Ornaments play a key role in many of our Christmas memories. Whether it’s the ornaments we received growing up or family heirlooms that have passed down for generations, seeing these cherished pieces hanging from the Christmas tree branches is sure to warm anyone’s heart. However, these ornaments are often made from fragile materials like glass and if they aren’t hung properly they can fall to the ground and shatter. Read on to learn how to take the anxiety out of trimming the tree and hang any type of ornament.
Tip #1 Choose the Right Ornaments
The simplest way to prevent the accidental shattering of your decorations is to choose bulbs that are durable enough to survive a fall. Shatterproof ornaments are typically made of plastic. Like traditional bulbs, they feature bright colors, unique shapes, and a touch of glitter, but their tough plastic material will ensure that they won’t burst into a thousand pieces if a toddler accidentally snags a shiny ornament off the tree. Shatterproof ornaments are highly recommended for households with small children and pets. Cloth and paper ornaments are also sturdy options that can easily survive a tumble.
For more information about how to defend your Christmas tree from critters and kiddies, check out our article, How to Protect Your Christmas Tree From Curious Toddlers and Pets.
Tip #2 Location, Location, Location
Once you’ve hung the string lights and garlands on the tree, it’s time to start on the ornaments. Choosing the right location for each ornament will help ensure that each piece is hung from a secure place. First, start with the heaviest and largest ornaments. These will need to be placed deeper within the branches of the tree. Look for a strong, sturdy branch that is capable of supporting the weight of the ornament. Once all of these ornaments have been hung, you can move on to the lightweight ornaments and hang them from the ends of the tree branches. Placing fragile ornaments higher up on the tree also reduces the chances that a lightweight ornament can be accidentally knocked to the ground. Just make sure they are securely fastened to the branch!
Tip #3 Use Floral Wire
When it comes to antique or beloved ornaments that are made from a fragile material, it is best to skip ribbon or hooks and use floral wire as the hanging material. Loop the floral wire through the hanging loop on the ornament. Instead of simply hanging it on the tree which could cause the ornament to slip off, floral wire allows you to twist the wire around the branch more securely so the swish of a pet tail or someone walking by won’t cause the ornament to come tumbling down. Floral wire can also be used to secure items like picks or garlands.
Tip #4 Double Wrap the Ornament
For ornaments that use a string loop hanger, simply hanging it on the end of a branch might not be secure enough. Instead, slide the loop over a branch tip and wrap it around the branch twice. This makes it more difficult for the ornament to accidentally slip off the tree branch.
Tip #5 Regularly Replace Hooks and Hangers
Many ornament hooks can get bent or come loose over time. It’s important to review them every time you decorate your tree and replace them if necessary. Look for ornament hooks that will fit the ornament loop and are strong enough. String and ribbon can also fray over time so protect your ornaments by adding a fresh ribbon or string. Plus, this allows you to ensure that all of your hangers are made of the same material and have bright new colors for a consistent, polished look.
Tip #6 Don’t Go Overboard
Many of us accumulate a number of ornaments over the years from keepsake ornaments as children to precious family heirlooms. It’s natural to want to hang all of them on the tree, but more isn’t necessarily better. Not only does it make it harder to see individual ornaments, but it also increases the chances that if an ornament is knocked over it may take a few others down with it. A good rule of thumb is to hang 10 to 12 ornaments for every foot of the Christmas tree. This will help create an evenly proportioned look with proper spacing.
Following these easy tips will help ensure that your ornaments look stylish and stay safe all season long. For more advice on how to keep your decorations secure, check out our article How to Put a Star on Your Christmas Tree (and Keep It From Falling Off).
