Festive storage solutions – replace your storage options for seasonal alternatives

Whether you want festive storage solutions or efficient storage for your Christmas decorations to keep them in pristine condition, we've got you covered

Festive storage solutions
(Image credit: John Lewis)

With Christmas right around the corner, our homes undergo a decorative transformation, marked by the addition of decorations, lights and seasonal alternatives to our ordinary household items. One often overlooked aspect of our homes that can be creatively integrated with our Christmas decor is  storage solutions

These six ideas incorporate a balance of Christmas storage solutions that add an aesthetic festive flair to your home and those that ensure your other Christmas decor is stored suitably. This ensures your items remain organized, protected, and easy to transport for if you're taking your items elsewhere or taking them down, allowing for easy storage.

Below, we've explained how to swap out mundane storage for festive alternatives to make organization simpler and your Christmas run more smoothly.

Festive storage solutions

From festive containers to essential Christmas decor organizers, these ideas can ensure your space stays organized while infusing it with festive spirit.  

1. Clear containers for visibility

Kitchen

(Image credit: John Lewis)

Instead of traditional storage boxes, opt for clear glass decorative jars to showcase and store your favorite ornaments.

By opting for clear storage containers you can easily view the contents inside to make the process of organizing and retrieving your Christmas decorations simpler. It also keeps your ornaments safe while acting as a festive decoration when displayed on shelves or mantels.

This is particularly useful for decorations with small parts, such as strings of lights or individual ornaments such as baubles, pinecones, or stars. You can use an apothecary jar, a glass cloche with base, or a transparent vase.

This subtle seasonal alternative not only serves a functional purpose but also contributes to the overall festive atmosphere in your home.

2. Holiday-themed storage

Christmas themed storage

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

Swap out your regular storage containers for decorative, festive-themed ones. 

'Incorporate the warmth of wicker baskets, and you can even take it a step further by lining them with holiday-colored fabric,' recommends Ty Fischer, founder of All Homes Las Vegas. 

'You can also add labels to each basket with a subtle, holiday-themed tag and place them in common areas or shelves throughout your home. For example, a basket labeled "Cozy Christmas blankets" could store cozy throws for chilly evenings by the fire.' 

Additionally, Kate Pauley, partner, and founder of Create Dinners recommends: 'Try choosing containers, bowls, water pitchers and larger serving vessels that serve multiple purposes or pass as a sculpture. 

'Water pitchers make for excellent vases for table centerpieces and large serving bowls can hold your fresh fruits and vegetables on a counter. 

'Smaller footed vessels that you'd use to serve Christmas appetizers can pass as a beautiful decorative piece on a mantel.' 

3. Festive vertical storage

Storage

(Image credit: John Lewis)

Revamp your ordinary vertical storage by adding some decorative additions.

'Bid farewell to standard shelving units and embrace ornamental display ladders,' recommends Elizabeth Grace, interior designer, furniture expert and founder of Dream Home Making. 'Drape lights or hang delicate baubles on the rungs, turning your storage into a decorative masterpiece that complements your holiday theme.

'Revamp your wall hooks and racks by encircling them with festive wreaths or string lights. This creative touch adds a seasonal vibe to your organization while ensuring an easily accessible spot for coats, hats, and even stockings.

'You can also replace standard hooks with decorative hooks or knobs for hanging stockings, garlands, or other seasonal decorations. These hooks not only provide a place to display festive items but also serve as functional storage during the holiday season.'

This simple step can elevate your more permanent storage options, adding a festive touch to your home.

elizabeth grace, pro interior designer
Elizabeth Grace

Elizabeth Grace is an Interior Designer, Furniture and Home Expert. She received her degree in Interior Designing from the University of Notre Dame. Elizabeth landed her first job as an intern with a leading firm in New York City, learning from some of the city’s top designers. She currently works as an interior designer for both residential and commercial clients.

4. Wreath storage bags

Cozy christmas dining room with large wreath on wall above fireplace

(Image credit: Cathy Nordstrom, Fanny Radvik)

Key to ensuring your homes decorations remain looking their best is finding storage tailored to your seasonal items. 

Wreaths are particularly difficult to store due to their size and shape and can easily get squashed. Utilize Christmas wreath storage bags that are designed to protect and preserve the shape of your wreaths while keeping them clear from dust and damage. 

These bags often come with handles for easy carrying and can be hung in a closet to save space.

We recommend this ZOBER Christmas wreath storage bag, from Amazon.

5. Holiday-themed organizers

Christmas organizer

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Invest in organizers specifically designed for holiday decorations. These may include specialized compartments for ornaments, wrapping paper, ribbons, and lights. Having designated storage for Christmas items will make it easier to locate and retrieve decorations each year while preserving more delicate items.

Invest in ornament dividers specifically designed to protect delicate or heirloom ornaments. These dividers often come in festive designs and storage boxes, such as these ZOBER christmas ornament storage box with drawers, from Amazon.

A gift wrapping organizer, such as this organizer from Amazon, will allow you to store and easily access wrapping paper, ribbons, labels, and bows. This organizer fits conveniently in closets and can be tucked away when not in use.

These can be stacked neatly in storage boxes or drawers, offering individual compartments to prevent ornaments from bumping into each other or breaking, while helping you find what you need more easily.

6. Holiday lights and garland organization

Doorway decorated with garland, christmas tree in background

(Image credit: Future / Sarah Kaye Representation Ltd.)

There are few things more frustrating when it comes to decorating at Christmas than having to untangle string lights and garlands. Luckily, there are some storage solutions that can make the whole process more seamless. 

Instead of squashing Christmas garlands into boxes, use a reel or wrap to allow you to neatly store your garlands without any hassle.

Additionally, you can wrap strings of Christmas lights around specialized cord winders. We recommend this light storage reel, from Amazon.

This method also makes it easier to unwind and decorate with them next year.

Store them in labeled bins or clear containers to easily identify and access specific light sets next season

FAQs

How do I ensure your Christmas decor smells nice next year?

Tired of musty-smelling Christmas decorations after a year in storage? The best way to ensure your Christmas decor smells nice is to add festive scents to your storage solutions containing your festive decor. 

Some storage bags and containers are infused with seasonal fragrances like pine or cinnamon, or you can add your own personalized scent with Christmas potpourri sachets, such as these Christmas Potpourri Bags, from Amazon. This not only keeps your decorations safe but also adds a subtle touch of Christmas aroma when you open the storage.


For soft items like stockings, tree skirts, or fabric decorations, vacuum-sealed bags can save space and protect items from dust, moisture, and pests. Silica gel packets can also be used to prevent moisture damaging decor while in storage.

Clearly label each storage container with its contents. Consider using color-coded labels or stickers to quickly identify specific decorations.

Lola Houlton
News writer

Lola Houlton is a news writer for Homes & Gardens. She has been writing content for Future PLC for the past six years, in particular Homes & Gardens, Real Homes and GardeningEtc. She writes on a broad range of subjects, including practical household advice, recipe articles, and product reviews, working closely with experts in their fields to cover everything from heating to home organization through to house plants. Lola is a graduate, who completed her degree in Psychology at the University of Sussex. She has also spent some time working at the BBC.