Holiday decorating looks fun, but when you see how much work there is to be done, it suddenly turns into a chore. If you’re thinking of how to decorate your home for the holidays, you’re in luck. Keep these tips in mind to create a holiday home that’s fit for entertaining!
#1 Plan Ahead of Time
The 1st of December is a popular date to start decorating your property for Christmas. You can’t plan and put up your decorations on the same day, so be prepared. If you attempt to do everything in a single day, you’ll end up with a poorly decorated properly. So, start planning your aesthetic as early as November.
Decide on the theme (e.g. winter wonderland, classic cheer, etc.) and make a checklist of the decor that you need to purchase, like stockings, a pine tree, and the like. If you need ideas, you can always consult a property management company or a holiday decorator.
#2 Clear the Clutter
It can be hard to decorate a home that’s cluttered. So, set aside an entire day to declutter, starting with the living room and dining room, since these areas tend to be reserved for entertaining. Put away decor that won’t go with your decorating theme. For instance, if you have pumpkins and chunky blankets from fall, store them away for now.
Professional house cleaners can help you freshen up your home for the holidays. They can be a great help if you can’t find the time to clean your home yourself.
#3 Add Decor to Each Room
Some people stop once the tree is up, but to create a setting that’s perfect for holiday entertaining, be sure to add a touch of Christmas to each room. That way, your whole house will feel Christmas-y. So, feel free to spread holiday cheer to the rest of the rooms, including the spare bedroom if you’re planning on having people over.
There’s no need to go all out. Subtle touches such as decorating the staircase and hanging a wreath on the windowsill are enough.
#4 Change the Lightbulbs
Unless you’re going for a winter wonderland theme, consider swapping out the lightbulbs for warmer lighting. This can instantly create a comfortable ambiance. This is an inexpensive and extremely easy way to bring warmth to any room. You can also purchase plug-in dimmers to create “mood lighting” for holiday dinners and dates.
#5 Decorate the Foyer
If you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, you’ll want your guests to feel the cheer from the moment they get there. Give them a warm holiday welcome by adorning the foyer or entryway. It can be as simple as lighting scented candles and hanging string lights. This simple step can add a glow to the entryway. Your guests will carry the cheer all the way to the dining room.
#6 Create a “Fireplace”
You don’t need a fireplace for your South Florida property, but it would be nice to have one, even if it’s for the holidays only. Fortunately, you can create a do-it-yourself fireplace. If you have open shelving, turn it into a stand-in for a fireplace.
Make room in the bookshelf and add accents like a nutcracker figure or a snow globe, and then hang up the stockings along the edge. You can take things further by arranging the books in a way that the paper shows instead of the spine. Keeping multicolored books on the shelf that’s supposed to be a fireplace can make it look cluttered.
#7 Keep the Kitchen Clutter-Free
The holidays involve cooking and baking, so be sure to keep the kitchen clutter-free to get things moving along. If you store your utensils, tools, etc. in a hard-to-reach area, move them down temporarily. That way, you can conveniently get them whenever you need them.
Take the time to inspect your kitchen appliances, particularly the oven, microwave, and stove. Check if they’re in good working order, and if not, repair or replace any faulty parts before Christmastime. Don’t forget to free your fridge of stale food, and to make room for after-party leftovers.
#8 Concentrate on the Seasonal Centerpiece
Choose one room to transform into the focal point — it’s where you’ll put the bulk of your holiday decor to create a “backdrop” for Christmas. Rearrange the furniture so that it surrounds the seasonal centerpiece.
The “seasonal centerpiece” is typically the Christmas tree, but it can be whatever you want it to be. You can also add furniture if you’re planning on having people over the holidays.
Don’t be afraid of letting your imagination run free. Since this room is going to be the “center” of your yuletide fun, it should be as Christmas-y as can be.
#9 Add Cheer to the Front Door
Your holiday decor shouldn’t be contained indoors. Bring the holiday cheer outdoors by adding decor to the front door. Brighten up the space by hanging lights, wrapping the doorframe with garlands, and so on. Fill the space by adding tall lanterns and statues, but keep the walkway clear so you can safely make your way to the door.
#10 Hang Outdoor Lights
Your home isn’t ready for the holidays if it doesn’t have outdoor Christmas lights. Here are some tips on decorating the outdoors for the holidays:
- Use lights designed for outdoor use. Use lights with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label on the tag. Using lights that are unsuitable for outdoor can be dangerous.
- Know what twinkles. Some outdoor lights twinkle, while others stay stationary. Depending on the look you’re going for, take the time to know what each string of lights does. Also, check your HOA rules, as some associations can ban blinking lights that are too bright.
- Don’t do it alone. In case you fall, there should always be someone who can call for help. To be safe, find a vacation property management company that can help you decorate the indoors and outdoors.
Is Your Home Ready For the Holidays?
Getting your home ready for the holidays can be time-consuming. Fortunately, a property management company can bring cheer to your home — and you don’t need to do a thing! Luxury Property Care provides holiday decorating services to South Florida property owners, allowing them to spend the season in the ideal setting.
If you’re interested, ring (561) 944 – 2992 or fill out our contact form for more information.
