We are officially in the midst of the busy holiday season, and what I’ve learned that ORGANIZATION is often the missing element to ensure a smooth and enjoyable process. Following are two tips I’ve implemented to create ease around gift wrapping and storing Christmas tree decor: 

1. Create a “Gift Wrap Grab-&-Go Station”

Gift wrapping doesn’t have to be a stressful last-minute scramble. Game changer: By creating a small, dedicated “grab-&-go” wrapping station, you eliminate the hunt for scissors, tape, ribbon, or tags.

Keep your most-used supplies in one portable bin, caddy, basket or drawer. I’ve added all the essentials–tape, scissors, ribbons, ribbon spools, pens, and gift tags–to clear bins in my supply rolling cart.  Storing your supplies together makes the process quicker, more enjoyable, and beautifully streamlined.

Bonus tip: Store your wrapping paper rolls vertically in a tall basket, bucket or organizer to keep edges from tearing and to save space. I’ve repurposed a tall unused wire laundry basket to store rolls of wrapping paper and tissue paper.

2. Store Ornaments by Category & Fragility

Packing away Christmas ornaments often feels like a chore, but with a few smart tweaks, you can make next year’s decorating a breeze. Use divided ornament containers and sort ornaments into meaningful categories—glass and fragile pieces, sentimental keepsakes, decorative fillers, and your tree topper. When not using a dedicated divider bin, use cardboard between layers to minimize breakage. I also prefer to use smaller bins sorted my colors or style, rather than hauling and pulling down large big bins (easier on your back!).

Sorting and storing decor provides ease in selecting your desired items and colors of the year (especially if all ornaments and colors owned not used every year). 

Of course, labeling each section not only protects delicate items but creates a clear system you can follow year after year. Tissue paper and bubble wrap helps too! Remember to keep the most delicate pieces near the top of the container to prevent breakage.