The holidays are a time when American homes are truly put to the test. Living rooms fill with guests, fireplaces are lit, Christmas trees go up, candles flicker, and drinks are passed freely from room to room. It’s part of the magic of the season – but it can also be surprisingly hard on fine art, antiques and interiors.
From Thanksgiving gatherings through New Year’s celebrations, holiday decorating and entertaining introduce risks that don’t exist during the rest of the year. Many of these dangers are subtle and only become apparent after the decorations come down.
Whether you’re hosting family dinners, holiday parties, or large-scale entertaining, a little planning can help ensure your artwork and antiques make it through the season unscathed, without unpleasant conservation surprises in January.
Paintings
Paintings are especially vulnerable during the holidays. Candles placed on mantels, side tables, or dining tables release heat and fine soot that can gradually discolor surfaces and soften or darken varnish layers. String lights, plug-in decorations, and holiday displays installed near artwork can raise temperatures or create localized heat pockets.
Live wreaths, garlands, and Christmas trees often shed needles and organic debris. When placed near framed paintings, these materials can fall behind frames and become embedded in canvas fibers. Once trapped, they can hold moisture, cause abrasion, and are extremely difficult to remove without professional treatment.
Holiday entertaining also increases the risk of physical accidents. Crowded rooms, guests carrying drinks, and high-energy celebrations can lead to splashes, bumps, or direct impact. Champagne corks, for example, have enough force to strike wall-hung artwork, while fine sprays of sparkling wine can travel farther than expected.
Sugary beverages like soda, mixers, or cocktails are particularly harmful. When they dry, they leave sticky residues that attract dirt and insects and can permanently stain paint and varnish layers if not addressed properly.
In addition, fluctuating indoor conditions caused by fireplaces, forced-air heating, and frequently opened doors can make humidity and temperature levels swing dramatically. Over time, this movement can lead to cracking paint, lifting surfaces, or stressed frames.
Our recommendations:
- Keep artwork well away from candles, fireplaces, holiday lights, and avoid decorating them directly with garlands, ribbons, etc.
- Make sure paintings are securely mounted, especially in entryways, dining rooms, and other high-traffic spaces.
- Consider temporarily relocating especially valuable or fragile paintings to quieter rooms during large gatherings.
- Open champagne and sparkling wine away from artwork; both flying corks and airborne spray can cause damage.
- Aim for stable indoor conditions by moderating heat and avoiding sudden temperature changes.
- Never attempt to clean spills, soot, or sticky residues yourself – professional guidance early on can prevent permanent damage.
Decorative Objects & Collectibles
Porcelain, glass, clocks, silver, and sculpture often suffer most during the holidays. These objects are frequently displayed on mantels, sideboards, windowsills, or shelves – exactly where candles, greenery, and decorations tend to accumulate.
Live wreaths and garlands can shed needles and release moisture, while candle wax, heat, and soot can permanently damage delicate finishes. Rearranged furniture, additional guests, and drinks placed wherever space allows significantly increase the risk of knocks, spills, and breakage.
Children exploring decorations and guests setting down glasses “just for a moment” can quickly turn a carefully arranged display into a danger zone. Sticky spills from cocktails, soda, or sweet wines can be particularly destructive to gilding, glazes, and decorative surfaces if left untreated.
Our recommendations:
- Move fragile or irreplaceable objects away from busy surfaces and entertaining areas.
- Avoid placing candles above or beside decorative objects where wax drips, heat, or soot could cause damage.
- Use museum wax or discreet mounts to stabilize items that remain on display.
- Store especially vulnerable pieces safely until the holiday season has passed.
- Keep live greenery at a safe distance to prevent needle drop, dust buildup, and moisture exposure.
Furniture
During the holidays, furniture is often asked to do far more than usual. Dining tables are extended, chairs are pressed into extra service, and sideboards become buffet stations. While this makes entertaining easier, it also increases wear and tear.
Spilled wine, cocktails, soda, and hot serving dishes can quickly damage historic finishes. Acidic or sugary liquids may penetrate surfaces, leaving tide marks, staining, or long-term discoloration. Candle wax and greenery placed directly on furniture can also cause abrasion, heat damage, or moisture staining.
Holiday decorations such as wreaths hung on doors or garlands draped across furniture may look festive but can cause scratches, pressure marks, or finish damage if left in place for extended periods.
Our recommendations:
- Use protective tablecloths, runners, or throws during meals and parties.
- Always provide coasters and heat-resistant mats, especially on polished or veneered surfaces.
- Supplement antique seating with modern chairs so historic pieces are admired rather than overused.
- Avoid attaching decorations directly to furniture; opt for freestanding displays instead.
- Address spills immediately by blotting gently – never use household cleaners on antique finishes.
A Season to Enjoy, Without Regrets
With thoughtful planning and a bit of restraint, your art and antiques can be enjoyed throughout the holidays while remaining safe and well cared for. After all, the season is meant to be remembered for good company and celebration… not emergency repairs once the decorations come down.
A little foresight now can ensure your collection welcomes the New Year in excellent condition, ready to be appreciated for many holidays to come.
Fine Art Restoration Company proudly serves clients throughout the U.S. offering professional painting restoration services for museums, collectors and homeowners.
Email our expert team via info@fineart-restoration.com or fill out the form below for our recommended treatments and a free quotation.