🎄 5 Ways to Make Your Oxford Short-Let Feel Festive (Without the Clutter)

✨ Festive but Minimal: The Holiday Sweet Spot

December guests love a cosy, festive atmosphere, but no one wants to stay in a home that looks like Santa’s workshop exploded 🎅🎁

The secret? Small, intentional touches that bring warmth and holiday magic without cluttering your space.

Minimal festive styling not only feels more sophisticated, it also photographs beautifully for your holiday listings. More charm, more bookings, more five-star reviews.

Here are 5 simple ways to elevate your short-let this season.

🎄 1. Keep Décor Subtle and Seasonal

The best festive décor feels natural, not busy. Choose pieces like:

• a simple wreath
• pine sprigs or eucalyptus in a vase
• a soft winter throw
• a neutral-toned festive cushion

These add atmosphere without overwhelming smaller spaces or modern interiors.

✨ 2. Use Warm Lighting Instead of Bold Decorations

Lighting is the quickest way to set a holiday mood. Try:

• warm LEDs
• amber table lamps
• a subtle strand of fairy lights in one area (not everywhere)

It’s festive without being flashy and makes your listing photos glow.

🌿 3. Choose Natural Holiday Touches

Natural materials look timeless and elegant. Think:

• wooden ornaments
• dried oranges
• cinnamon sticks
• pinecones
• greenery

They blend beautifully with your year-round décor and add warmth without visual clutter.

❄️ 4. Add a Cosy Seasonal Scent

Scent is part of décor too. Use subtle diffusers or candles with notes of:

• vanilla
• cedar
• cinnamon
• pine

A soft festive fragrance can instantly transform the feel of the space, without adding a single physical object.

📸 5. Simplify Surfaces for Cleaner Photos

Guests book with their eyes.

Clearing surfaces and focusing on one or two well-placed festive accents will make your listing look more spacious and inviting.

Less clutter = more calm = more bookings.

And it keeps post-holiday reset incredibly easy.

🎁 Final Thought: Festive Doesn’t Mean Full

You don’t need dozens of decorations to make your property feel magical, just thoughtful, well-placed touches that create warmth and atmosphere.

Minimal festive styling feels modern, clean, and universally appealing... the perfect match for Oxford’s winter charm.

At CheckInCheckOut by CiCoSolutions, we help landlords design short-lets that photograph beautifully and create memorable, cosy stays all season long.

👉 Visit checkincheckout.io to see how we support landlords through every season.