/blogs/theworkshop.atom Dekra-Lite - The Workshop Blog 2024-04-15T00:00:00-07:00 Dekra-Lite /blogs/theworkshop/light-calculation-for-christmas-trees 2024-04-15T00:00:00-07:00 2024-04-25T02:38:38-07:00 How Many Lights for Wrapping Christmas Trees? Arianna Guevara More

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Decorating trees with lights is an ageless holiday tradition. But estimating how many lights for wrapping Christmas trees you need to get your desired look can be a bit complicated. Simply guessing probably won’t get you the results you want – you need to consider factors like brightness, tree dimensions, type of lighting, and more.

How Many Lights for Wrapping Outdoor Trees?

Large outdoor trees are perfect for decorating using LED lights. A well-lit tree can serve as the centerpiece for the rest of your outdoor decor and create a fun, festive atmosphere for your guests.

But decking one out fully will require a fair quantity of string lights, especially if the tree is large and you’re looking for dense coverage on the branches too. You may need upwards of thousand mini-lights.

Basic Rule of Thumb

The basic rule of thumb is that for each foot of the tree’s height, you need 50 to 100 lights to getan ideal level of coverage and brightness. Go with the lower end of this range if you’re lookingfor a more laid-back display.

On the other hand, you may need as many as 150 lights per foot of tree if you want the tree to look particularly bright and flashy.

But, remember that this is just a general guideline. While this estimate is good enough to getyou in the right ballpark, you may need more or less depending on a bunch of factors – let’sdiscuss those

Other Considerations

Here’s what you need to consider to get a more accurate estimate of the amount of lights you’ll need.

  • The circumference of the tree.
    In addition to height, you should measure the circumference of the tree, especially the trunk and major branches. A larger circumference means more string lights are required for each wraparound.
  • Your desired level of brightness.
    If you want your tree to stand out and attract the attention of your guests, visitors, or customers, you’ll want more brightness and lighting. On the other hand, a dimly lit tree can be a better option in some cases, such as when you’re looking to place more attention on the overall ambiance and atmosphere of your property rather than just the tree.
  • The number of branches to cover.
    Many outdoor trees lose their foliage and turn bare during the holidays. Now, you don’t have to light up every single branch that’s visible, only the major ones – But if you neglect the branches entirely and only light up the trunk, you might have an incomplete look.
  • The density of the foliage.
    Evergreen trees retain most of their foliage year-round. Dense foliage diffuses the light from small LED bulbs, decreasing brightness but simultaneously creating a beautiful luminous glow around the top of the tree. You can get away with using fewer lights in foliage-dense areas and still achieve this glowing effect.
  • The type of lights you’re using.
    LEDs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The smaller ones, like mini LEDs and 5mm bulbs, have faint lighting and need to be packed densely. The larger C7 and C9 bulbs are more luminous, so you won’t need as many for the same level of brightness.

Getting an Exact Measurement

To know exactly how many lights you need for any tree, you’ll need to take some measurements. These are:

  • The height of the tree.
  • The circumference of the trunk. Take this measurement at 4.5 feet above the ground. Here’s a quick guide on
  • How much distance to leave between each loop of string lights.

The sweet spot is generally defined as 3 to 4 inches of space between each loop, but depending on your desired level of brightness, you can leave as little as 2 inches and as much as 6 inches between each spiral.

Now for some quick math.

  • Convert your tree’s height from feet to inches.
  • Divide the height of your trunk with your spacing. This gives you the number of loops you’ll need to make around the trunk for full coverage.
  • Multiply the resulting value by the circumference of the tree.
  • The final answer is the length of string lights you need (in feet) to do one complete loop around the tree, top to bottom.

To make you understand better, let’s use an example. Assume we have a tree with an 8-foottrunk and a 3-foot circumference.


If we leave 3 inches between each loop of string lights, we would require roughly 32 loops (8feet or 96 inches divided by 3 inches) to uniformly cover the full trunk.


