How to Store Candles, Crackers and Decorations for Next Year

By Talking Tables UK Public | Published: 2026-10-17

Category: Tips & Care

A practical, step-by-step guide to storing candles, Christmas crackers, and paper decorations so they survive the year and look fresh when you unpack them.

Quick answer

Store candles flat and away from heat or sunlight, keep crackers in a rigid box so they do not get crushed, and wrap paper decorations in acid-free tissue before placing them in a dry, dark container. Label everything by occasion so you can find it quickly next year.

Why storage conditions matter more than you think

Candles can warp, fade, or develop a tacky surface if they sit in a warm loft or a sunny windowsill for months. Paper decorations absorb moisture and can grow musty or lose their shape. Crackers contain a small amount of friction-sensitive material, so they should stay dry and away from anything that could crush or snap them. A cool, dark, and dry spot is the single best environment for all three.

Choose the right containers before you pack anything

Clear plastic tubs with snap-on lids work well for candles and crackers because you can see what is inside without opening them. For paper decorations, use a cardboard box lined with acid-free tissue paper. Avoid bin bags for anything fragile; they offer no structure and trap damp. If you are storing a mix of items, keep candles separate from anything with a strong smell, such as scented sachets, because wax can absorb odours over time.

How to pack candles so they stay straight and clean

Lay candles flat in a single layer rather than standing them upright, which can cause them to bend under their own weight in warm conditions. Wrap each candle loosely in tissue paper, then place them in a rigid box. If you are storing number candles, keep them in their original packaging if possible; the moulded shape is easy to knock. Do not store candles in a fridge or freezer, as condensation can damage the wick and surface.

Cracker storage: keep them crisp and uncrushed

Christmas crackers are surprisingly delicate. Store them in a box that is large enough that they do not touch the sides, and place a sheet of bubble wrap or tissue between layers. Do not stack heavy items on top. If your crackers came in a decorative box, keep that box and use it for storage; it is designed to protect the shape. Avoid storing crackers in a garage or shed where temperature swings can cause the paper to expand and contract.

Paper decorations: prevent creases and fading

Honeycomb balls, paper chains, and tissue pom-poms should be folded flat if they are designed to collapse, or stored in a single layer if they are not. Interleave sheets of acid-free tissue paper between layers to stop colours from transferring. Keep them out of direct sunlight, which will fade dyes over time. If you are storing a paper vase, such as a honeycomb design, make sure it is completely dry before packing it away; any residual moisture can cause mould.

Step-by-step storage process

Clean and dry everything first: Wipe candles with a dry cloth if they are dusty. Make sure paper decorations and glass holders are completely dry before packing. Even a small amount of moisture can lead to mould during storage. Checkpoint: no visible moisture or damp patches.
Sort by category and occasion: Group candles together, crackers together, and paper decorations together. If you celebrate multiple occasions, separate them into different boxes or use labelled dividers. Checkpoint: each box contains only one type of item.
Wrap fragile items individually: Use acid-free tissue paper for paper decorations and bubble wrap or tissue for glass and glitter items. Do not use newspaper, as the ink can transfer. Checkpoint: no item touches another without a protective layer.
Choose the right container: Use rigid boxes with lids for crackers and glass. For candles, a flat box works best. For paper decorations, a cardboard box lined with tissue prevents creases. Checkpoint: containers close securely and stack without crushing contents.
Label and store in a cool, dark place: Write the contents and year on the outside of each box. Store on a shelf or in a cupboard away from radiators, windows, and damp walls. Checkpoint: storage spot stays below 25°C and out of direct sun.
Do a mid-year check: Six months later, open the boxes briefly to check for pests, damp, or warping. If you spot any issues, repack with fresh tissue and move the box to a drier spot. Next step: set a calendar reminder for a quick inspection.

Product facts to keep in mind

Red Honeycomb Colour Pop Paper Vase: Red Honeycomb Colour Pop Paper Vase is a paper decoration with a hidden glass vial for water. Remove the glass vial before storing the paper vase, and ensure both parts are fully dry to prevent mould or rust.
Green Mushroom Glass Candle Holder & Bud Vase: Green Mushroom Glass Candle Holder & Bud Vase is made of glass and can be used as a tea light holder, dinner candle holder, or bud vase. Wrap glass items individually in bubble wrap or tissue and store them upright to avoid chips or cracks.
Rose Gold Glitter Birthday Number Candle - 2: Rose Gold Glitter Birthday Number Candle is 8cm tall and made of wax with a glitter finish. Glitter can shed, so wrap this candle in tissue paper and store it flat to keep the finish intact.