How to Store Holiday Decor

In How to Store Everything in the Kitchen, I recommend two options for storing baking sheets and pans. For holiday baking, you will be storing more specialized items like cookie cutters, piping bags, and holiday-themed tins.

For storing these items, I go back to my tried-and-true method of creating project bins. This way you can easily retrieve your holiday-themed bake-ware without it crowding out your everyday cooking supplies.

If you invested in a fake tree (they are pricey!), make sure you store it properly to preserve its shape and look over the long haul. The best place to store the tree is in the basement, attic or even using overhead storage in your garage. Here are some options for what to store the tree in while it's not in use.

• Artificial tree storage bag
• Decorative tree storage bag
• Upright tree storage

For figures both small and large, I like to use project bins. Wrap them in either bubble wrap or paper, and store them for the summer. Here's what I would include in this group:

• Advent calendars
• Menorahs
• Any type of specialty candle holder
• Nativities
• Snow globes

If it's a snow globe, take extra care and definitely wrap this in bubble wrap.

Gift wrap is best stored together in a dry place (i.e., don't store it in the garage where it could get wet). I store gift wrap in a long plastic bin under the guest room bed. Wherever you decide to store it, make sure it's accessible for the holidays. Here are three ideas for how to store gift wrap.

1. Iris Gift Wrap Storage Box
2. Holiday Organizer
3. Santa's Bags Gift Wrap Organizer

In How to Organize Your Holiday Card Mailing, I recommend a few ways to store and edit your holiday card list.

I buy cards throughout the year (you can often find me at Target laughing or tearing up in the card aisle) and then save them until he appropriate birthday or holiday comes around. I save mine in a shoe box. Here are some better ways to save your holiday cards:

1. Clear card keeper
2. White greeting card organizer
3. Greeting card case

Raise your hand if you think this is the worst part of holiday storage. You're right! It's so frustrating I actually forgot to include how to store Christmas lights when I first worked on this list. Luckily I discovered a simple solution: cord wraps.

Cord wraps do exactly what they say they'll do, they allow you to wrap the lights around a specially-sized piece of plastic making the lights easier to store in a plastic bin, and easier to un-ravel next year. Check it out here: holiday light cord wraps. Bonus, they are super affordable.

Storing your ornaments is a bit more time consuming than say, storing your socks, but with the right tools, you can be assured they'll stay safe over the warmer months.

• Wing-Lid Ornament Storage Box is classic and easy to use.
• Corrugated Ornament Storage Trays are stack-able so you can customize them the number of ornaments you need to store.
• This Ornament Storage Box with Dividers is fitted with dividers so each ornament has it's very own space.
• Archival Ornament Storage means you can safely store ornaments (of the same shape) for several years in these boxes, and the corners are fitted with metal to make them extra-sturdy.
• This Ornament Storage Bin is like the Granddaddy of ornament storage: it will fit a ton of ornaments and protect them from the elements in your attic, basement or garage.

There are so many Martha Stewart-esque options for storing ribbon, but the main decision you need to make is whether you are looking for a ribbon dispenser or ribbon storage? If it's storage, I recommend storing ribbon with your gift wrap, if it's a dispenser, here are some options:

• Stacking Ribbon Dispenser Box
• Snap 'n Stack™ Ribbon Dispenser
• White Ribbon Dispenser Box

Gift tags, scissors, tape -- they all need a proper storage space, too. I recommend you store these with your gift wrap.

Just like with fake trees, proper storage solutions for wreaths and garland will help them keep their shape. Try these:

• No Santa hat necessary to store your wreath in this flexible holder: Wreath Chest 42" with Center Storage. This is so light-weight, anyone can retrieve your wreath from it's storage spot.
• A Wreath Storage Box, lacks the flexibility of a bag, and can be heavier, but it's much easier to stack.