The basics of home staging still apply during the holidays:
- ensure your home is immaculately clean
- no clutter allowed
- show off architectural features
- keep family heirlooms and holiday presents out of sight
Avoid:
- personal photos
- decor with religious connotations
- personalized items
Some home stagers may recommend not decorating your home for the holidays, but carefully chosen holiday decor can enhance the welcoming warmth of your home when potential buyers visit during the holiday season.
Less is definitely more when decorating your staged home for the holidays. In order to purchase, potential buyers must be able to envision their family enjoying the holidays in your home.
Only decorate for specific period during the holidays. I recommend no longer than two weeks before Christmas and two weeks after.
Only use one of any type of decoration. For example: one simple wreath, one tall skinny tree to show off the ceiling height and preserve floor space, one table centerpiece item.
Avoid a profusion of red and green – try using very little red in your holiday decorating and opt instead for fresh greenery and a white, gold or silver palette.
Show off a carefully chosen selection of your most elegant and “quiet” holiday decorations and do not, under any circumstances, use inflatable decor in the yard, holiday banners or “cute” decorations.
An easy way to make sure you are not cluttering up your home with holiday decorations is to remove one non-seasonal accessory for every holiday accessory you put out.
If you want your home to seem extra welcoming to potential buyers during the holiday season you may choose to leave a plate of gingerbread men or holiday cookies out in the kitchen with festive paper napkins that coordinate with your decor. To create the warm ambiance of a holiday gathering in the kitchen, leave some warm spiced cider on the stove with a ladle and cups nearby.
All of these holiday decorating tips apply even if your home is not for sale. By simplifying your holiday decor your home remains welcoming and warm without overwhelming family and visitors.
Happy holidays!
