Deck The Halls - and the Windows, Too:
Get Your Home Guest-Ready This Holiday Season
The holidays are fast approaching, and the joy of hosting friends and family is right around the corner. Whether you're planning a cozy dinner party or a festive cocktail evening, your home becomes the stage for memories. At Heritage Design Interiors, we believe the right touches—especially at the windows—can elevate your space from ready to remarkable.
Here’s how to get your home in holiday shape, with tips on window treatments, decor updates, and design strategies to make your gathering shine.
1. Start with Light: Window Treatments that Impress and Perform
Windows are among the first things guests notice, and they play a powerful role in ambiance. The right treatments balance style with function: managing light, privacy, insulation, and visual appeal.
Why upgraded window treatments matter now:
Control natural light & glare. During the day, soft natural light is ideal; in the evening, guests want just enough glow. A well-chosen shade or drapery can buffer midday sun and offer a gentle transition into evening.
Energy comfort. Between heated homes and cold nights, insulated shades or cellular options can help regulate temperatures.
Acoustic softening. Drape fabrics and layered window coverings can help dampen echoes and create a warmer, intimate atmosphere.
Visual framing. New treatments become design statements — whether sleek and modern or richly textured and elegant, they frame the view and anchor the room.
At Heritage Design Interiors, we carry the full line of Hunter Douglas window treatments—everything from sheer shades, Roman and cellular shades, roller and woven options, to wood blinds, shutters, motorized systems, and custom drapery. Heritage Design Interiors
We can guide you in selecting what best fits your home’s style, your needs, and the lighting conditions throughout the day.
Holiday treatment ideas to consider:
Motorized or cordless lifts. When hands are full of trays or guests are arriving, these make operation seamless.
Layering. Use a sheer shade for daytime softness, then add decorative panels or draperies for evening richness.
Rich textures or subtle patterns. A linen weave or jacquard fabric can be just enough to add interest without overwhelming your space.
Dress the windows early. Installation can take time—measure, order, and install at least a few weeks before your first gathering so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
2. Decor Refresh: Elevate Without Overhaul
You don’t need a total remodel to make a dramatic difference. Thoughtful decor upgrades can shift your space from everyday to festive.
Quick decor strategies:
Neutral foundation + seasonal accents. Use pillows, throws, and small accessories in holiday-friendly tones (deep greens, cranberry reds, metallics) that layer over your base decor.
Statement lighting. Swap in a striking chandelier, or add decorative table lamps or string lighting to key nooks for warmth.
Texture and layering. Introduce tactile elements like woven baskets, velvet cushions, faux fur throws, or metallic touches for visual and tactile contrast.
Reflective surfaces. Mirrors, metallic accents, and glass accessories bounce light around and make rooms feel more festive.
Greenery and natural elements. Fresh wreaths, garlands, pine cones, seeded branches in vases — these natural elements bring life and scent.
Balance function and beauty. On dining surfaces, use elevated serving platters, subtle table runners, and decorative accents that leave room for food and conversation.
If you’re looking for custom accent furniture, accessories, or one-of-a-kind pieces, our retail shop (in a renovated 1800s inn) is stocked with curated items and fabrics to inspire. Heritage Design Interiors
3. Room-by-Room Tips for Holiday Hosting
Here’s how to tailor your efforts across rooms most used during entertaining:
Room: Entry & Foyer
Focus - (First Impressions)
Ideas - (A statement runner, warm accent lighting, seasonal greenery, and soft drapery near the door)
Room: Living/Gathering Room
Focus - (Cozy, Inviting)
Ideas - (Use layered window treatments, add ambient lighting, and incorporate modular seating or poufs for extra guests)
Room: Dining Areas
Focus - (Function + Beauty)
Ideas - (Ensure window coverings prevent glare on tableware, choose a centerpiece that doesn’t block sightlines, and balance scale and height)
Room: Kitchen & Buffet
Focus - (Flow + Storage)
Ideas - (Add open shelving or beautiful baskets, refresh window treatments over the sink, and keep counters clear for serving)
4. Timeline & Tips — Don’t Wait Too Long
Early planning (2-4 weeks ahead):
Measure windows, choose fabrics, finalize colors and patterns.Order and install window treatments (4–6 weeks ahead):
This ensures delivery and installation buffer time.Decor selection (3–4 weeks ahead):
Shop for linens, throws, accent pieces, lighting.Furniture layout and flow (2 weeks ahead):
Rearrange, declutter, make sure guest paths are open.Final touches (1 week ahead):
Add greenery, test lighting, clean windows, fluff pillows, and add seasonal accents.
5. Why Trust Heritage Design Interiors?
At Heritage Design Interiors, we bring decades of expertise to every space. Since 1990, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses navigate the many choices required to make a home feel purposeful, comfortable, and beautiful. Heritage Design Interiors
We’re proud to be a leading Hunter Douglas dealer, offering top-quality window treatments that marry craftsmanship and innovation.
And with our full interior design services, custom window treatments, custom furniture, and curated home decor offerings, we’re here to help you execute a holiday-ready home — without the stress.
If you’d like help selecting new window treatments, refreshing your seasonal decor, or planning a holiday layout, we’d love to be your guide. Contact us to schedule a consultation at 717-354-2233 or swing by our retail shop for inspiration.
Here’s to warm light, beautiful spaces, and unforgettable holiday moments in your home!
