How do i Store my Christmas Decorations
By storing your Christmas decorations from year to year, you not only protect the investment you have made, but also start to create the heirlooms of the future..
We all spend more than we ever want to on Christmas decorations they look so pretty in the shops that we can't resist! But what happens to them when the Christmas season finishes? Too often they just get shoved into a box and stuffed into the loft, or even thrown away altogether. What a waste of money! It really does make a difference if you pack away your decoration carefully, as they come out looking fresh and new next year. They may not have been very expensive, but in this economic climate, every penny counts!
If you have received ornaments and decorations as gifts from friends or family members, you will obviously want to keep them looking their best so that they can be used each chirstmas. Take care to pack store them carefully and they will become family heirlooms that can be passed onto your children.
Even home-made decorations deserve careful treatment. You might look at a cardboard robin made by your four-year-old as just another of his many creations this year, but in two or three years time it will suddenly look very special.
So what is the best way to store decorations?
ORIGINAL BOX
If you buy boxes for decorations, keep the original boxes. These are the best things to store your decorations in, especially glass ones that are very breakable.
TINS
Save biscuit tins and other medium sized tins to store decorations in. Don't push them in so tightly that you might break them , but pack them so that there are as few gaps as possible, so they don't rattle about.
BASKETS
Some toiletries come in little baskets with lids. These are great for decorations to be packed into.
PLASTIC TUBS
Plastic tubs are great for storing tiny decorations. You will need ones with lids, such as baby wipe containers or the ones used for Persil capsules.
Wrap each decoration in tissue paper or kitchen roll before packing them in together. (I use sheets of toilet paper for tiny little ceramic teddies etc) Some items may need special treatment.
GLASS
Glass decorations will need extra wrapping. Make sure you use enough tissue around them to stop them knocking against each other.
STREAMERS
Paper streamers will need to be rolled up and secured with an elastic band.
HANGING DECORATIONS
These normally come packed flat, and you should try to flatten them out again if you can. These should be stored flat. If they are small enough to go into a file or folder, then this is a good alternative, or a pizza box will do if it is clean enough be your local pizzeria for a new one. If you can't find either of these that are suitable, cut down an old cardboard box to size.
ODD SHAPES
Ideally, you should pack everything into a container that is square or rectangular. This includes tinsel and faux holly/ivy, plus wreaths.
THEMED
If you have a crche/nativity, pack that into a box on its own. If you have a selection of vintage baubles, or a row of matching Santas, pack them together. This makes it much easier when you are unpacking the bits next year.
OUTDOOR
These should all be cleaned before packing away. Make sure that they are compeltely dry. The can then be wrapped in polythene and stored in the garage.
Once you have wrapped all your decorations, find a large box (or more if you have lots of decorations). Pack all the things in small boxes or original packaging into the box first. If you have hanging decorations in pizza boxes, place them flat in the bottom because they will slump inside the boxes if packed upright.
Once you have filled your box with the regular shapes, you can try to add the itty-bitty oddments on top. Seal the box and label it well, then it can go into a dry space, such as the loft or garage.
I try to pack away ornaments of the same type in the same box. I recommend a separate box for wreaths, and the things you make wreaths from, eg florists wire, faux berries, etc, as they need to come out earlier than the other decorations.
Packing away your Christmas ornaments makes Christmas extra special each year. The fun of opening the box of decorations bring Christmas early, and underlines the traditional aspect of the celebrations.
Good luck in creating the heirlooms of tomorrow!
