Holiday decorations in rental properties: how to create a magical atmosphere for guests?
Alternative ways to celebrate the holidays: an opportunity for rental property owners
More and more people are opting to spend Christmas away from the traditional home setting, choosing instead to travel to picturesque locations that combine the warmth of home with a touch of luxury. The holiday season, once synonymous with family caroling and hours spent feasting at the table, is increasingly taking on a new dimension. Breaking old patterns and seeking fresh experiences, families are swapping kitchen preparations and cleaning for relaxation in rented apartments, villas, or mountain cabins. These professionally organized spaces offer the perfect environment to unwind and spend quality time with loved ones in a slightly different style. How can owners of short-term rental properties take advantage of this trend? This article will explore the opportunities.
Trends in holiday travel: from agritourism to luxury residences
With the growing accessibility of booking platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, the market for holiday rental properties is exceptionally diverse. Customers can choose from intimate agritourism retreats, mountain chalets with snowy peak views, or elegant, designer apartments in larger cities. Increasingly, luxury residences equipped with every amenity are becoming available, offering an atmosphere distinct from home but equally conducive to festive celebrations with loved ones.
These properties often provide extra perks, such as saunas, jacuzzis, or cozy fireplaces, which add a unique charm to the holiday getaway. Whether it’s a rustic retreat or an opulent city apartment, each property offers an escape from kitchen duties and a chance to focus on oneself and family. This creates a significant opportunity for rental property owners to maximize their investment returns during this festive season.
Opting out of the traditional way of spending Christmas does not mean giving up the magic of the season altogether. Owners of rental properties should ensure that holiday decorations create a special atmosphere. A stylishly decorated Christmas tree, subtle and elegant ornaments, and festive touches such as scented candles or LED lights allow guests to experience the Christmas spirit, even far from home. Many people choose this type of getaway precisely because it combines relaxation with a hint of holiday charm that they don’t have to organize themselves.
Decorative details in rental properties have become a key element in making guests feel special. Creating a space that evokes the warmth of the holidays allows for the preservation of certain traditions, even in an unconventional setting. Some short-term rental properties even offer the option to customize decorations based on special requests, and owners are increasingly open to accommodating holiday wishes so that guests can enjoy a homely atmosphere without sacrificing the comfort and convenience of staying in a rental property.
The role of holiday – themed photos in promoting rental properties
A beautifully decorated rental property is an excellent promotional asset, especially during the holiday season when clients are searching for unique places to relax. Professional photos showcasing holiday decorations in the property can catch the eye of potential guests and help your listing stand out from the competition. Details are key—images of a Christmas tree, a beautifully set table, warm candlelight, or wintery touches in the kitchen can make all the difference.
These photos should be shared on websites and social media profiles. Guests are drawn to places with an inviting atmosphere and unique decor, and stunning photos can be the deciding factor when choosing a property for the holidays.
How to decorate interiors to create a festive atmosphere?
The first step to creating a magical holiday ambiance is thoughtfully arranging the interiors. When selecting decorations, it’s essential to remember that guests are looking for an atmosphere filled with warmth and holiday coziness.
The christmas tree
The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of the holiday season and one of the most important decorative elements. Depending on the space available, you can opt for a full-sized tree or a smaller, more subtle version. In properties with a large living room, a full-sized tree will undoubtedly impress guests. For smaller spaces, a small tree placed on a sideboard or table, or even a modern take on a tree, can work perfectly. There are plenty of ideas and inspiration for such unconventional trees available online.
- Classic Christmas Tree – Decorated with traditional red and gold ornaments and twinkling lights, it’s a perfect match for classic interiors.
- Modern Christmas Tree – Simple and elegant, featuring monochromatic decorations, such as white or silver, it’s ideal for modern apartments.
- Eco-Friendly Christmas Tree – Environmentally conscious, adorned with decorations made from natural materials like pinecones, wood, or dried fruit, it complements Scandinavian-style interiors beautifully.
Regardless of the choice, the tree should feature LED lighting – delicate lights add warmth to the room and create a unique ambiance.
