With this post, we don’t want to start your holiday shopping countdown calendar— we know it’s only July. However, we’re already fielding questions about holiday decor planning from property managers who reached out to us after our holiday schedule had already filled up last year.
That’s why we decided to create a sort of “Christmas in July” guide, highlighting the benefits and nuances of well-planned holiday decor for commercial properties and communities. And don’t worry if you plan on going the DIY route for your commercial property or HOA holiday decorations, because we’re also covering some ideas for you, too.
Our goal is to help you be ready for the 2024 holiday season, whether you need our professional installation services or you can manage on your own. Either way, planning helps ensure:
- Your budget is used wisely and aligned with your desired theme
- You don’t get left with picked-over decoration remnants
- Your outdoor holiday decor is suited for your area’s climate
Then, there are the bonus benefits to creating a plan now.
Benefits of Early Planning
It’s not only about avoiding pressure to purchase last-minute decor. You also want to get ahead of trends to get your hands on this year’s most popular festive items. All it takes is a viral Instagram post for the best decorations to be sold out by the time you’re ready to start shopping.
And what if you’re planning to use a professional holiday installation service? A major budget benefit to property owners is the ability to spread the costs over several months by hiring a provider now - five months early. Also by signing on early, we can pencil you in for the tight window of installation, because just like you, everyone else wants holiday decor in place ASAP after Thanksgiving, too.
Thanksgiving of 2024 is November 28th, very late in the season, and the week after is going to be the busiest week of the year for holiday decoration installations.
Key Considerations for Planning Holiday Decor
Answering a few key planning questions puts you miles ahead. First, assess your landscape and infrastructure. Evaluate existing landscape features and identify suitable areas for decor installation. This sets the stage for choosing between theme ideas dancing in your head and a budget to match.
Choosing a timeless theme that’s perfect to use for several years helps maximize your budget. Be sure the decor is high-quality, or else the enduring theme will outlast the actual items.
Another way businesses reuse outdoor holiday decorations is by building holiday themes around their community or brand. This is possible for large businesses with a well-known brand image, small businesses with a feel for their city, and even HOA holiday decor that fits the neighborhood.
Budget for more than decorations.
Keep in mind professional installation costs and time costs for DIY plans. What about maintenance? Think about how you’ll keep live holiday plants healthy and prevent winter weather from causing damage and other maintenanceproblems (i.e., blown-down displays and wet weather danger with electrical cords).
As for holiday trends, they’re already here.
It’s also important to consider what happens if the authorized decision maker is away or unable to be reached when a decision needs to be made in an emergency or time sensitive situation. Who is second in charge? This hierarchy of decision making is just as important to define in the commercial landscape maintenance contract.
Popular Holiday Decor Trends
Unwieldy light displays without considering safety and sustainable holiday decor are a relic of Christmas past. Plenty of trendy options that are also eco-friendly are now available.
LED lights and solar powered holiday decor consumes considerably less energy than older bulbs. Plus, advanced lights can last many Decembers (roughly 100,000 hours).
Combine lower utility costs through sustainable lighting with trending natural materials like:
- Pine cones
- Dried wreaths
- Garlands
These items add to a trending “rustic look” and create an inviting atmosphere, as can handmade decorations—perfect for creating warmth in a personalized way. Then, consider the growing popularity of vintage-inspired holiday decor. Think classic glass ornaments, traditional colors, and even 1970s-era Santa displays.
For sophisticated holiday decor planning, use single-color themes (white, gold, or silver). Aim for focused metallic accents to showcase a posh style.
One way to prevent confusion here is to make sure that your landscape professional includes important details like service frequency, scope of services, and a map that clearly defines what you and they mutually agree they are responsible for. Yellowstone Landscape’s standard landscape maintenance agreements include all of this for every property we serve.
The wide variety of winter holidays provides extra inspiration and options:
- Saint Nicholas Day (Christian)
- Rohatsu (Buddhist)
- Diwali, The Festival of Lights (Hindu)
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Catholic)
- Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Catholic)
- Hanukkah (Judaism)
- Winter Solstice / Yule (Wicca/Neo Pagan)
- Guru Gobind Singh's Birthday (Sikh)
- Christmas (Christian)
- Kwanzaa (African American cultural celebration)
- Feast of the Holy Family (Catholic)
(Black Friday 2024 is November 29th. Cyber Monday is December 2nd)
Remember, climate variations can affect holiday decor choices.
