You may already use zip ties for home repairs and organizing, but they’re also surprisingly useful for holiday decorating. Inexpensive, durable, and easy to work with, zip ties can simplify tree trimming, secure lights and ornaments, and help with storage. Below are five practical and creative ways to use zip ties during the holiday season.
5 Creative Ways to Use Zip Ties During the Holiday Season
1. Make reliable ornament hooks.
Replace flimsy metal hooks with small zip ties to hang ornaments. Zip ties are strong and less likely to bend or snap, keeping your ornaments securely attached to the tree year after year. They’re inexpensive and reusable when you choose the right type and size for each decoration.
2. Keep Christmas lights in place.
Prevent light strings from slipping down banisters, posts, or rooflines by fastening them with zip ties. Use short ties to attach cords discreetly to railings or posts, or longer ties to bundle and secure several strands together. They hold lights steady through wind and movement without damaging the cords when applied with moderate tension.
3. Stop lights from tangling in storage.
After the season, wrap strands of lights around a sturdy cardboard tube or spool and secure them with one or two zip ties. A single tie around the center will keep the coils intact and dramatically reduce tangles. This simple storage trick saves time and frustration when you unpack next year.
4. Conceal and fill bare spots on the tree.
Paint zip ties green or choose green ties to blend with your tree, then use them to gently pull branches together and hide sparse areas. You can also secure extra pine sprigs or decorative picks to branch tips with zip ties to create fuller coverage. The ties are discreet and effective at improving the tree’s overall shape.
5. Reinforce stocking loops and hang décor.
Many stocking loops are made from thin fabric that can tear under weight. Thread a small zip tie through the stocking loop and fasten it to a hook or mantle attachment for a much more secure hold. The same technique works for hanging wreaths, garlands, and other decorations—create a firm loop with a tie and attach where needed.
Zip ties are available in a wide range of sizes and colors at hardware and home improvement stores. Choose reusable or releasable styles if you plan to reuse them, or opt for colored ties that match your décor for a cleaner look. Affordable and versatile, zip ties are a handy addition to your holiday toolkit—try these five ideas and see how they simplify decorating and storage this season.