How to Prepare Your Airbnb or Holiday Cottage for Christmas
There’s something truly magical about staying in a cosy holiday cottage at Christmas and New Year. Guests aren’t just booking a place to stay, they are looking to create unforgettable memories with friends and family.
Here are our tips to prepare your Airbnb or holiday let for Christmas and make your guests’ Christmas experience the best one yet.
Why decorate your holiday cottage for Christmas?
Decorating your holiday let for Christmas and New Year can be beneficial for several reasons.
Enhanced guest experience
Christmas decorations create a warm, cosy and welcoming atmosphere, which enhances the guest experience.
Encourages positive reviews
Thoughtful and well-executed Christmas decorations can lead to positive guest reviews. Guests appreciate the extra effort and special touches that go into decorating your holiday cottage to make their stay memorable. This can lead to glowing guest reviews and a higher rating.
Increased booking appeal
Photos of a holiday home that is beautifully decorated for the festive season will capture the attention of guests specifically looking for a Christmas cottage. Christmas decorations can set your holiday let apart from others in the area, potentially attracting more bookings.
Photo opportunities
Decorating your holiday cottage for Christmas provides an opportunity to take eye-catching photos for your property’s online listings. Guests are more likely to book a property when they can visualise their festive stay in a cosy winter retreat.
It can also lead to guests sharing their stay at your cottage on social media, giving you free marketing and potentially attracting future guests.
Provide a festive hamper
The holidays are known for relishing tasty treats and beverages which evoke the feelings of cosiness and nostalgia. Surprise your guests upon arrival with an extra special Christmas welcome pack filled with festive goodies.
To get guests in the Christmas spirit, include some firm festive favourites, such as:
- Hot chocolate and all the trimmings – squirty cream, marshmallows and cinnamon
- Mince pies and Christmas pudding
- An assortment of cheeses
- Christmas marmalade & chutneys
- Ingredients for Christmas cooking: cookie’s, yule log cake or a gingerbread house kit
- Toiletries that feature Christmas smells like cinnamon, orange and cranberry
- Christmas DVDs
- Provide some Northern Lights Colour Fire Cones for your open fire (they change the colour of flames to replicate the Northern Lights)
- Party hats, crackers and balloons
- Be sure to leave a handwritten Christmas card for your guests too
For families travelling with children, include items for the youngsters to enjoy:
- Sweet treats – chocolates, candy canes & selection boxes
- A small toy from Santa – Rudolph, Snowman or an Elf
- A book (e.g. The Snowman) to read on Christmas eve
- Reindeer dust for the children to sprinkle – and a carrot, of course
Before you fill your Christmas hamper, check if any guests have allergies or if anyone is vegan. Be creative with your selection. What would delight you as a guest?
Deck the halls
Opt for durable, tasteful decorations that appeal to a broad audience, and that can withstand multiple uses.
Christmas tree
A Christmas tree is a must for any Christmas cottage. Dress up an artificial tree with twinkling white lights, a selection of tasteful decorations, and place a few wrapped empty boxes under the tree. Consider placing a few smaller trees around the house on a console or side table for added cheer.
Fairy lights
Fairy lights bring a special kind of festive magic and warmth. Drape them across your fireplace, hang them over door frames, mirrors or bed frames to make the property extra cosy. Outdoor lights for the entrance and garden are also a nice addition.
Festive foliage
A pretty wreath of holly, mistletoe, and other festive foliage placed on the front door and windows is another easy way to welcome your guests as they arrive. Incorporating various types of greenery into your holiday decor can really elevate the atmosphere. Think about adding garlands, poinsettia, sprayed pinecones, bowls of dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks to bring a touch of nature and festive charm.
Stockings
Whether hung on the mantelpiece, over the bedpost or by the tree, Christmas stockings are a lovely touch for families spending Christmas day in your cottage.
Tableware
Include table coverings, napkins, crackers and a centrepiece.
Christmas scents
Use scents of the season to add extra charm to your holiday cottage. The fresh smell of pine, the warm scent of cinnamon, spices and the inviting smell of gingerbread are all scents tied to Christmas memories.
Make sure your kitchen is fully stocked
Family, comfort, and food are among the most important things during the festive holiday. Guests will have booked your holiday cottage (over a hotel) so they can cook and enjoy delicious meals. Cooking during this time can be a stressful experience, so make sure guests have everything they need to cook hassle-free festive meals.
Grocery delivery
Guests will likely have travelled from out of town, so they’ll need to buy the groceries required for meals. They can save time by pre-ordering a grocery delivery from local supermarkets and recommended independent suppliers.
Load up on logs
Nothing makes a winter night cosier than lighting the fire and watching the flames flicker. With store opening times being limited and the demand for toasty rooms being high, providing extra logs during festive weeks is essential.
Entertainment
Christmas is a time when families and close friends reunite and celebrate the holidays. The classic British winter weather means guests are likely to spend time indoors, so include fun games and activities that families can enjoy together. Provide a selection of board games, such as Scrabble, Monopoly, Jenga, Pictionary, Cluedo, Trivial Pursuit, a pack of cards or karaoke. Arts and crafts are a great idea for children.
Provide a what’s on guide
During the festive period, there will be lots of festive events taking place in the local area. Provide a ‘what’s on guide’ that highlights events that may be of interest to your guests during their time at your property.
Such as:
- Restaurants and pubs that are open on Christmas Day
- The best pubs with cosy fires
- The best walks for a crisp and sunny winter morning
- The best Christmas markets, Christmas lights switch-on and where to see Santa
- Make a list of your favourite local shops for some last-minute Christmas shopping
- The best place to celebrate New Year’s Eve
- Boxing Day swims
- Christmas carol services and churches offering a Christingle service
Help minimise travel stress
To help ensure your guests’ holiday gets off to the perfect start, try to minimise travel stress.
Try to be flexible with your arrival and departure days. Avoid peak dates such as Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, so guests can avoid congestion on the roads.
At this time of year, there’s an increase in adverse weather. If there are travel warnings in place, contact your guests so they know the local weather conditions and if there are any potential problems reaching your property. Provide shovels to clear the driveway, should guests be snowed in, and make sure there is a supply of rock salt to prevent falls on icy surfaces.
Spending Christmas in a holiday cottage can be a memorable experience for family and friends. As a host, providing unexpected thoughtful features and attention to detail mean guests will enjoy their stay even more.
Finally, make sure you enjoy your Christmas break just as much as your guests.