Small holiday decorations
Small holiday decorations can subtly enhance the entire property, adding coziness and elegance throughout.
- Garlands – Whether plain green or adorned with pinecones, garlands look great on sideboards, stair railings, or mantels.
- Candles – Candles with scents like cinnamon, orange, or vanilla spread a festive aroma, setting a magical mood.
- Wreath on the Door – A beautifully decorated wreath at the entrance creates a festive first impression before guests even step inside.
- Small Holiday Figurines – Placed on shelves, windowsills, or tables, these add charm to interiors, especially in areas where guests spend the most time.
Atmospheric lighting
Holiday lighting is essential for creating a festive ambiance. It’s a good idea to incorporate several light sources: string lights on the Christmas tree, light garlands over the fireplace or on walls, and LED candles on tables. Warm, subtle lighting has a soothing effect and fosters a sense of coziness, which is especially appreciated by guests during the winter season.
For larger properties with terraces or gardens, outdoor lighting is also worth considering to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Holiday touches in the kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of every home, especially during the holiday season.
- Festive Tableware – Setting out mugs and plates with holiday motifs is a small but impactful gesture.
- Decorative Towels and Mitts – Patterns inspired by Christmas, such as trees, reindeer, or snowflakes, can bring a festive vibe to the kitchen.
- Holiday Cookies – Placing a jar of gingerbread or spiced cookies on the countertop invites guests to enjoy a sweet treat and adds a warm, homely touch.
Winter accents in a rental bathroom
Even the bathroom can embrace a festive look with a few simple additions.
- Holiday Towels – Small towels embroidered with holiday motifs make a practical and decorative addition.
- Candles and Scent Diffusers – Fill the bathroom with fragrances like orange and cloves, cinnamon, or vanilla to delight guests.
- Holiday Figurine – A small touch, like a ceramic snowman or a wreath, can make the bathroom feel cozier and more inviting.
Suggestions for small gifts for guests
Small gifts are a thoughtful way to express gratitude for choosing your rental property and to enhance your guests’ stay.
- Holiday Cookies – A small package of homemade gingerbread or spiced cookies is sure to delight.
- Hot Chocolate in a Jar – A ready-to-make hot chocolate set with extras like marshmallows and sprinkles adds a sweet touch.
- Scented Candle – A small holiday candle with a pleasant aroma brings warmth and festive cheer to the space.
- Mini Winter Tea Set – Teas with winter flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, or orange are perfect for the holiday mood.
Is it worth preparing a Christmas Offer and what to include?
Introducing a special Christmas Offer for short-term rentals is an excellent strategy to attract customers looking for a place to spend the holidays. Such an offer should include not only festive decor but also winter-season amenities to enhance the guest experience.
What to include in a Christmas Offer?
- Special Decorations: Providing festive interior decor, such as a Christmas tree, ornaments, and lighting, will immerse guests in a magical atmosphere. You can also add holiday touches in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Additional Activities: Organize events or activities like gingerbread baking workshops, tree decorating sessions, or cozy movie nights.
- Christmas Gift for Guests: Prepare small gifts for guests, such as packages of holiday cookies, scented candles, or hot chocolate kits. These thoughtful gestures create a welcoming environment and leave a lasting impression.
- Christmas Eve or Holiday Menu: Offer the option to order special meals for holiday dinners. Collaborating with local restaurants or catering services works well for this purpose.
- Information About Local Attractions: Provide guests with details about nearby Christmas markets, light festivals, or other seasonal events happening in the area. This can enrich their stay and make your property more appealing.
Some property owners shy away from renting during the holiday season, often due to a lack of understanding of its potential benefits or because of the busy pre-Christmas period that consumes much of their time. However, it’s worth analyzing whether such an offer might work for your specific property.
Keep in mind that using a reservation calendar app, such as BedBooking, can significantly reduce the workload of managing guest bookings. Leveraging an online booking calendar allows you to balance your business with personal time for yourself and your family—something particularly important during the holidays.
