7 Holiday Decorations You Should Always Keep

Vintage Christmas ornaments. Shinny Brights. — Credit:
Mike Krautter

Holiday decorations certainly have a way of multiplying. In fact, it’s not unheard of to go from a single box of curated ornaments to stacks of bins of tangled lights, yards of garland, and singing Santas over the span of a single year. If you're paring down your seasonal stash, be it before decorating for the season or in the post-holiday lull, there are certain items you'll want to think twice about letting go.

Some holiday decorations can carry more sentimental, functional, or creative value than you realize. Before you donate or declutter, consider holding onto these holiday décor staples you’ll almost certainly be glad you kept.

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Versatile String Lights

Classic string lights have year-round potential. Warm white LED lights can be used to light birthday parties or summertime backyard dinners. Meanwhile, micro-fairy lights and battery-operated wire lights can elevate mantels, wreaths, faux indoor trees and plants, and centerpieces. A few neatly coiled sets will get used throughout the year more often than you think.

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Ribbon

If you’ve invested in spools of shiny, patterned, or wired ribbon, note the versatility of this decorating and gifting tool.

Ribbon can be reused for:

Gifts
Wreaths
Garland bows
Table decorating
Floral arrangements
Sewing and crafting

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Neutral or Natural Garlands

plaster-dipped leaves on a holiday garland — Credit: Ngoc Minh Ngo

Neutral , reusable garlands are worth keeping if they are in good condition. Think: faux eucalyptus, berry branches, faux pine, and wooden bead and linen garlands in natural hues.

These pieces can serve as the accent or anchor décor both throughout the year and across holiday seasons. A neutral garland is endlessly customizable with ribbon, ornaments, or florals.

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High-Quality Stockings, Tree Skirts, and Linens

Keep anything that’s uniquely embroidered, handmade, personalized, or crafted from good-quality fabric. Holiday textiles can be easily and compactly stored and often hold emotional sentiment. Even if you decide to switch to a new color palette one year, textiles tend to cycle back into fashion, can be used as an accent or anchor décor, or will come into use while hosting.

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Vintage or Collectable Ornaments

pressed-cotton pear ornament — Credit: Kate Mathis

If you're tempted to part with a set of beautifully crafted glass ornaments because you’re embracing a more minimalist or color-curated look this season, take pause.

Vintage and collectable ornaments can be difficult, expensive, or even impossible to replace—and might even be (or become) family heirlooms. Aim to curate, not eliminate, your collection.

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Pieces You've Used More Than Once

As a rule of thumb, if you’ve displayed an item for multiple seasons, don't toss it impulsively. There’s a reason it keeps making the cut. You may not feel inspired by it right now, but next year it might be the perfect finishing touch to your mantle, a guest room, or entry table.

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Classic Bulb Ornaments

Ditching a surplus set? Classic bulb ornaments, both plastic and glass, are endlessly adaptable: Try displaying them in a bowl or vase as a centerpiece. You can also use them to craft a festive, colorful wreath. Explore your creative options before adding to the donation pile.