Do I need to wash holly

[ifyourehoppyandyouknowit]

Stupid Question Alert.

I'm not good with gardens.

I have a holly tree in my garden, and I was thinking about using some of the little branches for Christmas decor, artfully throwing arranging them around the room with sparkly baubles and ribbon. BUT do I need to wash the holly? And, I have a toddler and a cat. Is holly poisonous?

the berries are, but seriously, if DCs or animals ingest holly you've more to worry about than the poison, it's really spikey....

So I need to get rid of the berries?

No just put it up out of reach, which you do with all Christmas decorations in the presence of toddlers.

At least you did with DD1, who couldn't leave anything alone!

If you are decorating indoors with holly, the berries will drop off as it dries out. I think the cat would avoid but the toddler might be tempted to eat them. The best thing is to get holly without the berries or remove them, then add sprigs of fake berries. Place the branches high up to avoid anyone getting prickled, a little bunch with the stems tucked behind the top of a picture frame is quite effective.

You can rinse the sprigs to get rid of any cobwebs and dirt before you bring them in, and they will only last a week without water in a centrally heated home.

YY to girly's suggestion about taking the berries off and using fake ones

not worth the risk tbh