How to Protect Precious Glass Christmas Ornaments When You Have a Four-Legged Friend
Decorating the Christmas tree with precious glass ornaments is one of the most magical moments of the holiday season. Glass Christmas baubles, true masterpieces of European craftsmanship, transform every tree into a sparkling art gallery. However, for those sharing their home with a furry friend, protecting these delicate creations can become an interesting challenge.
Don't worry: preserving your precious glass decorations from your four-legged friends' curiosity is absolutely possible with a touch of creativity and some precautions. Imagine holding one of our hand-blown glass ornaments: light dances on the surface creating unique reflections, while hand-painted details tell stories of centuries-old traditions. These aren't simple Christmas decorations but true works of art born from the skilled breath of European master craftsmen, custodians of ancient techniques perfected through generations. These collectible decorations can be "lived with" alongside our adorable pets.
Christmas Tree Safety
Setting up a safe and fascinating Christmas tree requires a careful approach, especially when it comes to protecting precious glass Christmas decorations. Think of your tree as a vertical gallery where the most precious pieces, like delicate hand-blown glass ornaments, deserve a privileged position in the upper part, where they can shine in all their splendor safe from wagging tails and curious paws. This position not only showcases our collections at eye level but keeps them away from our felines' playful tendencies.
Tree stability is fundamental: a robust, heavy, and well-balanced support is like a building's foundation. For added security, the tree can be discreetly anchored to the wall and/or ceiling using thin transparent fishing line, an invisible precaution that will protect your precious glass decorations and the entire tree from possible toppling.
Artisanal glass ornaments deserve a mounting system worthy of their beauty. Forget classic metal hooks: florist wire is your best ally for creating secure and discrete anchors. Twist it firmly to the hook of your Christmas decorations and then securely attach it to a branch of your Christmas tree. This way, you'll ensure that even sudden movements won't cause the glass ornaments to fall.
Whether you prefer a natural or artificial Christmas tree, the pine needles of your real Christmas tree are slightly toxic and can irritate an animal's mouth. They can also lodge in your pet's intestines, causing punctures or blockages. Avoid Christmas trees that have been flocked, colored, or covered with glitter, as your pets might be tempted to eat them.
The coexistence between your artisanal decorations and your furry friends can also be facilitated by some natural measures and patient training. Citrus fruits, with their intense fragrance, create an olfactory barrier that tends to discourage feline curiosity, allowing you to protect your glass Christmas decorations while creating a festive atmosphere.
Christmas Tree Size and Placement
Your tree size is a matter of personal preference, but when concerned about pet and Christmas tree safety, there are trade-offs regardless of the tree size you choose.
Small Christmas trees are easier for an animal to knock over, which might be tempting for some dogs and cats.
However, a larger Christmas tree has the potential for greater damage. It could fall and injure your pet, as well as scratch or dent your furnishings. Depending on what's nearby, a falling tree could destroy your TV, shatter precious tableware, and break tree ornaments. Besides securing it to walls or ceiling, if that's not possible, try blocking the tree with pet fencing. Remember to confine your pet to another room when you're not around to supervise.
Four-Legged Friends' Safety
To help keep your pet healthy and safe, avoid decorating your tree with anything edible. Strings of popcorn or cranberries, candy canes, and ornaments made of modeling clay, salt dough, flour paste, or gingerbread are cute but are not pet-safe Christmas ornaments.
Other Ways to Keep Your Pets and Decorations Safe
Avoid draping garland to decorate the house or ensure your garland doesn't dangle within your pet's reach.
Decorate table surfaces with flameless LED candles. Each year, numerous house fires are caused by a pet knocking over a lit candle.
Christmas tree lighting requires special attention when you have precious decorations. Secure electrical cords firmly to the tree and tape them to the floor. Pets might be tempted to chew on loose wires, with tragic results.
Make sure your mini Christmas light bulbs are secure. A loose bulb that falls to the floor might tempt your pet.
Train your curious pet to avoid the Christmas tree by spraying them with a water spray when they approach (aim away from electrical outlets!) Some people position a broom, vacuum cleaner, or other "scary" object near the tree.
Avoid decorating your tree when your pets are around. Nothing triggers their curiosity like a pile of loose ornaments!
Visit Edmodecor to discover an exclusive collection of hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments, where each piece tells a story of artisanal passion and European tradition. Our glass Christmas ornaments are created to become the beating heart of your Christmas tree, transforming it into a sparkling art gallery where the magic of blown glass blends with the joy of the holidays, in perfect harmony with your beloved four-legged friends.