Taking Care of Glass, China and Porcelain Ornaments

Most hand-blown glass and china/porcelain ornaments are fairly sturdy, but it's not only a fall that can ruin a piece of glass.

• Use a sturdy hook to hang from a tree, sometimes two hooks can help peace of mind.
• Thin florist wire or tied ribbons are other suggestions to securely hold an ornament on the tree.
• Check to be sure wire top is secure and tight before hanging on a tree. Although purists might balk, a tiny drop of glue UNDER the metal top can be used for ornaments that are heavy.*
• These ornaments should never be stored in a hot, humid or extremely cold environment. Never in an attic, garage or basement. Glass can fracture, china can develop crazing and paints can change in temperature extremes.
• Wrap ornament in soft tissue paper, acid-free paper preferred, and store in an inside closet. Some collectors will use old white pieces of fabric (sheets) to wrap ornaments.
• When displaying glass ornaments, it's best to keep them out of direct sunlight. They do fade!
• Water should never be used on a hand-blown glass ornament.
• If your ornaments need cleaning, only use a soft feather duster, make-up brush or blow gently to remove dust.

*Note: DO NOT use glue if you are planning to sell or are worried about secondary market values. But my feeling is it's better to have a whole ornament than one that has slipped out of it top, no matter how valuable it could have been.

More tips from the experts on storing your glass ornaments:
John Lighner's Q&A
Suggestions from Connie Porcher