Holiday decor for businesses: creating a welcoming environment

By Dixie Somers

Decorating your business during the holidays is important because it shows the community that you want to have a warm and welcoming business. However, it can be hard to know how to decorate a business for the holidays because you want to be sure that you don’t offend or alienate any of your potential customers. Check out these tips to learn a few different holiday decorating ideas for you to try in your location this season.

Use non-denominational décor 

When decorating your business, it’s best to avoid any décor that could be considered promoting a specific denomination unless you have a faith-based business. Instead, consider decorating with things that allude to the holidays or time of year without focusing on any religion. Holiday candies, snowmen, holly, garland, lights and snowflakes can all be great décor options to consider for your business.

[amazon_link asins=’B00EC820TA’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’succeedingi0d-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’5a787881-e812-11e8-bd3d-dffab3fd3bb4′]Use each point of sale station to your advantage 

The point of sale systems and stations in your business can be used as a decorative element, as well. Some software allows you to change the screen saver on the system to show a holiday image that can scroll whenever the machine is not in use. This allows you to add a bit of holiday whimsy without having to spend any extra money. However, individualizing each station can also be a good option if you don’t mind the extra cost. If you’d rather include and honor each religious holiday in your décor, these point of sale systems give you small places to highlight each one. For example, station one could be decorated with a manger theme, pointing toward Christmas, while station two could be decorated with traditional Hanukkah themes, highlighting the Jewish holiday in December.

The most important thing to remember is to treat each holiday and religion with respect. Consulting your community about things they would like to see and celebrate with you will allow you to be accurate and respectful to each religion. Including your customers in your décor will help everyone feel included in the community.

Use what you have in new ways

Sometimes, a roll of wrapping paper and a few bows is enough to get the job done. A great way to decorate during the holidays is to wrap pictures that you have hanging in the office with wrapping paper so that they look like presents. You can then hang them back on the wall as decorations for clients to see when they come into the business. This points to the traditional gift giving aspect of the holidays that many people participate in during this time of year. The added color only adds to the festive, joyful feel of your business.

[amazon_link asins=’B010C7PFJQ’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’succeedingi0d-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’74b5ffb0-e812-11e8-ab21-711dbf1646df’]Use window displays

If you want to really drum up business, consider creating a unique holiday scene in your window display. It could spark interest in the community and cause more people to come to your store than normally would. Be sure that the window display is appropriate and features something that will stand out and catch the eye. Thinking unconventionally could be your best bet.

It’s important to set up the holiday display at the right time. You want to be sure that you provide people with enough time to see the display, but not put it out so early that people become bored with it before the holiday season starts. Remember to consider your community when planning your holiday décor. Be open and respectful so everyone can enjoy this holiday season with you and your business.

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Dixie Somers is a freelance writer who loves to write for business, health, home, and women’s interests. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters.

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