How do I store and care for my ornaments?

Since the 1980s, Christopher Radko has been crafting exquisite glass ornaments, each a unique piece designed to be cherished. Every year, a new collection is released, each piece meticulously created through a seven-day process involving glassblowing, silvering, hand painting, and the signature Radko cap. These ornaments are more than just decorations; they are pieces of art, crafted with love and attention to detail.

However, even the most carefully crafted glass ornaments require special care to ensure their longevity. With a few simple steps, you can protect your Radko treasures to be enjoyed each holiday season and for generations to come.

Display with Care

While collectors love to display their beautiful ornaments, it's essential to have a sturdy Christmas tree or ornament stand to support the weight. Using strong ornament hangers and carefully considering placement will help prevent accidents. Avoid overdressing your Christmas tree on a single side – instead distribute the ornaments evenly between the front, sides, and back of the tree to avoid a disastrous topple. Floral wire is helpful to have on hand for extra secure branch attachment. If you are running short on room and still have beautiful pieces to display, our signature ornament stands are both decorative and functional – intentionally weighted at the base to prevent accidents.

Gentle Care for Delicate Treasures

Glass ornaments, especially those with intricate hand-painted details, are delicate and require gentle care. Harsh chemicals and fibrous cloths can damage the lacquer, paint, and glitter, so it's essential to use a more delicate approach. It is important that your beloved pieces never come into contact with liquid – even something as simple as water can damage the paint. We recommend using a lint-free 100% cotton cloth or a feather duster to gently clean your ornaments. This will help ensure that the vibrant colors and sparkling glitter remain intact for years to come.

Protecting from the Elements

To protect your delicate ornaments from fading and discoloration, it's essential to keep them out of direct sunlight. While cozy winter days may require minimal lighting, strong sunlight, especially in vacation homes where you may spend your winters, can damage glass ornaments. By positioning your Christmas tree away from direct sunlight, you can preserve the vibrant colors and luster of your Radko ornaments and other glass decorations. If you are unable to keep the Christmas tree out of direct sunlight, you could occasionally rotate them to prevent fading or discoloration from uneven sunlight.

Storing Your Glass Treasures

Although we hate for the holiday season to end, all good things must come to an end! Maintaining the integrity of your ornaments while they are stored away is just as important as when they’re out on your Christmas tree (Or any other holiday tree)! While everyone may have their preferred storage method, it's essential to use acid-free tissue paper or shredding to prevent discoloration and ensure your ornaments remain in pristine condition. Here are a few storage options that are very popular among our collectors!

• Signature Christopher Radko Box: Our collectors cherish their Radko boxes, not just for the sentimental value but also for their practical storage capabilities. Each ornament comes with a perfectly sized Radko box, ensuring it's always safe and secure. To provide extra protection during shipping, we carefully pack our ornaments with acid-free shredding. This versatile material not only keeps your ornaments safe in transit but also serves as an ideal storage solution.
  
  Beyond the ornaments themselves, even our intricate glass-blown and hand-painted finials have their own dedicated boxes. This attention to detail ensures that every component of your Radko collection is preserved in pristine condition. And for those who have a larger collection, our signature boxes conveniently fit together in a single storage container.
  
  No matter how long you've been a collector, we've got you covered. If you've lost or misplaced your original Radko boxes, we offer a variety of replacement sizes on our website. Unsure which size you may need? Don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly elves for assistance.
• Balsam Hill Deluxe Rolling Chest: This storage chest has built-in dividers and can be easily manipulated to fit classic sized glass ornaments, Brilliant Treasures, or our cute little gems! Each divider is created with acid-free cardboard, and this company also includes acid-free shredding with the purchase.
• Tree Keeper Ornament Storage Bag: This brand offers so many different sizing options whether you are just now purchasing your first few Radko ornaments or have been collecting for years! The Tree Keeper Bag also includes dividers that are acid-free as well as the fabric that it lined with on the inside.
• Airtight Containers, Acid-Free Shred, and Bubble Wrap: We recommend using Sterlite brand airtight containers in combination with acid-free shredding or tissue paper. This option features a seal to safeguard items from both air and moisture These materials provide excellent protection and prevent scratches or breakage. When wrapping your ornaments in bubble wrap, avoid over-tightening, as this can cause the delicate glass to shatter.

• Select a climate-controlled environment: Ensure that these beautiful hand blown ornaments are stored in a climate-controlled environment – Avoid exposing them to extreme temperature fluctuations, as these can weaken the glass and increase the risk of breakage. Sudden temperature changes can cause the glass to contract or expand unevenly, potentially leading to cracks or fractures.

A Lasting Legacy

By following these simple yet effective care and storage tips, you can ensure that your cherished Radko ornaments remain vibrant and beautiful for generations to come.

Whether you own classic Santa ornaments, whimsical Snowmen ornaments, or the iconic Shiny Brite collection, these practices will help protect the delicate details and exquisite craftsmanship of your glass treasures. As our elves continue to create new and exciting designs each year, we hope you'll continue to enjoy the joy and wonder that Radko Christmas ornaments bring!

Have further questions about caring for your precious ornaments, or need assistance placing an order? Our friendly Radko elves are always ready to assist! Feel free to reach out to them by email at Radkoelves@christopherradko.com or by phone at (800)717-2356.