(Family Features) Seasons change, and so do rental contracts and housing arrangements. If you’re leasing, you can still make your rental feel like home for the holidays with seasonal decor.
There are plenty of ways to create a festive holiday setting that makes your temporary space feel like a cozy, inviting home for the holidays, according to Meghan Giddens, design expert for Invitation Homes, a leading owner and operator of more than 80,000 single-family homes for lease.
“When it comes to decorating, renters often feel limited by the temporary nature of their living arrangements,” Giddens said. “We believe people should be able to make their house a home, one they’re proud to share with loved ones in-person or on their social feeds, no matter how long or short the stay.”
These seasonal decorating tips can help you create a space worthy of your newsfeed that won’t break the bank or your lease guidelines.
A festive entryway
When friends and family come to visit in celebration of the season, their first impressions often start when they walk up to the entryway. While festive touches are important to lead into the rest of the home, be careful not to overwhelm. Think of your holiday decor as a series of unique moments, each designed to give your guests a positive experience or create an opportunity for a share-worthy photo.
A holiday staple is a creatively decorated wreath hanging on the front door. Start with a plain wreath and add some holiday flair by wrapping it with thin red ribbon and tucking pine cones into areas they will hold firmly. For added detail, weave in artificial cranberry twigs that won’t lose their eye-catching pops of red color in the winter weather. Then affix your wreath to the door with a removable hook, of course.
Magical holiday mantels
Nothing says “holiday” quite like a crackling fire adorned with festive decorations. In many homes, the mantel is already a focal point and the backdrop to many family photos, so it’s an opportunity to make a big impact in a relatively small space. Think of your mantel as a blank canvas to create your own holiday scene.
Greenery in swags or a garland laid across the mantel is a classic way to dress it up for the holidays. You can add seasonal blooms like poinsettia and items like pinecones, faux antlers and berries for a nature-inspired look that can positively stand out. Or opt for oversized wire-edged ribbon to run across the mantle with gentle ripples and waves to add dimension.
Talk of the neighborhood
There’s no reason to limit your seasonal celebrating to the indoors when you can create yard decor that's the envy of the neighborhood. Holiday lights add instant holiday flair, and there are a nearly endless number of low-profile, affordable clips available that allow you to hang lights without permanently fixing or stapling anything to a home’s exterior. Keep colors and patterns in mind, whether you’re planning to go all-out on different colored strings or simple white all around. Other options like illuminated figures, inflatables or projection lights let you get extra creative and show a little personality, too.
Be sure you’re aware of the home’s electric capacity and don’t overload the system. Use power cords and plug-ins designed for outdoor use and follow all the manufacturers’ safety guidelines to prevent fire risks.
Decorating your home in a temporary yet festive manner can be accomplished with these ideas and more. Find additional tips to make your house a home any season of the year at invitationhomes.com.
