7 Brilliant Tips to Organize and Store Holiday Decorations

When taking your fir garland down from the banister, doorway, or mantel, 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.

Use the same method for the lights. The key to organized Christmas lights starts as soon as you begin to remove them from the tree. When removing the lights from your tree, hold one end in your hand while wrapping the light strand around your elbow, creating a large loop of lights. Tie a piece of rope around the loop to maintain its form. Place each secured loop in a large Ziploc bag, then store them together in a waterproof, labeled storage bin.
How to Store 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 crafts stores. Wrap each ornament in tissue paper and fit it inside its own compartment; if an ornament is a lot smaller than the 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.

Wreaths made from 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 florist’s wire or twist ties, and cover the wreath and hanger in plastic (we like using dry-cleaner plastic bags or trash bags) 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.

We wrapped each of these glittery snowflakes with a large square of tissue paper, secured with a piece of tape, and stored them in a shoebox. You can easily store other delicate, flat hanging decorations this way, as well. Don't forget to label the box so you know what's inside!

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.

It's easy to storefront door decorations that have different elements. Any item hung outdoors should be gently dusted and cleaned before storing. Wrap the decoration in bubble wrap or tissue paper, and place in a like-size box for easy storage.

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 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.