14 Holiday Ornaments to Avoid This Season
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It’s the time of year to decorate and many people want a stunning holiday display. Whether you’re decorating with heirlooms or picking out brand new additions, it’s easy to be swept up in the holiday spirit and buy something that just looks adorable at first glance. But before you slam that button that says ‘add to cart,’ think about which ornaments might be more trouble than they’re worth.
Some decorations are better left on the store shelf, as they can quickly turn festive cheer into a fiasco. I promise you, you don’t wants the question, ‘Who thought this was a good idea?’ to be asked during you family gathering. So, let’s get into some pitfalls you’ll want to avoid this holiday season.
Glass Ornaments With Low Branches
There’s no denying that glass ornaments are beautiful, but they’re also a recipe for disaster when they’re within reach of tiny hands or wagging tails. One playful swipe and now you’re sweeping up shards, instead of sipping eggnog. Keeping these fragile decorations higher up on the tree as they shine is always better than risking an accident.
Oversized Ornaments That Overwhelm
When it comes to holiday decorations, bigger isn’t always better. While those massive ornaments may look great in the store, as soon as they’re on your tree, they can throw off your balance and everything can be chaotic. Your tree should be well decorated, but not so insanely decorated that it feels like it’s about to topple over from the weight of a giant glittery ball.
Flocked Ornaments That Shed Everywhere
Ornaments with fake snow and a frosty appeal seem like a mini winter wonderland. They do look neat, but shake them, and you’ll be surrounded by a blizzard of white dust. These ornaments are notorious shedders, leaving your floors and furniture looking like a snow covered mess that’s anything but magical.
Vintage Ornaments With Hidden Hazards
Grandma’s antique ornaments have sentimental value, but some may also be hiding some hidden dangers. Lead based paint on old decorations or brittle decorations can be a risk. Never put these treasures out on display, but if you want to display them, you can do so in another safe area like a mantle or shadow box.
Short Life Battery Operated Ornaments
If you’re in the mood to *really* get decked out, battery operated ornaments with lights or sound effects can be a cute touch, but they’re usually not very long lived. Batteries go dead cheap, and replacing them can be annoying, especially when it comes to small screws and odd sized batteries. If you do select these, then go for the best quality batteries to make sure holiday magic doesn’t die.
Fragile Plastic Ornaments That Aren’t Cheap
Not all plastic ornaments are the same, all may be lightweight and they’re shatterproof. The cheaper ones snap or crack when you put something heavy on them and then you are left with jagged edges and a tree that has clearly had better days. Buy a little more expensive ones that can actually take a tumble.
Ornaments That Could Become a Glitter Bomb
While they’re undeniably festive, glitter ornaments are also a nightmare to clean up. After you bring glitter into your home, you’ll never be able to get rid of it. Well into the New Year, you’ll be finding sparkles on your clothes, furniture and even your dog. These glittery culprits are the enemy unless you’re a fan of permanent shimmer.
Overly Scented Ornaments
Scented ornaments may seem like a great idea, but over time, strong fragrances are overpowering in an enclosed space. And they can cause allergies or sensitivities in guests. Rather than using overpowering scents, go for the subtle candles or natural greenery to bring in a holiday aroma.
DIY Ornaments That Really Don’t Hold Up
While homemade ornaments can be charming, not every craft project is designed to still be around 10 years from now. After a season or two, paper or poorly glued pieces tend to fall apart, leaving you with a pile of memories, not decorations. If you’re a DIY fan, go for sturdier materials such as clay or wood.
Offensive Designs Ornaments
Most holiday decorations are cheery and innocuous, but a few novelty ornaments are entirely off the mark. Whatever could potentially spark an awkward conversation or offend your guests should be skipped. Holiday decorations should be bringing people together, not controversy.
Ornaments That Are Too Trendy
Your ornaments will probably be around for years, but holiday trends come and go. Ultra trendy designs might be your choice but you may end up with collection that might be outdated next year. Rather, opt for timeless classics that would cost you the same price whenever you shop regardless of the year.
Electric Ornaments Without Safety Certification
Light up or plug in decorations can be a great addition, as long as safety comes first. A National Fire Protection Association study reports that nearly 835 home fires each year are caused by unsafe holiday decorations. Keep your home festive, and safe, and look for ornaments that have a proper safety certification.
Ornaments Too Heavy for Your Tree
While heavy ornaments can look excellent, it can weigh down branches or even cause them to break. If you prefer a heavier design, opt for a tabletop tree with stronger branches or keep those decorations for garlands or wreaths.
“Pet Friendly” Ornaments That Are Misleading
Some pet friendly ornaments are anything but Pets may also be attracted to tinsel, ribbons or dangling parts that can be a choking or digestive hazard. To prevent an emergency trip to the vet, keep these unsafe ornaments out of reach.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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