Since each loop has a 3-foot circumference, we would need 96 feet of string lights for the trunk.You can repeat the same process for branches and add them to the total.

Bulb Spacing for Outdoor Trees

Smaller lights, such as mini LEDs, 5mm bulbs, and C6 bulbs, come connected to the cord. The spacing is pre-set by the manufacturer – usually 4 to 6 inches of space between each bulb.


The larger C7 and C9 bulbs require more spacing. The standard spacing on the light strands for these bulbs is 12 inches.


A quick tip: C7 bulbs are the most versatile option for decorating outdoor Christmas trees due to their moderate size. C9 bulbs can look out of place on trees under 10 feet in height.

Lights for Different Size Christmas Trees

Artificial Christmas trees have a uniform build, so you can reliably estimate the amount of lights you’ll need from the height.


You generally want 100 to 150 light bulbs per foot in height for your indoor or outdoor Christmas tree


Here’s a chart to eliminate the guesswork.


Tree Height (Feet)
Recommend Quantity of Lights
3
300 - 450
4
400 - 600
5
500 - 750
6
600 - 900
7
700 - 1050
8
800 - 1200
9
900 - 1350
10
1000 - 1500

How Many Lights Do You Need for Your Christmas Tree This Year?

The amount of lights you need comes down to your Christmas Tree’s height and your desired level of brightness.


If your Christmas tree has no lighting at all, stick to the earlier recommendation of 100 to 150 mini bulbs per foot of height.


If you have a pre-decorated Christmas tree that just needs a touch more lighting, one or two strands of mini LEDs should do the trick. But you may not need LED lights in this case. Consider going with glowing ornaments instead.

Should You Buy Extra Lights?

Buying extra lights is usually a good idea. It’s better to have more lights than necessary – you can pack them in more densely or layer some of them for more volume and glow. But if you don’t have enough, you’ll be left with a bare tree at the top.


Having backups can also come in handy in case some of your lights suddenly stop working.

FAQs on How Many Lights for Wrapping Christmas Trees

Dekra-Lite has answered some of look at some of the questions our customers commonly ask:

How many lights for a 6-foot Christmas tree?

For a 6-foot Christmas tree, you should have 600 lights for normal coverage. Use up to 900lights for a brighter display.

How many lights for a 7-foot Christmas tree?

A 7-foot Christmas tree generally requires 700 lights, with 1050 lights on the upper end.

How many lights for an 8-foot Christmas tree?

800 lights will get you good coverage on an 8-foot Christmas tree, although you may want touse as many as 1200 lights if you’re looking for a truly fantastic and vibrant display.

How many lights for a 9-foot Christmas tree?

900 lights is the minimum recommended amount for a 9-foot Christmas tree, and you’ll want closer to 1350 lights to really make the tree pop.

How many Christmas lights can you string together?

Most modern LED Christmas lights allow you to connect at least 8 to 10 strands end-to-end, and many allow for even more. However, remember to always check the manufacturer's recommendations for the “maximum run” because going over the maximum run can overload electrical circuits and is a safety hazard. For example, our 5mm mini LEDs have a maximum run of 42.

How many Christmas lights per foot of tree?

For an indoor Christmas tree, 100 lights per foot is the recommended amount. For outdoor trees that tend to be bulkier and more uneven, you may need as many as 150 lights per foot.


Measuring the height and circumference of the tree will provide you with a more accurate estimate of the amount of light needed.

About the Author

Located in the heart of Orange County, California, Dekra-Lite, Inc. is a trusted leader in the commercial Christmas industry. We decorate hundreds of commercial properties, shopping centers, amusement parks, and cities each year, making holiday dreams come true all across the country.


We’d love to bring your extravagant vision to life!

Contact Us Today

Recommended Products

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/blogs/theworkshop/how-to-decorate-a-light-pole-for-christmas 2024-03-19T00:00:00-07:00 2024-04-16T10:06:19-07:00 How To Decorate a Light Pole for Christmas Arianna Guevara More

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Pole lighting décor can turn the bland light poles on your property into attention-grabbing beacons of light that guide foot traffic and leave a lasting impression on your customers.

