Working from home in your own office has its advantages, not least during the festive season. Whether you have customers visiting or not, decking the halls doesn’t have to break the bank. At Trent, we know how important Christmas time is; it’s not just for family and friend get-togethers, but for small business too, as many stay open over the festive period. We’ve compiled some top tips to help you make the most of Christmas in your office. Read on!
Light the way
Imagination is all that’s needed to ensure your office festivities are fun-filled. Fairy lights or string lights are an inexpensive way to brighten up any office space, no matter of size, as their crisp LEDs deliver unrivalled brightness. Battery-powered or mains-powered, there are many different ways to incorporate lights, both inside and outside your office.
Placing battery-powered lights inside glass jars creates a cosy atmosphere inside, at a low-cost price! Whether you go for white or multi coloured lights, why not dot each firefly-like lantern around the office or on tables in visitor waiting areas? Or go one step further and place string lights above office door ways for a grotto entrance effect.
Lights aren’t just for indoors, and if you’re thinking of placing lights outside, remember to buy outdoor lights that are weather resistant for an approachable entrance to your business.
Get Creative
Christmas comes but once a year, yet we are all guilty of overbuying and over-decorating. To avoid both this year, why not get the office’s creative juices flowing and challenge the team to up-cycle old furniture lying around the office? An old and unused end table, for example, can be given a festive twist – at the fraction of the price of a new piece of furniture.
Chalk paints are great for painting over a dark stain or veneer as they don’t need to be primed, saving you money and time on your Christmas upcycling journey. Choose festive colours – reds, green, silver and gold – and decorate however you’d like. Dig out tinsel from last year’s overbuying collection, wrap some lights around the table legs and top with a festive candle enclosed in a lantern.
Better yet, get stuck in and make your own decorations to hang around the office. Pick up some pinecones on your next winter walk, for example, paint them gold or cover them in glitter and attach a ribbon to create cheerful decorations.
Don’t forget the tree!
No office would be complete without the essential component to the festive season: the Christmas tree! Whether you’re tight on space or budget, there are multiple ways, both traditional and not, to create something special.
Wall stickers are a cheap and cheerful alternative, and are available online and in high street stores in a range of colours and designs. Easy to put up and take down (and no pine needles to clean up afterwards), wall stickers could be the solution to saving money this festive season.
Old newspapers and magazines could be the answer to your office tree this year. Paint each page a festive colour, roll them up and glue into a tree shape- you’ll be surprised how effective (and cost-effective too) your do-it-yourself tree is!
If you’re looking for something a little more authentic, creating a Christmas tree out of large logs is a cheap alternative to the real thing. Paint each a festive colour, and place on top of temporary nails to create a rustic effect indoor.
Whatever your style, there are countless alternatives to an office Christmas tree that won’t break the bank.
Festive up your furniture!
As experts in the field, we know a thing or two about styling furniture for any occasion and Christmas is no exception. Office furniture can be bland at the best of times, however a home office has less of a corporate feel and a more relaxed atmosphere.
The quickest and cheapest way add a touch of Christmas to your furniture without damaging it for future use is simple; the humble cushion. Whether you opt for plain colours or a festive pattern, adding a cushion to office chairs or waiting room furniture can provide a homely touch.
Although ‘tis not the season for spring cleaning, looking after your furniture and cleaning it regularly is important for its maintenance throughout the year. Wooden furniture needs little care, but remembering to clean it with a damp cloth to prevent liquids being absorbed is an easy tip to remember. Upholstery requires more attention, however; recommended for its care is bicarbonate of soda, a sure fire way to ensure your sofas look new and smell fresh.
Simple tips like these will ensure your furniture is dressed for the season, while helping to save you money at the same time.
For more inspiration and tips this Christmas time, why not check out our blog?