Throughout the years, I have acquired a large collection of bottle brush trees, in all shapes and sizes.  They tuck into places throughout my home, adding just the right touch to my Christmas and winter vignettes.

Look at these happy little winter delights!  A snowman scene isn’t complete without an evergreen forest as a backdrop to their winter wonderland.

Gingerbread houses all lit up and on display cry out for an evergreen tree or two to show off their festive cheeriness. I received these many years ago as Christmas gifts, long before gingerbread houses became all the rage. I’m thankful that I held onto them!

As the Christmas/winter decorations go up, I’m happy that I have such an assortment of these evergreens to fill in all the nooks and crannies. My decorations wouldn’t be the same without them!

There is one drawback to these treasured pieces of fluffiness. No matter how carefully I pack them away after the Winter season has passed, when I remove them from their storage container the following year, they have portions that are all mushed in. How does that happen?
Do you ever have a fleeting moment where you think back to the movie Toy Story and wonder if there is a little truth to inanimate objects coming to life when we aren’t looking? Possibly, are those trees having an Evergreen Ball in celebration that their duty of decorating our home for the season is now finished? Maybe a few of them got a little too exuberant in showing off their dance moves, crashing into one another, not noticing that they weren’t quite as shapely as they were before. Just me? Okay, it’s more likely that I shoved one too many into the container than I should have, but the Evergreen Ball is more fun to think about, don’t you agree?

So, what is one to do with a mushed-in-bottle brush tree?

I’m glad you asked. I have the perfect solution to get them back into shape with the bonus of making them smell wonderful too.

Refurbishing a Brush Tree

1. Fill a large jar or pitcher almost to the top with warm water.  Think bath water warm, not boiling.
2. Add a splash of unscented witch hazel or vodka, because without one of them being used, you will be reminded that oil and water don’t mix.
3. Add 20-30 drops of your favorite festive-scented essential oil. I like Young Living’s Believe, Christmas Spirit, Evergreen Essence, or Winter Nights, but spruce, pine, or citrus oils would be delightful too.  Stir them in with a metal or silicone spoon.
4. Hold your bottle brush tree upside down for about a minute in the water, swishing it around gently. Take it out and let it air dry. Fluffiness restored!

Here’s a little tip.

If you have white trees, do this application to them first.  Next, the traditional green ones, finishing up with your glitter trees. White trees don’t want the dye of the green on them, and we all know that glitter loves to sprinkle on everything.  Trust me, I speak from experience.

Do you have a must-have in your Christmas or holiday decorations?

How about any tips for keeping decorations safely stored or reviving them after they have been well-loved through the years?  Please let us know in the comments below. 

Wishing you all the merry that you need…..