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The ultimate guide to preparing your Airbnb for the holidays
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The ultimate guide to preparing your Airbnb for the holiday season

With an estimated 97 million people expected to travel between December 23rd and January 1st, it's the perfect time for Airbnb hosts to step up their game. The holiday season, filled with family, friends, and festivities, presents a unique opportunity for short-term rental hosts to create a memorable experience for their guests.

Whether your rental is a cozy cottage in the countryside or a sleek city apartment, adding a touch of holiday cheer to your Airbnb can make all the difference. Don't worry if you're unsure where to start – we're here to help! In our latest blog post, we'll explore five creative and festive ways to decorate your Airbnb for Christmas and the holiday season. From classic Christmas trees to elegant wreaths and charming stockings, we’ve got plenty of ideas to spark your creativity.

So, let's dive in and spread some holiday magic in your Airbnb. Your guests are sure to appreciate the extra effort, making their holiday stay even more delightful and memorable!

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Why decorate your Airbnb for the holiday season?

Decorating your short-term rental for the festive season, like Christmas and New Year, is more than just a trend - it's an opportunity to elevate the guest experience. Adding holiday cheer to your Airbnb can be beneficial for several reasons:

1. Creating a warm welcome: 

Festive decorations instantly make your property feel more inviting and cozy. This warmth and cheer can greatly enhance your guests' stay, making them feel right at home during the holidays.

2. Standing out in the market: 

With a beautifully decorated space, your Airbnb listing can capture more attention. This distinct touch helps differentiate your rental from others in the area, potentially attracting more bookings.

3. Creating festive Airbnb retreats: 

Many guests seek out unique places to celebrate the festive season. A well-decorated rental can be particularly appealing to those looking to spend the holidays in a special way, away from their usual setting.

4. Encouraging positive reviews: 

Guests often appreciate the extra effort that goes into decorating for the holidays. This can translate into glowing reviews and higher ratings for your rental.

5. Picture-perfect Airbnb: 

Holiday decorations can add an extra layer of charm and character to your property, making it more photogenic. This can lead to guests sharing their experience on social media, giving you free marketing and potentially attracting future guests.

5 Tips for decorating your Airbnb for Christmas and the Holidays

1. Begin with a Christmas tree

A Christmas tree is a timeless holiday decoration and a lovely addition to your Airbnb. If your space allows, consider placing a small artificial tree to avoid the hassle of a real one. Dress it up with twinkling white lights and a selection of tasteful ornaments for a festive touch.

Pro Tip: Think about getting a live potted tree. It's eco-friendly and can be enjoyed outdoors for the rest of the year, bringing a touch of nature to your property.

2. Hang wreaths on the doors and windows

Wreaths are a fantastic and elegant option for decorating your doors and windows during the festive season. You can easily pick up pre-made wreaths at most craft stores, or if you're feeling creative, why not try crafting your own?

But don't stop at wreaths! Incorporating various types of greenery into your holiday decor can really elevate the atmosphere. Think about adding garlands or pinecones to bring a touch of nature and holiday charm to your Airbnb space. These simple additions can make your rental feel cozy and festive for your guests.

3. Bring the magic of Christmas scents to your Airbnb

While visual decorations are stunning, the scents of the season can leave a lasting impression. This holiday season, consider using scent marketing to add an extra layer of charm to your Airbnb. The fresh smell of pine, the sweet aroma of sugar cookies, the warm scent of cinnamon, the inviting smell of gingerbread, and the crisp essence of snow are all scents deeply tied to Christmas memories

Introducing these fragrances into your space can create an inviting, memorable atmosphere for your guests, making their stay even more special and festive. This thoughtful touch can elevate your guests’ stay, potentially leading to glowing five-star reviews and a calendar fully booked with guests seeking a special holiday getaway. 

4. Illuminate your Airbnb

When it comes to holiday decorations, lights are an absolute must. They bring a special kind of magic, brightening up both the interior and exterior of your rental property. Whether it's a string of twinkling fairy lights draped around the living room or a soft, warm glow welcoming guests at the entrance, lights are a simple yet effective way to create a festive atmosphere.

At Smarthost, we recommend opting for energy-efficient LED bulbs. Not only are they kinder to the environment, but they also help keep electricity costs down – a win-win for both you and your guests! 

5. Add festive textile touches 

A wonderful way to bring the holiday spirit into your Airbnb is by introducing some holiday-themed throw pillows or blankets. These can be easily found at most home decor stores or through various online retailers.

Adding these cozy, festive accents to your sofas or beds instantly makes the space more inviting and in tune with the season. If you have other decorative holiday items, consider placing them on coffee or end tables to enhance the festive atmosphere. These small, thoughtful additions to your decor not only make your rental more attractive but also create a warm, welcoming environment that your guests are sure to appreciate and enjoy.

Conclusion 

The holiday season brings with it the charm of sparkling lights, warm cocoa, and the joy of family and friends gathering. While everyone enjoys these festive delights, it's important to remember that not all guests celebrate the same holidays. When decorating your rental, a balanced approach is key, ensuring you don’t focus too heavily on any one holiday to avoid making some guests feel uncomfortable or excluded. This mindful decorating strategy helps create a warm and inclusive atmosphere that all your guests can enjoy during their stay.

At Smarthost, our professional interior design team is skilled at creating holiday settings that are both festive and inviting, appealing to a wide range of guests. This attention to detail not only enhances your property's appeal but also sets the stage for outstanding guest reviews. Interested in bringing this professional touch to your property? Book a free call with us today and let us help you make your holiday home stand out this season.

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