Holiday and Seasonal Wreaths

Living in the colonial area of Virginia all of my life, I have become accustomed to seeing wreaths on doors as decorations.  This is especially true during the winter holidays.  Unfortunately, storing them can be an organizational problem.

If you have considerable or unused storage space, I recommend using the plastic or cardboard containers designed especially for wreaths.  Over time they will save you time, space and money in storage of these items.

If storage space is limited or becoming crowded, I recommend owning only one wreath for your door.  Choose a basic wreath color that contrasts with the color of your door.  Natural grape vines, cane or straw as well as artificial greenery or other bases are sturdy and can last many years.  To it add an inexpensive bow and/or swags of color.  Swags of leaves for fall, flowers for spring and summer and holly with berries  for winter can be purchased inexpensively to add to the base.  Even the dollar type stores carry suitable items for the base.

When the season has ended, dispose of the unsuitable decorations.  They have probably faded and become soiled anyway.  Then purchase a new set for the next season.  The expense of new decorative items is off set by the initial cost of different wreaths for each season and the storage requirements they have. 

Organizing Collectibles

We love collecting things. For some it is a hobby, for some a passion and for others an obsession. Perhaps we simply love those things or we possibly think that one day they will be so valuable that we can sell them and send a kid to college or retire early.

Problems in collecting can occur, however, when you no longer have space for the collections. If you are collecting simply for the enjoyment these things bring, then you should display them so they can be enjoyed. Storing them in a box in a closet or the attic is not enjoying them. If they are seasonal items, then rotate the items when appropriate. If you simply do not have the space to enjoy them, then consider choosing the most special items to display and find another home for those remaining.

Some options for a new home might be family members or friends that appreciate the items and would display them. You could also sell the items to someone who respects their value and is willing to pay you for the privilege of owning them.

If you are collecting for a future return on your investment, then be sure to keep an accurate inventory of the items, consider insuring them and monitor their value on a regular basis. You just might be able to send that kid to Harvard one day.