Regional Considerations
Not all environments are created equal when it comes to commercial holiday decor. Christmas decor in warm climates highlights this fact. Parts of Florida and all of Phoenix have the warm-weather advantage, offering more plant options in December than in colder regions.
However, adapting holiday decor to warm climates is a concern, too.
Humidity, heat, and UV rays take a toll on outdoor holiday decor and even holiday interiorscapes with many windows. So shop for UV-resistant plastics, treated metals, and weather-resistant fabrics. Nylon and polyester are known for UV-durability, as is acrylic and teak wood.
What about plant materials? Choosing plants that thrive in your area’s climate protects your holiday decor investment. Poinsettias are a great choice for warm climates, blooming as the holiday season unfolds. Orchids are ideal for tropical areas, while succulents fit drier climates.
Incorporate holiday-themed containers if your plant options are limited by the climate.
Water features that can be used year-round are perfect for creating loads of festivity with little effort. Today, there are a wide variety of fountain and pond holiday decor accessories available. Get yours ordered now, as suppliers keep limited inventories since they can only sell them once per year— during winter holidays!
Be sure to buy quality accessories since water and electricity are a life-threatening hazard.
Humidity builds up moisture too:
- Use outdoor-rated lights and decorations
- Ensure electrical connections are waterproof
- Install GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets to prevent electrical shocks
- Keep plugs and connections off the ground
Other climate considerations include strong winds, snow, and coastal issues.
Inflatable decorations may need heavy-duty stakes instead of flimsier DIY supplies. Weighted bases are available on many free-standing commercial decorations, whereas some lightweight decor is simply better suited for indoor window displays or holiday interiorscapes.
Bright colors are best in regions with consistent snow. Otherwise, light-colored decorations get camouflaged by Jack Frost. Other snow issues, like heavy accumulation, could damage materials and topple displays onto people or create tripping hazards.
And while a coastal Christmas and beach holidays sound like a breeze, that breeze is salty. When picking out holiday decor made of metal, opt for rust-resistant materials (same for cold regions getting snow and ice salt treatments).
(Contact Yellowstone for more durability insights on professional-grade versus consumer-grade decor).
Now, for contrasting installation pros and cons.
Professional Installation vs. DIY
We’ve got a few tips for do-it-yourself holiday decor planning below. But first, here are the pros and cons of choosing professional holiday installation.
Pros:
- Save time on installs and maintenance
- Get access to commercial-grade lighting with longer warranties
- Custom designs from certified outdoor and interior designers
- Professionals are insured and trained to work on roofs, ladders, and with electrical equipment (22,710 ladder-related workplace injuries in 2020)
- Designers track new holiday trends to keep client holiday themes fresh
- Some providers offer decor storage (space gets limited the closer holidays get)
Cons:
- Costs of hiring fully insured and trained professionals
- Possibly a bit less creative control
- Miss out on the hands-on decorating experience
At Yellowstone Landscape, we’ve found our clients enjoy being involved in the planning aspect, but struggle with resources and expertise to install and mainteain their decorations through the holiday season. Another bonus of professional installs is never having to worry about weather-related issues with a provider on duty to repair and replace outdoor decor.
DIY Holiday Decorations Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Save money on labor
- Total control of designs and can make tweaks as often as you like
- Satisfaction from installing decor yourself
- Team pride from a group effort
Cons:
- Installing, maintaining, and take-downs require time set aside for these extra tasks
- Dangers of working on ladders, roofs, and with electricity
- Holiday displays aren’t usually as polished as pro designs
- Lower-quality materials might not hold up to extreme weather and may last only one season
- Finding somewhere to store all the decorations (without worry of damage and mold)
Commercial Holiday Decor DIY Tips
Start early so you’re not pressed for time (Halloween’s only three months away, with Thanksgiving soon after), and use what you have by repurposing items that fit your theme. Source natural elements like berries, branches, evergreens, and grapevines—ideal for eco-friendly holiday decorations for communities. Use outdoor-rated lighting, inspect cords and connections, and follow manufacturer safety guidelines.
