How to Hire Someone to Decorate My House For Christmas

Hire a professional holiday decorator to make your home merrier this season

House lit up with Christmas lights under the moon
Photo: JackAiello / Adobe Stock
House lit up with Christmas lights under the moon
Photo: JackAiello / Adobe Stock
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If you’re interested in hiring someone to decorate your home for Christmas, look no further. Our holiday decorator hiring guide will help you make your shortlist, check it twice, and find the perfect pro to bring your festive vision to life. Let’s review what you need to know before hiring a professional holiday decorator.

What Services Does a Professional Holiday Decorator Offer?

A professional local holiday decorator can transform your home into a holly jolly wonderland, inside and out. Here are the services these pros offer:

  • Exterior lighting: Installation of lights on your roof, trees, bushes, and other outdoor areas.

  • Interior decorating: Decorating Christmas trees, mantels, staircases, and other indoor spaces.

  • Yard displays: Setting up and connecting yard displays, such as blow-up characters or display scenes.

  • Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance to ensure lights and decorations remain functional throughout the holiday season.

  • Take-down and storage: Safely removing and storing decorations after the holiday season.

Can You DIY Holiday Decorating Projects?

There’s always the option to DIY your holiday decor, with festive elements to fit any skill level, from simple light projectors to detailed pieces that you can mix and match for your own merry masterpiece. Still, with any DIY project, there are obstacles and limitations, and you might not have the equipment you need. Hanging Christmas lights without a ladder, for example, will limit your options, whereas a holiday decorator would likely have the necessary equipment to hang decor wherever you need it. 

While it’s possible to decorate your home yourself, the process can be risky and time-consuming. Hiring a professional ensures that your decorations are installed safely, especially when it involves climbing onto the roof or dealing with electrical components. A pro can also offer advice to achieve a more polished and cohesive setup, helping you achieve a look that goes far beyond the basic sugar plum visions.

Tips for Hiring a Professional Holiday Decorator

Christmas lights on Florida palm trees
Photo: Kit Leong / Adobe Stock

Hiring the right holiday decorator can take your decor to the next level. Here’s how to ensure you find the best pro for the job.

1. Plan Your Holiday Display Ahead of Time

Before reaching out to a decorator, take some time to plan your project. Decide on the specific areas of your home you want to decorate, including whether you want interior, exterior, or both. Consider your design preferences and budget to communicate clearly with potential decorators. 

  • Determine the types and quantity of Christmas lights and decorations and their desired location.

  • Note special requirements or workarounds, such as your pro needing to know how to hang Christmas lights without gutters.

  • Use online sources to find inspiration and share it with your holiday decorator.

  • Decide on the type of lighting you prefer, such as incandescent, LED, Dome, C9, or others, and estimate the associated costs.

  • Consider if you need assistance with wiring for yard displays, such as blow-up characters or holiday scenes.

2. Check Your Holiday Decorator’s Qualifications and References

It’s important to verify the experience of any decorator you consider hiring, as well as verify liability and worker’s compensation insurance to protect yourself in case of accidents or damages. Ask for references, look at their social media profiles, or check online reviews to see how previous clients rated their work. Local municipalities and homeowners associations may require special permitting for holiday displays, so be sure to check local laws before you plan your project.

3. Interview Pros and Get Multiple Quotes

You should interview several professionals to review their portfolio, understand their decorating approach, and get a feel for their personality and professionalism. Obtaining multiple price quotes will help you compare prices and services to ensure you’re getting the best value. Make sure to ask about their process, materials, and additional services, such as maintenance or storage.

4. Schedule Early to Secure Your Preferred Date 

Holiday decorators are in high demand, especially as the season approaches. To ensure you get your preferred decorator and installation date, schedule your project as early as possible. Many decorators start booking months in advance, so securing your spot early can save you from last-minute stress and guarantee your home is ready for the holidays on time.

5. Communicate Your Vision Clearly

A successful holiday decoration project relies on clear communication between you and your decorator. Share your ideas, color schemes, and specific themes or styles you want to achieve. Providing pictures can help your decorator understand your vision and deliver results that match your expectations. Open and ongoing communication will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smooth process from start to finish.

6. Get a Contract and Arrange Payments With Your Holiday Decorator

Once you’ve chosen your holiday decorator, it’s crucial to put your project details in writing. A detailed contract should outline the scope of work, including the specific areas to decorate, materials, timeline, and total cost. 

Questions to Ask a Holiday Decorator

Before hiring a holiday decorator, here are a few important questions to ask:

  • What similar projects have you completed?

  • Are you insured?

  • What is your policy if something breaks, falls, or otherwise stops working?

  • When will you take down the decorations?

  • Can you provide references from previous clients?

  • Will I need to be home during the installation?

  • Is the quoted price final, or are there potential additional costs?

How Do I Find the Right Holiday Decorator Near Me?

Selecting the right local holiday decorator is essential for creating a festive atmosphere in your home. Make sure to choose a decorator who understands your vision, has the necessary experience, and comes highly recommended by previous clients. Hiring a vetted pro through Angi can simplify the process by connecting you with trusted professionals in your area.

After Your Holiday Decorator Has Finished

Once the holiday decorations are up, here’s what your final steps will look like:

  • Final payment: Make the final payment as outlined in your contract.

  • Review: Leave a review of your decorator’s work to help others find them.

  • Tag their social media: Show off your home for the holidays on your social media profile and tag your holiday decorator.

  • Be a reference: Offer to be a customer reference for the pro if you’re happy with their work.

  • Take notes: Keep records and notes of the process and any new themes or inspiration you’d like to incorporate next year.

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