5th Dec 2025

How to Decorate Your Office for the Holidays (The Right Way)

As the end of the year approaches, many businesses look for meaningful ways to mark the season.

Holiday decorating is one of the simplest and most effective ways to bring warmth, energy, and a sense of celebration into the workplace.

We love a good Christmas tree. It can completely transform a space and lift the mood. But in a professional setting, there is a fine line between festive and excessive. When decorations become a little too much, they can easily distract from the purpose and professionalism of your space. No one wants to be tripping over tinsel on their way to a meeting.

The goal is to strike the right balance. Thoughtful, well-placed décor can boost morale, help employees feel more appreciated, and leave a lasting impression on your clients and visitors. Remember, it’s not just about how things look, but about how your space makes people feel.

In this article, we explore how to bring the holidays into your office in a way that feels warm, inclusive, and aligned with your brand.

Start With a Simple Theme

Before the first ornament goes up, start with a clear visual direction. Choosing a cohesive theme or colour palette helps create a sense of intention and consistency across the office. It also prevents the space from becoming cluttered or distracting, which is especially important in busy professional environments.

Refined colour combinations tend to work best in corporate spaces. Consider silver and white for a clean, modern look, or gold and green for something classic yet warm. Navy and champagne offer a more unique, upscale feel, while traditional red accents can add just the right amount of festive energy without overwhelming the space. A well-chosen theme ensures your office holiday décor feels like a natural extension of your brand.

Add a Focal Point Tree

A single, well-decorated tree can create a strong visual impact without disrupting the overall flow of the office. Placing it in a high-traffic area, such as reception, a central location, or a communal lounge, makes it a focal point that welcomes both staff and visitors.

To maintain a professional feel, keep the design clean and coordinated. Ornaments in your brand colours, metallic finishes, or subtle textures can all work well. For a more personalised touch, consider inviting your team to contribute decorations or help with the setup. 

Not only does this create a sense of ownership, but it also turns a simple act into a meaningful team-building moment. Smaller trees or seasonal accents in breakout spaces can echo the main theme throughout the workplace.

Be Mindful With Your Lighting Choices

Lighting is one of the most powerful tools in interior design. During the winter months, it plays an even bigger role in setting the mood due to shorter days and a reduction in natural light. 

Instead of bright, flashing lights or overly colourful displays, choose warm white string lights for a more subtle and calming effect. 

You could opt to drape them along stair rails, around window frames, or across shelving units to bring a gentle seasonal glow.  Used well, lighting brings a festive atmosphere that supports wellbeing and focus, rather than disrupting it.

Focus on Small, Impactful Details

While it might be tempting to transform the entire office into a winter wonderland, often it is the smaller, more intentional touches that resonate most. 

Consider adding a seasonal floral arrangement or festive greenery in your reception, hanging a tasteful wreath at the main entrance, or placing a holiday-themed bowl of treats in the kitchen. 

These small, human-scale details show that care and attention have been put into the environment, which in turn helps employees feel more at home in the workplace.

Involve Your Team in the Process

Decorating should not be a task assigned to one person. Some of the most memorable and impactful holiday moments come from team-led traditions. Giving your people the opportunity to contribute or to participate in related activities builds engagement and connection.

This might look like a gift exchange, or a shared charity initiative such as a Giving Tree or donation drive. These small, low-pressure events can help create a sense of unity and celebration at the end of the year, a time when many teams are reflecting on achievements and looking forward to new beginnings. Involving your people in the process ensures the space feels personal, not just polished.

Keep It Inclusive

Inclusivity should always be front of mind, and especially during the holidays, when not everyone in your workplace may celebrate the same traditions. A thoughtful approach to décor makes sure everyone feels comfortable and represented, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Instead of focusing solely on Christmas-specific imagery, lean into broader seasonal themes such as winter, warmth, generosity, and gratitude. Snowflakes, greenery, soft lighting, and neutral messaging can help create an environment that feels festive and welcoming to all. When in doubt, simplicity often offers the most universal appeal. The goal is to celebrate the season in a way that brings people together, without highlighting differences.

Refresh Shared Spaces for the Season

The holidays are an opportunity to bring a little extra comfort into the places where people gather. Simple seasonal updates to your communal areas can have a big impact on how your team experiences the office in the final weeks of the year.

You might turn the break room into a winter coffee corner with a seasonal drinks station, add a few festive books or magazines to shared lounges, or create a small photo area for team selfies. 

If you want to get really immersive, soft background music or subtle scent diffusers can also add to a seasonal atmosphere. 

Overall these enhancements do not require major investment, just attention to detail and a desire to make people feel good in their space.

Why It Matters

Festive decorating in the workplace is not about going over the top. It is about creating a warm, inclusive environment that reflects your company’s values and brings your people together. With a thoughtful approach to colour, lighting, and detail, your space can feel festive and professional 

If you are already thinking about how to refresh your workplace for the new year, the holiday season can be a great time to reflect on how your space supports your people, not just in December, but all year long.