Holiday Decorating Dos and Don'ts

Autumn’s here, and with that comes a barrage of holiday door décor and everything pumpkin spice. It’s a parade through the seasons where cobwebs (forgetting to dust-turned-“décor”) flows into hand turkeys flows into paper snowflakes flows into shining disco balls. It’s a marathon of warm colored leaves and twinkling lights that necessitates fitting twelve people around one old wooden table that’s been passed down for generations and will continue to be for those to come.

One of the joys that homeownership brings is being able to live and enjoy your home the way that makes your heart happiest, but how do you go about navigating this season when your home is on the market?

Decorating your home for the holidays while working toward selling it is all about balance; seasonal charm brings a warm and inviting spirit but overdoing it can distract buyers from the true beauty of the property. Potential buyers need to be able to visualize how this home could be their future home and the holiday décor throughout could do the trick – or it could work against you if done incorrectly.

DO: Keep it simple and neutral

Think “holiday cheer” not “holiday takeover.” Simple decorations tastefully placed give it a cozy feel and add the seasonal nuance without overwhelming the space. It is important that your décor be fairly mainstream and not too personalized. You might think about working with the space around your front door; this could lead to more positive first impressions and boost your curb appeal too.

DON’T: Go extreme

Large inflatables in the yard, scary animatronics, and creepily placed spiders (that are way too life-like for anyone’s taste) are not the best approach to getting your home off the market – even during spooky season. During Thanksgiving when allspice and potpourri are abundant, it is important to remember that smells that are too strong can be off-putting to sensitive buyers and could potentially cause an adverse reaction. Similarly, rooms packed too full of Christmas ornaments and figurines can make a room feel much smaller than it is and may appear cluttered. Let your home’s features shine, not just your ceramics.

DO: Highlight the best features of your home

Use décor to draw attention to your home’s strengths. This may include a subtly placed garland over a beautiful, warm fireplace mantel. You could also spring for a taller Christmas tree in the main room to show off your ceiling height or highlight a large picture window. A tasteful centerpiece could be used to draw the eye to an enticing entertainment space.

DON’T: Cover up important features

Buyers want to be able to see how the natural light comes into your home, so it is important to be sure you aren’t blocking a substantial amount of it. They also want to be able to see your nice countertops – this is an area where less is certainly more. Try and stay away from cramming bookshelves too full or scattering things about flat surfaces. A good rule is to remove one item for every new item that you want to have on display.

DO: Keep it clean and cozy

Light natural fragrances paired with warm lighting and cozy throw blankets are touches that make a buyer feel right at home – you want them to be able to picture themselves curled up on the couch with a hot apple cider and a classic old movie. Scents like cinnamon, pine, or apple pie can even helps et your home apart and be what the buyer remembers over all the other properties they’ve seen.

DON’T: Mix smells or décor

Stick with a theme for these two – the weather of the seasons flows smoothly, and so should your home. Be sure to pack away the witch’s hats and black cats before breaking out the cornucopias and stuffing. In case you’re wondering: yes, the same goes for Thanksgiving to Christmas. I know, but it’s just something you have to do. We, in real estate, do not celebrate “Hallowthanskmas.”

By keeping décor simple, neutral, and tasteful, you can create an inviting atmosphere that welcomes and embraces buyers while still celebrating the season. Happy holidays!

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