As Halloween draws to a close, you might feel the temptation to break out the Christmas décor, but when is the right time to start decorating your Airbnb for the holidays? As an Airbnb host, it’s essential to strike the right balance between seasonal charm and guest preferences. Let’s explore some key considerations to help you decide:
1. When Should You Start?
The timing of your decorations can be tricky (no pun intended). While some people embrace the festive season as early as November, others may find early Christmas décor off-putting. If your Airbnb welcomes a variety of guests, it’s wise to wait until the last week of November, around the same time Christmas markets and seasonal events start popping up. This approach helps your property remain appealing to all guests without overwhelming those who may not be in the holiday spirit just yet.
If your area hosts popular Christmas-themed events, syncing your decorations with those events could also add to the guest experience, as it creates a unified, festive atmosphere that visitors will appreciate.
2. Balancing Subtlety and Festivity
Before going full-on Christmas mode, consider starting with more neutral, winter-themed décor. Cosy elements like warm blankets, fairy lights, and pine-scented candles offer a seasonal touch without the overt holiday feel. These pieces can stay up for an extended period, even after the Christmas season, making them versatile.
As December approaches, you can gradually add more explicit Christmas decorations, like a tree or wreath, ensuring that guests arriving closer to Christmas feel the festive cheer. For high-end properties, investing in elegant, minimalist decorations can enhance your Airbnb's luxurious appeal, while still remaining tasteful and appealing to a wide range of guests.
3. Guest Preferences and Customisation
Consider who is staying at your property when deciding on the level of holiday décor. A family on a Christmas getaway may love the festive ambience, while business travellers may prefer a more understated environment. Tailoring your decorations to match your guest profile is key.
One way to manage this is by offering customisation. Include a note in your booking confirmation asking guests if they’d prefer a festive, low-key, or non-holiday setup. This gesture not only adds a personal touch but also ensures that your guests feel comfortable and catered to during their stay.
4. Safety and Practical Considerations
Decorating for Christmas brings joy, but it’s important to ensure that safety and practicality come first. Avoid any decorations that could pose hazards, such as overloading electrical outlets with lights or placing fragile items in high-traffic areas. Opt for simple, durable decorations that require minimal maintenance, as constant upkeep could disrupt the guest experience.
Also, ensure that your decorations complement the existing style of your property, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic that feels natural rather than overwhelming or cluttered. This is particularly important for high-end properties, where elegance and refinement should remain the focus.
5. Unique Festive Touches for Luxury Guests
If your Airbnb caters to high-end clientele, consider adding premium festive touches that go beyond the standard Christmas tree. Think along the lines of offering a luxurious welcome basket with mulled wine, locally sourced artisanal chocolates, or festive cookies. If you’re going the extra mile, think about partnering with local florists to provide fresh poinsettias or floral arrangements.
Personalised décor, such as monogrammed stockings for guests staying over the holidays, or custom holiday cards welcoming them to your property, can make your guests feel valued and add a unique touch that sets your Airbnb apart.
6. When to Take Down the Decorations?
Knowing when to take down the decorations is as important as knowing when to put them up. While some guests might enjoy the festive mood lingering into January, others might expect the holiday décor to be gone soon after New Year’s. Aim to take down Christmas-specific decorations within the first two weeks of January, keeping any neutral winter décor that complements the season without feeling outdated.