How about three DIY holiday project examples?
- Santa’s Mini Workshop: Oversized “candy” and a variety of classic toys.
- Vintage Skates Door Hanger: Source vintage ice skates and adorn with ribbon, greenery, or festive paints.
- Repurposed Candle Holders: Drop evergreen clippings and cranberries in glass containers filled with water, adding floating candles for simple elegance.
DIY is easier when you aren’t rushed and can go step-by-step.
Choose your color scheme and ideal areas to decorate (i.e., entrances, windows, and reception areas), being mindful of safety restrictions. Then gather supplies such as ornaments, extension cords, craft paper, battery-powered candles, and lights. A great way to connect with neighbors and neighboring business owners is to share and swap holiday decorations.
A focal point is a must with holiday decor planning. Popular options include photo-worthy areas, eye-catching window displays, and a traditional Christmas tree or holiday tree with an array of inclusive ornaments.
Next, add lighting along columns, windows, or railings. Net lighting makes lighting up shrubbery and small trees easy. Projected lights are perhaps the number one lighting solution for DIYers, as you can work safely from the ground (*even short ladders cause more serious injuries than you imagine).
Extras to consider adding:
- Oversized letters-to-Santa mailbox
- Huge event calendar and list of various December holidays
- Sales events to promote other local businesses
- Toy donation centers
Download Our How To Plan Holiday Decor For Commercial Properties Checklist→ CLICK HERE or our HOA specific decor checklist → CLICK HERE
Incorporating Technology and Innovation
Luckily, advancements in lighting provide more than impressive utility cost savings. Smart lighting is also more visually pleasing than outdated lights, smaller cords are easily hidden, and timing can be automated. The advantage of remote control operation for lighting and interactive displays gives you flexible control from indoors.
One of the hottest holiday trends you’ve likely seen and heard is synchronized holiday music to light shows. This isn’t only for large properties. Smaller spaces can utilize it thanks to affordable technology. In fact, music dancing to your holiday lighting is one way to get attention for your business during the holidays.
Promote these innovative holiday designs on social media to attract attention and visitors. The key is to not worry about going viral. Focus on the true meaning of the Christmas and holiday season—aim to make someone who sees your post smile. That’s a gift, and you can take it further.
Community holiday engagement is easier with online photo contests, giveaways, and events. Partner with other businesses willing to sponsor these festive activities. You can also highlight a neighborhood’s weekly “Best of” HOA holiday decorations or “Yard of the Month” for Christmas decor in warm climates.
Maintenance and Storage Tips
Daily maintenance keeps your holiday decorations in great condition.
- Dusting prevents hard-to-remove buildup
- Check bulbs and replace burned-out lights ASAP
- Check soil moisture levels of live plants and trees to prevent over- and under-watering
- Adjust and secure displays after storms
Storing decorations is often the forgotten chore that creates post-holiday stress. Yellowstone warehouses clients’ holiday items to take the burden off their shoulders and ensure their decor is in perfect condition when the next December rolls back around. Our best storage tips are…
- Dust, wipe down, or wash supplies before storing
- Use bubble wrap or repurpose papers for wrapping fragile items
- Clear bins with secure lids offer moisture protection and visibility for organizing
- Organize by category using detailed labels
- Light reels prevent endless tangles and bulb damage—potential fire hazards
- Store in climate-controlled space to avoid heat and humidity damage
Prepping for the next year:
- Snap photos of current displays to reference next season
- Cull decorations before storing reusable items
- Inventory supplies available for reuse, noting replacement needs
- Make holiday supplies easy to get to for next November
- A review of decor likes and dislikes helps guide future seasons
- Gather community feedback for additional guidance
Conclusion
The holidays seem to sneak up on us earlier and earlier each year. If that’s not the case for you, then we’d love to know the secret to slowing down time!
For most people, time flies. Thanksgiving NFL games will be here before summer even gets an official goodbye. By that point, the busiest shopping days, travel, and rearranged work schedules are upon us.
So please consider early holiday planning for your commercial property whether you hire a professional or enjoy stringing outdoor holiday lights yourself. We’ve witnessed how valuable planning ahead is to property owners who want to reduce holiday hassles and achieve the ideal ambiance at the most magical time of the year.
