We all love to decorate our homes for the holidays, but if your home is on the market or you are thinking about selling it, you might want to think a bit differently about your giant inflatables or wild strobe lights this year. Below I put together some tips for homeowners to focus on subtle, modern decor for their homes.
Create a Fresh Evergreen Garland for Your Staircase
Skip the artificial pre-lit garland this year and create a stunning statement piece using fresh cedar and pine branches. Wire them together in overlapping sections, then weave in eucalyptus stems for silvery-green contrast. Add natural accents like clusters of pinecones, dried orange slices, and cinnamon stick bundles tied with jute twine. This creates a show-stopping focal point that fills your entryway with authentic fragrance and photographs beautifully for listing photos.
Display a Trio of Potted White Amaryllis
Instead of a traditional poinsettia, arrange three white amaryllis plants in matching ceramic pots on your dining table or console table. Use varying heights—one just budding, one in half-bloom, one fully open—to create visual interest. The clean white blooms work with any color scheme and suggest elegance without overwhelming the space. After the holidays, buyers remember the sophisticated centerpiece rather than your personal holiday style.
Style Your Mantel with Symmetrical Balance
Create a balanced mantel display by placing matching hurricane vases on each end, filled with Epsom salt to mimic snow and white pillar candles. In the center, lean a large rectangular mirror against the wall and layer a simple boxwood wreath in front. Flank the wreath with two small potted rosemary topiaries in galvanized metal containers. This symmetrical arrangement feels polished and professional—perfect for showings.
Hang a Magnolia Leaf Wreath on Your Front Door
Magnolia leaves offer a sophisticated alternative to traditional evergreen wreaths. Their glossy, silvery-backed leaves catch light beautifully and last throughout the season. Choose a 24-inch wreath for standard doors, 30-inch for double doors. Add a simple satin ribbon in champagne or ivory—skip the bow and let the ends hang long for a modern look. This creates stunning curb appeal without screaming “Christmas.”
Set Your Dining Table with Neutral Linens and Gold Accents
Dress your dining table with a natural linen runner down the center. Place a low rectangular wooden trough filled with white pillar candles in varying heights, surrounded by fresh greenery clippings and scattered gold mercury glass votives. Use simple white dinnerware with gold flatware and fold cream napkins into neat rectangles, secured with gold napkin rings. This tablescape photographs beautifully and lets the room’s architecture shine.
Arrange Battery-Operated Candles on Window Sills
Place identical battery-operated white candles with automatic timers in each front-facing window. This creates a warm, welcoming glow visible from the street during evening showings without the fire hazard of real flames. Choose flameless candles with realistic flickering for authenticity. This simple touch significantly enhances curb appeal during Pennsylvania’s early winter sunsets.
Fill Glass Apothecary Jars with Metallic Ornaments
Group three clear glass apothecary jars of different heights on your coffee table or kitchen island. Fill them with matte gold, champagne, and soft silver ornaments in varying sizes. The different heights create visual interest while the neutral metallics complement any decor style. This elegant display adds holiday spirit without cluttering surfaces—buyers can still envision placing their own items there.
Add a Velvet Throw and Pillows to Your Sofa
Layer a luxurious cream or camel-colored velvet throw over one arm of your sofa. Add two velvet throw pillows in complementary neutral tones—perhaps one in soft taupe, another in warm ivory. This adds seasonal texture and warmth without bold holiday patterns that might date your listing photos or distract buyers during tours.
Create a Simple Guest Bathroom Vignette
Roll three white guest towels and stack them in a wire basket lined with natural linen. Tuck a small sprig of fresh eucalyptus between the towels. On the counter, place a white ceramic soap dispenser next to a small glass votive with a white candle. This minimal seasonal touch feels hotel-like and intentional without overwhelming the small space.
Looking to Sell Your Pennsylvania Home This Year?
First of all, I love to decorate, and will be more than happy to give my opinion if you are looking for help with your holiday decor. If you are looking for holiday decor for a home you are thinking about selling, then I might be able to help out a bit more! I have been selling homes in Franklin County and around Central PA for the last decade and I would love to help put that expertise to work for your home this season. Contact me and I will meet with you to discuss your home’s value and your goals for the sale.
