Guest Blogger: How to Creatively Decorate Your Office for the Holidays

Guest Blogger #250, Entry #753, November 10, 2011

The holidays can be a pretty busy time of year for most people, what with family obligations, seasonal parties, and of course, shopping (not to mention all the regular stuff that fills up your schedule on a daily basis).  And yet, you want to take the time to enjoy some of the traditional aspects of the season.  Otherwise, what is all the hustle and bustle for?  So once you’re done decorating your home in an array of lights, candles, and figurines (or whatever you happen to decorate with), it’s time to turn your attention to your office.  Of course, there are some differences between decorating here and decking the halls at home.  So here are just a few pointers to help you keep it appropriate.

Decorate your office with holiday cheer

Image via: Interior Foliage

Keep decorations festive for all

The idea is to display your festive spirit without going over the top and potentially offending your coworkers.  You may want to keep the tidings of joy toned down in your own office or cubicle for this reason.  While hanging enough lights to make your office resemble the surface of the sun, blaring holiday music at 80 decibels, and throwing tinsel at passing colleagues may seem like good fun to you, it may not necessarily impress those who have to work with you (or your boss).  So keep it tasteful and toned down.  How, you ask?

For starters, you should probably skip the lights.  Sorry, but it’s all too easy for them to look tacky, they suck up a lot of power, and they’re likely to annoy your coworkers.  If you do choose to use lights, make sure they are battery operated, and limited to your immediate desk area. You should also go easy on the holiday music.  If you want to listen, keep it low and turn it off if you get any complaints, or simply wear headphones.  From here you can have some fun since there are all kinds of decor that are totally appropriate.  One easy way to add some holiday spirit to your space is to cover hanging artwork with seasonal wrapping paper (like a present).  If you have a cubicle, you could pin some paper on the walls.  You should also consider placing some poinsettias around your office.  Plants are a great way to brighten up the décor and they provide some extra oxygen that will literally have you breathing easier.

Decorate with festive wreaths around the office

Image via: Paradise Designs

Wreaths

Wreaths are another great idea, as long as they’re artificial; you don’t want tons of dead pine needles littering the floor when you get back from your holiday break.  They come in many sizes, colors, and materials to add some flair to your office and make the atmosphere festive.  And of course, you’re bound to have your own particular hallmarks of the season, such as candles and figurines.  You’ll want to avoid actual flame, so think about getting some LED fake candles (many are battery operated and flicker like the real deal).

Keep decorations tasteful and fun for all

Image via: Maria Decorating Ideas

Decorating Common Areas

You should also ask about decorating common areas (lobby, break room, etc.).  Although your company may do their own decorations, you might want to get together with coworkers to come up with a decorating scheme that reflects all the diversity of your office.  The season is really about tolerance and brotherhood of man, so it behooves you to make sure all of the many holidays that occur in this season are represented, not just yours.

Evan Fischer writes for Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer the premier law firm for auto accidents and personal injuries.

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