I have a dilemma and I need your ideas. Maybe between all of us we can figure out a solution that will look good and hold up against two very determine, crafty one year olds.
See the thing is, I want to put up our Christmas tree this year. It’s not a big tree but it’s most definitely going to draw the attention of certain little people whose mission would be to dismantle it piece by piece, or all in one big CRASH if that could be arranged.
As I said, it’s not a big tree, maybe 4 feet tall? It’s on a four legged stand that makes the total height somewhere around 5 feet. I want to set it up off the ground unless someone has a suggestion for protecting it that doesn’t just involve setting it up in the bathroom.
Here are some [very poor] shots of the corner where I would like it to be. As you can hopefully see there is a ledge that I thought might be a good place to put the tree but it probably not wide enough for the base and the tree would need to be secured somehow. Maybe with those temporary Command hooks and fishing line or something? Anyways it’s kind of an awkward corner but the only one in the living room where the twins hardly ever go because we don’t want them getting to comfortable messing around near the balcony door.
I still have the issue of how to keep Sticky Hands and her accomplice Sneaky Pete from being able to access the tree. So does anyone have any ideas that have worked for you, that you’ve seen or you just thought now? Options for tree placement/security and child-deterents are welcome.
And yes, invisible electric fences will be considered as viable options.
Can you spot the cloth diaper bum…
your view is insane!
I can’t see your ceiling but…I think a tree hangin upside down from the ceiling would be awesome! I’ve seen it done in stores but have never attempted it myself…
Definitely up on the corner ledge but it may not be deep enough for the base so use some kind of box or the side table. In order to keep the children back, can you semi-angle the loveseat in front of the tree? Or better yet, I’ll fly out and babysit the cuties the entire time you have the tree up. Love their Great Auntie Martha xoxo
move that side table into the corner and set it up on top of it. Wire/tie the base down around the table/table legs so that it cant fall off. That way it’s out of reach
Handcuffs!
Command hooks to tie it to the wall definitely work (well it worked vs a cat, who tho determined is no match for a pair of one year olds.) Take all of your heirloom ornaments, wave to them int he boxes and put them back into storage. If nothing breakable goes on the tree nothing can break (theoretically). My Mom used to put something really interesting at the bottom of the tree (ie ornament with a bell) to dissuade the need to explore higher up the tree.
Also, if all else fails, think of my Mom who’s baby boy *cough*Mark*cough* used her childless friend’s gorgeous Martha Stewart-ish completely matched tree as leverage for his first attempt at standing. He brought the entire tree and all the ornaments down on top of himself and my Mom did manage to show her face in public again. Eventually.
Hi Sarah, First of all, someone stole my idea. I would hang the tree from the ceiling. There is a down side to this. You have to hang all your gifts as well! So my second choice. Put the tree in the corner and angle the couch to block it off. Your ingenius little ones will be occupied with trying to reach it and be out of your hair for a bit!
3M Command Adhesive and 20lb. test fishing line. Get the Command Adhesive with the hooks, tie it to one hook, run the line to the top part of the tree then tie it to the other hook on the other side of the tree. Also, don’t put decorations and light too low…and NO glass ornaments within reach.
All I can say is: Electric fence.
Hey Sarah! Love reading your blog! Your apartment and view is fabulous! I am dying to see a follow up of where you put the tree…..