I’m often asked about how to decorate for the holidays when your home is for sale.  Without a doubt, the best guideline to follow for holiday decorating is “less is more.”  A few decorations go a long way when you’re trying to keep the focus on the space and not on the decorating.

Working towards a simpler, more sophisticated look works better than one that is cute and cuddly. For example, a simple table arrangement of plain round ornaments, both matte and shiny finishes, in a low bowl or large glass vase is a better choice than an arrangement of candy canes and teddy bears, a tree with white or clear lights is more subtle than one with multi-color lights.

Put up a Christmas tree only if you have a spot for it that is out of way and doesn’t alter the flow of traffic through the room; corners work best.

I know it’s hard to hear but save the religious decorations for the new house to avoid turning off buyers of other faiths.

And, while red makes everything “merry and bright,” it tends to be overpowering because it is the first color your eye sees in the spectrum. Choosing more metallics for your color palette such as silver, gold, or bronze color palette creates a sparkling light-filled space without the visual distraction of a lot of color.  If you limit your choices to balls, candles, and greens, you can’t go wrong.