Before you buy another ornament, open the boxes.
Not just the box on top. The one behind it with the ribbon, the little trees, and the decorations you loved three color palettes ago. Put everything where you can see it. Separate the pieces you still enjoy from the pieces you would happily let someone else enjoy.
A décor swap can give those things another season. Invite a few friends to bring a small selection of clean, usable decorations they are ready to part with. Make it clear that nobody needs to buy anything to participate. Serve whatever is easy and let the swapping be the activity.
Your décor-swap supply list
- One cleared table or counter and a separate spot for anything being borrowed.
- A few decorations per person; suggest three to five if guests want guidance, with no minimum required.
- Reused labels, paper and a pen to identify owners, sets, missing parts and loans.
- A bag or box for each guest to carry their finds home.
- Cocoa, tea or another easy drink; snacks are optional.
- A plan for unclaimed items: each owner takes theirs home unless they agree to donate them.
Run a relaxed 90-minute swap
- First 15 minutes: arrive, unpack and describe the pieces. Keep fragile items away from the table edge.
- Next 15 minutes: browse while everyone arrives. Mark loans clearly, including the return date.
- Next 30 minutes: draw numbers and take turns choosing one piece or set at a time. Reverse the order for round two.
- Final 30 minutes: offer remaining pieces freely, pack them carefully and return unclaimed items to their owners.
A turn system keeps it friendly without requiring equal prices or an exact item-for-item exchange. A person who wants to help arrange the table instead of bringing decorations is welcome, too.
Five refreshes before a craft-store trip
- Replace a wreath's ribbon with a ribbon you already own.
- Group loose ornaments in an existing bowl.
- Move a garland from the mantel to a doorway.
- Tie leftover ribbon around plain napkins or gift bags.
- Repaint an inexpensive decorative ornament only if the surface and paint instructions allow it.
Set a supply cap first. Follow craft-product instructions and keep glue and paint away from food-contact surfaces, electrical parts, heat and flame. Leave sentimental or valuable pieces alone unless you are comfortable changing them permanently.
Invitation wording
Before we buy another ornament, let's swap! Bring a few clean decorations you are ready to pass along—nothing newly purchased. We'll have cocoa, take turns choosing and give familiar pieces a fresh home. Please label anything you are only lending.
Put it into Place & Plenty
Create a Holiday Décor Swap gathering and use invitations and My People to manage replies. Use Who's Bringing What for optional cocoa and snack contributions. Check My Hosting Closet for mugs, serving pieces and supplies before shopping. The app coordinates the get-together; the friendly swap happens around your table.
Keep planning
Explore the complete holiday series, or choose a free hosting checklist.