Make Space to Showcase Your Holiday Decor

Most holidays I do not do a lot of decorating, but I do love to decorate for Christmas and showcase my holiday decor. It is one of my guilty pleasures. It’s so enticing when we are out shopping to pick up another unique and pretty ornament for our home. I also receive a lot of lovely ornaments from friends. My attic already holds boxes and boxes of holiday décor that I would love to showcase.

Too Much Stuff and Too Little Space To Display My Holiday Decor

But my house is small, and I do not have a lot of surface space to showcase my favorite decorations.

Here is my plan to make space to showcase the holiday decor that I truly love and not clutter up my display area or my storage area.

Develop a Plan

1. Do not buy anything new that is permanent unless there is a plan on getting rid of something that is already displayed. Each year I buy fresh wreaths, fresh garlands, a tree, and some poinsettias. I enjoy these for the season and then let them go.
2. Give away holiday decor that is loved and that has strong family sentiments to family or friends who will truly enjoy and use the items. I have a lovely creche that has no safe place to sit. I have glued Joseph’s hand or head on for the last time when he hit the floor. This year I am gifting it to my nephew along with a picture of him admiring it as a young boy.
3. Donate ornaments that are not special but that have been held on to for years just in case. Those extra red balls that I used to use to fill out a large tree or put in a bowl are just taking up space now. They are still in good shape, but I have no place for them.
4. Toss holiday decor that is past its prime and that no one will want.

Once I have whittled down my excess and have just what I want to display, I still have a problem because all my space already has items displayed.

A Final Solution

My solution to this problem of not having space to showcase my favorite holiday décor is simple.

When I put out an item, I put the items that usually are on display in the same box.

I put away a lamp to make room for a ceramic Christmas tree. Put away regular coffee mugs to make room for holiday mugs. An antique comb and brush set  makes room for a holiday basket.  Items on the shelf in the entry way are boxed up to make room for some of my favorite pieces along with some lights and greenery. And so, it goes.

I put the storage boxes back in the attic until I am ready to reverse the process.

Now only my favorite holiday things are out on display, and they all have room to be seen and admired.

A Challenge

As you bring out your holiday décor this year, I challenge you to arrange your pieces so that they can be seen and admired. Give them some breathing room.

Just for fun send us pictures of  some of your favorite holiday displays on our Facebook page Ask the Organizers Diane and Jonda. It will be fun to see what others are doing.

If you are struggling with developing  an organizational plan or just want some help or accountability in following through with the plan, join Diane Quintana and me in our Clear Space for You virtual support group.

Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, author of four books as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients.