Dear Donia,
How do I preserve old cardboard Christmas house decorations?
Q. Dear Donia,
How do I preserve old Christmas village decor for under the tree? They are houses made out of cardboard from the 1930's, and I would love to use them for the holidays, but I'm afraid they will fall apart. Would some sort of spray coating work? Thank you, Deborah
A. Dear Deborah,
What wonderful little decorations to have. They must look so festive under the tree.
The best thing you can do with your cardboard houses it to handle them carefully, pack them gently when they are not on view, and nothing else. A spray or other form of coating will not help preserve the color or hold the houses together. Of course, you will also want to be sure they don't get wet if they are displayed under a real tree. Best, Donia