.
- Christmas Wreaths – Wreathes made from faux fir or pine can easily be stored in hat boxes or hung up in the back of a closet. Depending on the size of the hat box, it can store multiple wreaths. If you prefer to hang your Christmas wreaths, attach each wreath to a wire hanger using florists wire or twist ties, and cover the wreath and hanger in a plastic bag to protect the wreath from dust. Hang in the back of a closet, the basement, or the attic, and simply unwrap the wreath next year to display.
- Christmas Lights – There are several handy ways to store Christmas lights so they remain untangled for the following year. When taking the lights down be sure to wrap around your arm so they remain untangled, and store them in a plastic container, using clips or wire to hold a circular shape so the lights stay neat and organized for next year.
- Wooden Decorations –The best way to store wooden decorations, especially if they’re handmade and didn’t come in a box, is wrapped in a generous layer of bubble wrap and placed in a plastic container or cardboard box.
- Holiday Candles – The ideal place to store candles is in a cool place, such as a refrigerator (this helps them burn slower and last longer). If this is not possible, wrap the candles in cellophane to keep them from melting together or transferring color if they become warm. Avoid wrapping your candles in plastic wrap or waxed paper because these materials might melt onto the candles if they’re stored in a warm place.
- Advent Calendars – If your advent calendar is made of fabric, simply fold it and store in a box. If it’s made of another material, pack it in a storage container with bubble wrap. Store the loose pieces in a separate bag or the pockets for each day.
- Side Table Decorations – Wrap light, but delicate table decorations in several layers of tissue paper. Lay them on their sides and store them in a plastic container, filling the extra space with crumpled newspaper so they won’t shift in storage. If you side table decorations are more fragile, wrap with bubble wrap instead of tissue paper.
- Christmas Dining Table Set – Keep everything from your fine Christmas china to the napkins, centerpieces, and place cards all in one place! If you have a hutch to store special dishes in, stack them according to size. Fold cloth napkins and store them in the same place – or keep packages of paper holiday napkins in a nearby drawer with the holiday place cards and silverware. If the Christmas table centerpieces are made from materials that can be used year after year, dismantle and keep in a separate box, making sure to label it and store in a place where you’ll easily find it next year.
- Decorative Holiday Dishes – If you don’t store your special holiday dishes in a dining room cabinet or hutch, you can store them in a box without risking damage. Line a cardboard box with newspaper and bubble wrap, then stack each plate with a sheet of bubble wrap in between. Fill the gaps with crumpled newspaper so the plates won’t shift when being stored.
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