Christmas 2023- Expert Reveals 6 Holiday Decorating Mistakes That Are Actually Dangerous

Holiday decorating is a fun time to celebrate a special occasion and to create new memories. Yet, amid the merriment, it’s vital to remain mindful of potential decorating mishaps that can pose serious risks to your safety and the well-being of your loved ones.

Raf Michalowski, an interior design expert at Meble Furniture, has outlined common holiday decorating mistakes that can unexpectedly lead to dangerous situations.

1. Lighting Lots of Candles Too Close

Candles can instantly transform the feeling of any space with their soft, flickering glow.

Not only do they immediately add a sense of cosiness and serenity to any holiday setting, but they can also be a nice way to provide an ambient light to your settings.

However, they can also be incredibly dangerous if not handled with caution, for instance lighting too many candles and doing so with them placed too closely together.

Candle accidents around this time can be attributed to candles placed too close to flammable materials, from furniture to holiday decorations.

The expert suggests to keep candles away from any other objects and never leave them unattended. For an even simpler and safer alternative, consider switching to battery-operated candles.

2. Picking the Wrong Tree

The debate over artificial versus real Christmas trees is age-old, but the type of tree you choose is only part of the equation. 

“If you’re opting for a live tree, it’s essential to check the freshness of your tree before taking it home.

Any tree that starts to rain a hail of needles when you move it could be a sign of dryness, which makes it susceptible to fire hazards. 

Before placing your live tree, put it in a stand with water and cut a couple of inches from the trunk for better water absorption. Artificial trees should be fire-resistant for added safety,” says the expert. 

3. Overloading Extension Cords

Extension cords are commonly used during the holidays to reach outlets for decorations, trees as well as all the technology running throughout the festive season.

However, overloading extension cords with multiple devices can lead to overheating and potential electrical fires. 

It’s best to be mindful of the number of devices connected to a single extension cord and avoid daisy-chaining them together. 

The expert suggests opting for extendable cords that can go the length of your room or more if need be.

4. Placing the Tree in the Wrong Spot

When finding the perfect place for your Christmas tree, anything near radiators, vents, heaters, or fireplaces can accelerate its drying process, posing a significant fire risk. 

If you’re short for space, it’s recommended to position your tree at least three feet away from any heat source to ensure its longevity and safety,” the expert recommends. 

5. Choosing Poisonous Plants

For pet owners and parents of young children, the choice of holiday plants is crucial.

Some seasonal favourites such as amaryllis, mistletoe, balsam, pine, cedar and poinsettias, can be harmful to pets. It’s best recommended to keep holiday flowers and greenery away, or use artificial plants instead.

6. Using Unsafe Decorations

Your holiday decorations can also pose threats. 

“Glass ornaments may shatter and cause injuries, while ribbon, strings and tinsel used for wrapping presents and decorating the tree can potentially become choking hazards. 

If you have babies, young toddlers, or pets prone to investigation, it might be best to avoid using tinsel and glass ornaments on the tree or keep them out of reach,” says the expert. 

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