But with a sea of options available, picking the right décor can get a bit confusing. So to help you decorate your light poles this holiday season, here are our top trending ideas.

How To Style Your Lamp Post for the Holidays

You should have a theme in mind before you start decorating. Even a vague idea of what you want your posts to come out looking like in the end can help.

The key to a beautifully styled lamp post is to use decorations that complement the surrounding environment and go nicely with the rest of your décor.

Your choice of colors can also make or break your décor. While highlighting your business’ color palette is always something you can default to, there are plenty of other exciting options to try out.

  • Set up a Christmassy theme with the traditional red and green.
  • Create a snowy winter wonderland with white, flocked décor, while your lamp posts radiate some much-needed light and warmth.
  • Try a modern aesthetic with silvery accents, modern décor, and bright LED lights.
  • Or, show off a more natural vibe with flowers, wreaths, and traditional elements.

Illuminated Mounts for Lamp Poles

Decorating an outdoor light pole starts here.

Illuminated mounts are the easiest way to add style to your lamp poles. The mounts feature intricate, elegant designs that will attract the attention and adoration of your customers and guests alike.

The extra lighting helps with visibility on walkways and subtly takes foot traffic where you want it to go.

Glowing pole mounts come in a variety of colors and designs, so there’s an option for you no matter what aesthetic you’re going for. Installation is easy with the help of brackets, and once installed, you can keep the mounts up to decorate your property all year long.

Wreaths & Bows

A classic wreath for Christmascan add a lot of appeal to your light posts.

When selecting a wreath, look for one that's proportionate to the size of the pole. Too large, and it will look out of place. Too small, and it might not make as much of an impact as you were hoping for.

To securely attach the wreath, use a sturdy wire or a zip tie and tightly fasten it around the pole. You want a snug fit to ensure the wreath doesn’t swing or fall off the lamp in strong winds.

Next, complement your wreath with a bright red bow. You don’t have to stick to the traditional red, but it’s a popular choice for a good reason. The sharp contrast between red and green makes your lamp post pop with color!

Remember to look for waterproof materials and UV-resistant fabrics to ensure your bow maintains its vibrant color throughout the season. Bows are super versatile, and you can use them in other creative ways.

Flowers & Base éǰ

If you’re going for a more natural look, there’s no better way to decorate your light pole than with flowers.

But not real ones – they’re fragile and short-lived.

Use faux flowers instead. They flaunt the same colorful charm as their live counterparts, only with much better longevity and durability. They’re perfect for use as an outdoor holiday décor item.

How Can You Add Flowers to a Light Pole?

To attach flowers to your light pole, use floral wire or cable ties.

Secure the flowers around the pole with even spacing between each loop. You can also arrange the flowers in clusters and add hanging ornaments for more variety.

One of the best things about flowers is that you can use them to decorate your poles around the base. Simply spread some around the base of your light post. Throw in some more natural décor, like pinecones, branches, berries, and foliage to really sell the look.

This way, you can decorate your light posts not only at the top but also at ground level – perfect for poles on your walkways and pedestrian paths.

Remember to opt for weather-resistant faux flowers so you don’t have to worry about maintenance until the season is over.

Lights & Garland

There’s nothing quite like the warm glow of LED lights coupled with the lush greenery of a garland to elevate your light posts.

Garlands come in different types of foliage and colors. If you don't have something specific in mind yet, go with a garland with mixed foliage for a versatile option.

For the lights, soft LED string lights are the way to go. They require less power and generate little heat.

Light poles are built to provide plenty of light and illumination on their own, so you don’t have to go overboard with the string LEDs. You want to use them mainly to add color and charm.

Nailing the color scheme is key, though. Lighting has a image. Gold, red, warm white, and green are all iconic Christmas colors that will make your light pole stand out and add a serene ambiance to the area.

How Do You Attach a Garland to a Light Post?

