Holiday décor in a short-term rental should feel inviting, fresh, and effortless — never cluttered or chaotic. The most successful spaces embrace a “just-enough” aesthetic: festive enough to delight guests, simple enough to maintain through busy turnover weeks, and neutral enough to welcome travelers of all backgrounds.
Below, you’ll find ten strategies designed specifically for STRs: scalable, photogenic, guest-friendly, and Florida-appropriate.
1. The “Just-Enough” Holiday Aesthetic
A holiday look doesn’t need to fill every corner. In fact, less often feels more intentional.
How to do it well:
- Build one or two vignettes instead of scattering décor across the entire home.
- Use the Rule of Three (3–5 curated elements together) to create visual balance.
- Remove a few everyday pieces when you add décor — swapping instead of layering prevents the space from feeling crowded.
- Designate one focal room (usually the living area) as your main holiday zone.
Budget Approach
Stick to a tight color palette that matches your core design. Think small grouped items — three candles, three ornaments, one small wreath — and confine décor to the main living space.
Premium Approach
Hire a stylist or choose a refined color story (e.g., black–gold–cream for modern, teak–turquoise–bronze for mid-century). Invest in one signature statement piece rather than dozens of small ones.
2. Holiday Decor That Photographs Well
Your listing photos set expectations — and holiday décor can be a major hook if done thoughtfully.
What works:
- Keep colors calm and cohesive (neutrals + soft metallics).
- Focus on one photogenic holiday moment — a corner tree, styled mantle, or cozy window seat.
- Avoid clutter: clear floors, open surfaces, and bright natural light help the space feel bigger.
Budget Approach
Use warm string lights, matte ornaments, and a well-staged throw + cocoa tray setup for lifestyle photos.
Premium Approach
Bring in a photographer post-decorating. A designer tree or oversized wreath can become your visual centerpiece. Create a styled “Instagram spot” with coordinated textures and colors.
3. Scalable Decor for Any Property Size
Holiday décor should match your square footage — not overpower it.
Studios & 1BRs
Stick to compact pieces: a tabletop tree, a door wreath, and maybe a single garland.
Mid-Size Properties (2–3BR)
Use a zoned approach:
- Living room = tree + main décor
- Dining = simple centerpiece
- Bedrooms = minimal holiday touches only
Large Homes
You can expand, but keep a consistent palette throughout. Multiple decorated zones can work — if they feel connected.
4. Holiday Decor With a Florida Twist
You’re not in a snowy landscape — embrace the tropical charm.
Coastal-Friendly Ideas
- Swap pine for palm, eucalyptus, magnolia, or tropical greenery.
- Build a palette with aqua, sand, coral, champagne, gold, or seafoam.
- Use seashells, driftwood, and capiz ornaments for a coastal tree.
- Outdoor spaces shine in winter — add weatherproof lights, pillows, and a mini patio tree.
Budget Approach
DIY shell ornaments, citrus-themed centerpieces, driftwood trees, and printed vintage Florida holiday postcards.
Premium Approach
Commission local artists for coastal wreaths, invest in high-quality humidity-resistant decor, or hire a pro to style a coastal-themed designer tree.
5. Avoiding Guest Overwhelm
A calm, uncluttered holiday space helps guests relax during a busy season.
Avoid:
- Strong competing scents
- Floor décor guests trip over
- Walls of ornaments or personal/religious displays
- Décor blocking light, doorways, or views
- Loud patterns or too many color themes at once
Do Instead:
- Keep scents mild and optional
- Clear all walkways
- Use neutral winter cues (stars, greenery, pinecones)
- Let décor elevate the space, not dominate it
6. Guest-Practical Holiday Touches
Festive can also be functional — and guests love that.
Smart Additions
- Seasonal, non-themed linens (deep green, cream, navy, wine tones)
- Soft throws in cozy textures
- A simple hot cocoa station with mugs
- Holiday-toned dish towels, scented (or unscented) hand soaps
- A styled but usable tray on the coffee table
Premium Additions
- Spa robes in holiday hues
- Velvet or cashmere bedding accents
- Designer mugs, glassware, or serving pieces
- A curated welcome basket with local treats
7. Decor Built for Fast Turnovers
Holiday décor should simplify operations, not complicate them.
Choose:
- Command hooks for easy removal
- Shatterproof ornaments
- Faux greenery that withstands Florida humidity
- Pop-up or hinged trees
- LED candles instead of real flames
Storage Tips
- Use airtight plastic bins (not cardboard)
- Label bins by room for next year
- Add silica packs to protect fabrics in humid climates
Premium Touch
Consider professional install/remove services or climate-controlled storage for décor.
8. One Signature Scent + Optional Holiday Sound
Delight guests with a gentle sensory layer — not a perfume shop or radio takeover.
Scent Strategy
- Choose one mild, consistent aroma (pine, vanilla, cedar, orange-clove).
- Use a diffuser on a low setting — never multiple competing scents.
- Make it optional (a simple note goes a long way).
Sound Strategy
- Provide a QR code to a curated playlist.
- Offer a Bluetooth speaker or smart speaker guests can control.
- For arrival only: soft instrumental music (then hand control to the guest).
9. Inclusive, Non-Themed Styling
Holiday décor should welcome every guest, regardless of background.
Stick to:
- Neutral winter motifs: stars, snowflakes, pinecones
- Metallic and natural palettes
- Evergreen wreaths with simple bows
- Warm lighting and soft textures
Avoid:
- Religious symbols
- Holiday-specific messaging
- Personal family décor
This approach feels upscale, universal, and hotel-level polished.
10. What Not to Do
A few common missteps to steer clear of:
- Don’t block windows, patios, or pathways.
- Don’t use messy décor: glitter, loose faux snow, fragile figurines.
- Don’t overload outlets or use indoor lights outside.
- Don’t clutter guest surfaces (nightstands, counters, vanities).
- Don’t mix too many themes or colors.
- Don’t leave open-flame candles where guests might use them unattended.
When in doubt: edit. A cleaner holiday design feels more intentional — and is easier to maintain between stays.
Thoughtful design sets the mood for a memorable holiday getaway. With balanced décor, Florida-friendly touches, and attention to guest comfort, your STR can feel festive without ever feeling overwhelming.
A clean, cohesive look — one photogenic moment, one gentle scent, and a few functional accents — creates exactly the holiday magic guests love.
