Non-tree use for fragile ornaments?

15 years ago

I have a lot of Italian blown-glass ornaments collected over the years. I also have two young cats. They're 2 now and definitely calmer than when they were kittens, but I'm still not sure I can trust them with a Christmas tree. For the last two years I've only used unbreakable ornaments, but I miss seeing my special ornaments. Does anyone have any idea for displaying these in some fashion that would be out of reach of cats?

Thanks.

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Comments (24)

patty_cakes
15 years ago
Could you put them up higher in a pretty glass bowl(or silver)? Maybe on a fireplace mantle? Or use them to top off a variety of candlesticks, rather than candles~up high also. You might want to use a bit of Scotch tape, doubled over to hold them a bit firmly. Anything stronger could remove the color of the glass, if the color is on the outside. ;o)
last_mango
15 years ago
I sometimes hang a draping heavy ribbon above a sink (to cheer me up while doing dishes), passthru, mirror, or window and hang ornaments from that...
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luckygal
15 years ago
I've seen many pics online of ornaments hanging from a chandelier. Good way to use very ornate or fragile ones. I've used some of my heavy art glass ornaments this way.
User
15 years ago
Because of cats too - I put my vintage ornies in my large apothecary jar for protection,

Jim
patty_cakes
15 years ago
Jim, great to see you here! What a gorgeous vignette with your apothecary jars! I always look at them, but have never made a purchase because i've never thought to use more than one. What a lovely display they make, and they don't detract from one another. You've given me reason to buy a few for a new display! Keep comin' back, keep comin' back......;o)
lynnencfan
15 years ago
garland over a doorway or archway
a big wreath hung on the wall

I know there is a picture in the inspirational album of a beautiful archway garland .......

Lynne
bourbonlady
15 years ago
My Mom uses garlands around the house in high places to showcase her good ornaments. She doesn't have to worry about kitties, but there are several sets of little curious hands. Alex
Purplemoon
15 years ago
My young cat is the reason I may be doing more wreaths and less trees this year. Hope you find a way to enjoy and display your special ornaments, sometimes it can be hard being owned by cats! LOL

hugs, Karen
lynnencfan
15 years ago
Speaking of cats - I may have posted this before but this particular year I had only non-breakables on our tree for this very reason - lol .....

Lynne
Sandi_W
15 years ago
Lynne, That is such a cute picture. Love the little kitty peeping out of the tree.
luvstocraft
15 years ago
Lynne, your kitty thought he found the perfect perch to hide and yet be able to see all the action! LOL What a cute pic. Luvs
patty_cakes
15 years ago
Lynn, the most adorable decoration i've ever seen! ;o)
donnawb
15 years ago
That is so cute. When I had cats they didn't bother the tree. The only swatted the bottom branches so I put unbreakables there.
User
15 years ago
Very cute pic....but that's my potential nightmare w/Sweetie....and Panda?
Penelope
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for all the great ideas. The apothecary jar is nice; I drooled over one earlier at Crate and Barrel, but can't justify $65 for the large size. I'll have to keep an eye out at rummage sales! The garland idea might work, though the cats are amazingly adept at finding their way up to almost anything, and I've got low ceilings. But you guys are great at coming up with fresh ideas.

Here is a link that might be useful: Crate and Barrel apothecary
lynnencfan
15 years ago
I have had 5 cats over the past 9 years and most of that time had 4 at a time. We are down to 3 right now. The little cutie in the tree is the only one that gave us any 'tree' problems and that was just that first year. The other cats in the past have had other interests.....

Visiting Santa's house

Visiting the villages

a having a personal chat with Santa
Sandi_W
15 years ago
I had a cat for 14 yrs (bless his heart)and he never climbed my trees either. He did swat at the ornaments hanging on the bottom branches the first day or so the trees were up. His biggest pleasure was hiding in the presents and jumping out and attacking anyone who went near the tree.
Bright199
15 years ago
Here is a photo I saved from either BHG or Martha's web page can't remember which... You might like the idea.

It's an old coke case.
Sandi_W
15 years ago
Bright, I love the idea of hanging ornaments in an old coke case. I do that with Halloween stuff and never thought to do it for Christmas. Thanks for sharing that idea.
boycrzee
15 years ago
Even if I put my good ornaments in containers, I still use museum putty to secure the jars/bowls or any other breakables to the that I don't want damaged. I only wish I knew about the product when my children were young. Kitties and boys now can't do as much damage.
contrary_grow
15 years ago
Boycrzee,

I've heard about museum putty but I've never seen it for sale. Where do you get it, if you don't mind my asking?

Thanks,
Mary
jannie
15 years ago
When my kids were little, I put all the unbreakable ornaments on the lower half of the tree, and the fragile ones on top. My cats pretty much leave the teee alone, except my 16 YO female, who likes to sleep on the quilted tree skirt.
jaybird
15 years ago
Lovesummer (me too)...I put my vintage ornaments in old gallon pickle jars...looks cool and also fits my "junquetique" home deco....
boycrzee
15 years ago
Mary - I bought my museum putty from "The Container Store". I suspect they sell it on-line too. I think it was about $5-6.

Non-tree use for fragile ornaments?

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Non-tree use for fragile ornaments?

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