Selling your home during the holidays comes with its own unique set of challenges—but it also offers an opportunity to create a warm, memorable first impression for buyers. With so many St. Louis families hosting gatherings, decorating, and preparing for winter, it’s easy for a home to feel cluttered or overly personalized. Holiday staging is about striking the perfect balance: festive enough to feel inviting, yet simple enough to let buyers picture their own celebrations in the space.

Below are simple, strategic steps to stage your home beautifully this holiday season—plus how Olive + Opal Interiors can take the work off your plate.

1. Keep Holiday Décor Simple, Neutral, and Intentional

Holiday décor can be beautiful, but too much of it can distract buyers. The goal is to introduce cozy seasonal accents without overwhelming the space.

Stick to:

• Natural greenery

• Soft winter florals

• White, cream, deep green, and light gold accents

• One statement piece per room (not an entire theme)

Avoid:

• Family photos in ornaments

• Large inflatable décor

• Highly themed displays

• Full wall or mantel clutter

Simple décor allows architectural features—like fireplaces, staircases, and windows—to stand out.

2. Create Warmth Through Lighting and Texture

St. Louis winters get dark early, and lighting plays a huge role in how a home feels during showings.

Try:

• Turning on all interior lights

• Using warm LED bulbs

• Adding a cozy throw or neutral pillow (not theme-heavy)

• Using flameless candles for soft ambiance

You want the home to feel warm, not dim—and inviting, not overly decorated.

3. Make the Entryway a Welcoming First Impression

Your entryway sets the tone for the entire showing.

Focus on:

• A clean, simple winter wreath

• A tidy doormat

• No piles of shoes or coats

• Regularly clearing any snow, salt, or debris

Buyers should feel instantly welcomed—not reminded of the cold weather outside.

4. Use Seasonal Scents Sparingly and Strategically

Scents influence how buyers perceive a home, but overdone fragrances can be a red flag.

Choose subtle seasonal scents like:

• Vanilla

• Light pine

• Warm amber

Avoid stronger fragrances like cinnamon, peppermint, cookies, or anything overly sweet.

5. Keep the Christmas Tree Minimal + Proportional

If you decorate a tree, make sure it complements the space rather than dominates it.

Tips:

• Choose a size that fits the room’s scale

• Use a consistent color palette

• Keep gifts to a minimum

• Avoid oversized skirts and flashy wrapping

A thoughtfully styled tree can actually highlight ceiling height and create visual warmth.

6. Maintain Show-Ready Cleanliness

Holiday living often means extra clutter: wrapping paper, gifts, décor, blankets, and kitchen overflow. For showings:

• Clear counters

• Remove gift bags and wrapping supplies

• Keep surfaces clean

• Tidy living areas daily

Think “cozy minimalism”—warm yet streamlined.

7. Don’t Overcrowd Dining and Gathering Spaces

During the holidays, dining rooms and living rooms become the heart of the home—but they also tend to accumulate décor.

For staging purposes:

• Keep dining setups simple

• Use low greenery centerpieces

• Avoid full table settings

• Ensure seating areas feel open and spacious

These spaces should feel welcoming, not cramped.

Let Olive + Opal Interiors Handle Holiday Staging for You

The holidays are busy—there’s no reason to juggle showings, décor, hosting, and preparing your home alone. Olive + Opal Interiors offers holiday-appropriate staging options designed to make your home:

• Warm

• Inviting

• Beautifully balanced

• Ready for buyers

• Stress-free for you

Whether you need a full staging service, an occupied staging refresh, or professional recommendations to simplify your existing décor, the Olive + Opal team can guide you through a smooth, market-ready holiday listing.

Final Thoughts

Holiday staging isn’t about decorating more—it’s about decorating smarter. With a few intentional choices and strategic updates, your home can shine during one of the most competitive (and cozy) times of the year. And when you’re ready for expert help, Olive + Opal Interiors is here to ensure every room feels warm, elevated, and perfectly staged for the season.