Properly attaching a garland to a light post sounds straightforward but requires some handiwork. If you’re attaching a large garland to an even larger light pole, you’ll probably need a step ladder and maybe even a helping hand to speed up the process.

  • Measure your garland against the pole to make sure the size is just right. When you buy a garland, it’s a good idea to go a bit larger than you estimate you’ll need. Garlands are supposed to be a grand display, so it’s better to have a bit extra to work with than not enough.
  • Start by securing your garland at the top of the post with zip ties or floral wire and allow the rest to drape down naturally.
  • Then, work your way down and secure the middle and bottom. Provide extra support wherever needed to prevent the garland from sagging. Use green zip ties (or ones that match your garland in color), so they’re less visible.
  • If you want your garland to drape down the light pole, secure it only at the top and leave the lower half suspended.

How Do You Wrap Lights Around a Lamp Post?

  • Plan out your design. Do you want the lights to wrap around the pole? Do you want them to drape down from the top? Or do you have something else in mind?
  • If you’re going for the wrap-around design, start at the bottom and work your way up to the top, using zip ties to secure the string of lights as you go. Leave even spacing between each spiral.
  • If you want the lights to drape down, attach them at the top of the pole.
  • You can also layer the lights or use multiple colors. This gives your pole more dimension.

Choosing the Right éǰ for Your Light Poles

Before you go shopping for your light pole décor, you need to ask yourself a few important questions.

  • Do the light poles have power?
  • If not, can you get power to them from nearby?
  • What size are the light poles?
  • Are they street poles, parking lot light poles, or small walkway lamp posts?
  • Can the poles handle wind loads?

Pole decorations can range from 2' to 8' tall, so you have options no matter the size of the poles you're working with.

You also need to consider traffic flow. Your light pole decorations should face their intended audience but have enough clearance for visitors to pass by unobstructed.

For street-adjacent poles, your christmas ornaments should face the street rather than any nearby walkways, and have at least 14.5' of clearance.

Walkway pole mounts should also face your traffic instead of the surrounding buildings or greenery and need to be high enough for even your tallest guests to walk under.

Final Thoughts About Decorating a Light Pole for Christmas

While you go about decorating, remember – the goal is to create a festive, inviting atmosphere for your guests and customers. And there are countless combinations of décor you can use to do that.

Now, the fun begins: choosing your luxury decorations! Do you want a zigzag tree, shooting star, candy cane? Or how about something more elegant like our swirly Valparaiso pole mount? There are endless designs available in our collection of light pole décor.

FAQ About Decorating Your Lamp Post for Christmas

Here are two of the questions on decorating outdoor lamp posts we’re commonly asked.

How To Decorate a Lamp Pole for Christmas?

Start by choosing a theme and select decorations that complement it. You can use wreaths, garlands, lights, and even flowers to decorate your lamp post. Stick to your business’ color palette to promote your brand or go wild with contrasting colors to draw more eyes. Just make sure your décor doesn’t get in the way of passersby.

How To Decorate Outside Posts for Christmas?

You can decorate outdoor posts similarly to light poles, with garlands, lights, and flowers. But with a standard outside post, you especially want to consider getting a lit pole mount for the added visual appeal and extra lighting.

About the Author

Located in the heart of Orange County, California, Dekra-Lite, Inc. is a trusted leader in the commercial Christmas industry. We decorate hundreds of commercial properties, shopping centers, amusement parks, and cities each year, making holiday dreams come true all across the country.


We’d love to bring your extravagant vision to life!

Contact Us Today

Recommended Products

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/blogs/theworkshop/decorating-your-outdoor-christmas-tree 2024-03-08T00:00:00-08:00 2024-04-16T09:58:01-07:00 13 Ways to Decorate Your Outdoor Christmas Tree Jacklyn Walters

A Christmas tree without decorations is like a winter without snow – no fun. But with the amount of décor options available these days, finding the right combination can be difficult. So here are 13 of our favorite ideas to inspire you this holiday season to decorate your beautiful outdoor Christmas Tree.

