Packing up bottle brush trees after Christmas doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right techniques, you can keep them tangle free and in great condition for next year. Learn four simple ways to protect and store these charming decorations for many seasons to come.
What was old has become new again. Bottle brush Christmas trees, once a popular holiday ornament in the 1950's, have become a beloved part of Christmas decor once again.
These whimsical ornaments now come in every color and size, adding a vintage or playful touch to holiday displays.
Whether you’ve collected old-fashioned versions from Christmas past or picked up modern ones, they’ve become must haves for festive decorating. DIY crafters even create their own custom versions!
No matter where yours came from, each one adds charm to your collection. That’s why storing them properly is key to keeping them looking their best year after year.
If you're wondering how to pack them away without damage, you're not alone. Many holiday decorators struggle with preserving these delicate decorations. Fortunately, there are simple ways to keep them safe and tangle-free.
Storing Bottle Brush Trees
Vintage bottle brush trees can become quite fragile over time, so proper storage is important. But even newer ones benefit from careful packing, which will make a difference in how long they last.
To avoid damage, don’t pile them all into a box with their bristles touching. This often leads to tangling, and by the time you pull them apart next season, you may lose some of those delicate fibers.
Many trees also have faux snow and glitter, so it's important to help prevent these decorations from getting knocked off.
Fortunately, with just a little extra care, you can keep your trees looking their best every holiday.
You can easily store them away using a number of different storage methods. The key is to keep the bristles apart, no matter what storage method you use.
Bottle brush trees come in many different sizes, from very tiny mini bottle brush trees, to much larger versions. Not all storage methods will work for all trees.
There are many creative ways to store your trees, so let's have a look at some storage methods.
1. Wrap The Trees With Tissue Paper
One of the easiest ways to store bottle brush trees is to wrap each one individually in tissue paper. This keeps the bristles from tangling or pressing against other decorations, helping them maintain their shape.
This method works well for trees of all sizes. It's also a great way to recycle all your old tissue paper from Christmas.
Instead of tossing it, give that paper a second life by using it to protect your decorations. No need for anything fancy; even gently used sheets will do the job.
You can cut the tissue into smaller pieces to wrap each tree individually, or bundle a few together.
For grouped storage, start by fully wrapping one tree, then roll it slightly and add another, repeating until the group is enclosed. This method works well for similarly sized decorations.
For very tiny trees, lay them out in a line on the paper, and then fold the paper over the line of trees, keeping them apart.
Tissue paper wrapped trees can be stored in a box or container, until ready to be used again next season.
2. Store In A Partitioned Box
Small boxes with partitions, such as pop bottle or water bottle carrying cases, make great storage containers for smaller trees. The compartments help keep them upright and separated, reducing the risk of damage.
It's a good storage method if you only have a few trees to store.
For best results, place one tree per section. If they’re wrapped in tissue paper, you might be able to store two together without tangling.
These small partitioned boxes can be stored as is, or placed into a larger storage container for added protection.
3. Store In Cardboard Tubing
Cardboard tubes, like those from wrapping paper rolls or shipping supplies, are perfect for keeping bottle brush trees protected. Placing them end to end inside the tube prevents bristles from touching and tangling.
The cardboard tube will also help to keep the trees from becoming flattened or misshapen, by providing a firm outer wall and protection during storage.
4. Store In A Bucket Or High Sided Bag
Larger bottle brush trees often don’t fit in standard containers, but there are still smart ways to store them. Tall buckets, like black florist buckets or deep flower pots, can keep them upright and well-protected. Use tissue paper to cushion and secure them in place.
Alternatively, tall gift bags with high sides can work well. Just insert some crumpled paper between each item to prevent shifting and bristle damage.
Storing these decorations upright helps preserve their shape and prevents flattening, which is especially important for oversized or uniquely shaped pieces.
After Storage: Fluffing & Touch-Ups
Once the holiday season rolls around again, your bottle brush trees may need a little fluffing to restore their shape. Even with careful packing, some bristles can get compressed.
Gently pull and tease the branches back into place to help them look full again. For vintage pieces, take extra care, as older trees can be more fragile and may lose a few bristles during reshaping.
This is exactly why proper storage matters: the better you protect them, the easier they are to revive year after year.
A little steam can help reshape bristles more easily. Just hold the tree near (but not too close to) the steam and gently fluff as needed. Take care to avoid burns by using tongs or keeping your hands at a safe distance.
And remember, that slightly worn look is part of what gives these decorations their vintage charm. Even newer ones take on that nostalgic feel over time.
In Summary
Bottle brush trees have been beloved holiday decorations for decades, and with the right care, they’ll stay beautiful for many more to come.
Proper storage plays a big role in preserving their charm. By protecting the bristles, avoiding tangling, and keeping each piece secure, you’ll help extend their life and keep them looking festive year after year.
If your decorations do get a little stuck together, don’t worry — gently separate and fluff them back into shape. A little extra care now means you’ll get to enjoy their nostalgic magic each holiday season.
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