The excitement of putting up Christmas decorations can sometimes be dampened by the discovery that your baubles are broken or your lights are tangled, all because you didn’t store them properly the previous year. Here are some ideas that might help.
Storing your tree
If you’re buying a new artificial tree this year, then simply keep the packaging and reuse the box – a practical and eco-friendly solution. If, however, you already have a tree but nothing to put it in, a roll of bubble wrap and some strong tape does the job just as well, and your tree will be protected and stay fresh.
Ideas for bauble, bead and tinsel storage
There are some great bespoke storage products online that are specifically for bauble storage, with individual compartments for each ornament, but home-made versions are great too. Egg boxes, for example, can be used for any delicate baubles. To keep tree decorations safe and tangle free, loop the ribbon or hooks onto wooden rods, and place them in a plastic storage box in lines. For long lengths of beads, try reusing a plastic drinks bottle as a storage container to keep them from getting enmeshed with other items. Coil tinsel into a figure of eight and secure with a large paper clip to stop shedding.
Keep your Christmas lights free from tangles
Wrap lights around cardboard – cereal boxes are perfect for this, or used kitchen roll tubes. The tubes from wrapping paper are also ideal for ensuring electrical cords don’t get jumbled. Another tip is to hook delicate wreaths over a coat hanger and hang from a hook to save space.
Finally, label everything! You’ll be so pleased a year later when you find all your decorations neatly stored and easily identifiable.
