The real estate world's art of staging is a skill worth cultivating this holiday season. Unlike redecorating, staging is all about making small, low-effort changes to your home, ensuring maximum impact for the minimum amount of work. Follow Style at Home's essential holiday tweaking tips and your home will acquire a warm, welcoming, guest-ready feel in no time!
1 Purchase simple holiday greenery arrangements and embellish them yourself for a unique touch.
2 Pot up and begin forcing bulbs like amaryllis and paper whites six to eight weeks before Christmas.
3 Have your best table linens professionally cleaned.
4 Install night lights in hallways and guest bathrooms so that when friends and family come to stay with you, they can find their way in the dark.
5 Give yourself a warm reception by adding a timer to a lamp in your entry or another front room so that it's lit up when you come home from work or running errands.
6 Buy new napkin rings for your holiday table.
7 If your dining chair upholstery is dated or stained, have chairs re-covered or opt for slipcovers.
8 Book professional service providers for tasks such as carpet cleaning, chimney sweeping and maybe even putting up strings of outdoor Christmas lights.
9 Replace chipper or cracked serviceware or add a new vegetable dish or platter to your collection.
10 Get folding luggage racks for your guest rooms.