How To Decorate An Outside Tree For Christmas

With the right decorations and a bit of creativity, you can turn a standard, run-of-the-mill Christmas tree into one that will grab attention from afar and make your customers want to approach for a closer look.

Go for the Classic Wrap-Around Design

The classic wrap-around design has a timeless appeal. It’s simple, looks great, and you don’t need anything besides commercial-grade lights to make it work.

For smaller trees, start with the base and work your way up with a string of LED bulbs. For taller trees, you’ll need to start at the top with the help of a sturdy ladder.

You can never go wrong with warm white lights, but feel free to show off some more vibrant colors if they better match your setup.

Consider leaving even spacing between each wrap-around for a uniform look.

Cheat With Chic Faux Trees

Using live or live-cut trees for outdoor decoration usually ends up being more trouble than it’s worth, especially if you’re a business looking to use décor as a commercial tool.

Your best option is to use instead. Unlike their live counterparts, faux trees are more durable, weather-resistant, and require little to no maintenance.

And the best part? You can simply cheat your way into having an awe-inspiring Christmas tree with pre-lit and pre-decorated options.

Create a Stunning Display With a Cascade of String Lights

You’ll use LED lights for this design too, but instead of wrapping them around the tree, hang them at the top and let them drape down naturally.

The result? A spectacular show of cascading lights that resembles the appearance of a waterfall. This design works exceptionally well with taller trees.

Just take care to secure the lights properly to the top of the tree to ensure they have enough support during harsh weather.

Put Your Outdoor Christmas Tree in Front of a Window

Maybe it’s not your décor that needs changing, but rather your tree’s placement. Simply relocating your Christmas tree next to a window can make it more appealing, especially as a selfie spot. You’ll also make a stunning impression on those of your customers who remain indoors.

Quick bonus tip – if the goal is to get your indoor customers to take notice of the tree, use decorative lighting with themes and colors that contrast your indoor décor to make it pop.

Create a Christmas Tree Grotto

Fancy lighting will get you far, but if you want to offer your customers an experience that’s truly unique and immersive, there’s nothing quite like your own Christmas Tree Grotto.

Select a cozy corner on your property for the setup. Put up your tallest Christmas tree first, then surround it with other smaller trees, vegetation, ambient lighting, and props for a captivating, grotto-like effect. Aim to keep the lighting and colors consistent, and the Grotto will come together nicely.

You can go with a simple Christmas theme by using Santa, elves, and reindeer props with some candy cane as décor. Or emphasize the wintery, snowy vibes with snowflakes, snowballs, and flocked trees.

Match Your Tree to the Rest of Your Outdoor éǰ

Having some diversity in your outdoor décor is definitely important. But everything eventually needs to come together into one cohesive unit so that nothing looks out of place.

For example:

  • If you’re going with a natural look, you’ll want to use natural decorations like pinecones and burlap ribbons.
  • If you want a more modern look, use big shiny non-breakable ornaments, metallic props, and bright, vibrant lighting.
  • If you want to give off frosty, winter wonderland vibes, combo a flocked tree with silvery lighting.

We recommend having a theme or color palette in mind before starting out with decorating your Christmas tree. Using your brand colors is usually a good call, as it helps you incorporate your business into your décor.

Style a 'Wishing Tree'

Here’s an idea you probably haven’t thought of yet. Present your commercial Christmas tree as a community project.

You can offer your guests and customers a fun, interactive experience by inviting them to your “wishing” tree. Give them tags to write down their wishes, resolutions, and secrets, and then hang on the tree.

You’ll turn first-time visitors into loyal customers and get mentions on social media.

Light Your Tree With Candles

Real candles would be a major fire hazard, so they’re pretty much out of the question here. But battery-operated candles remain a great option. They flicker just like the real ones, use LED lighting and are .

Use candles to give off a gentle light with a warm, cozy atmosphere and a more traditional look.

Create a Pastel Marvel With White-Cable Lights

Create a calm, serene experience for your guests with this unique design.

You’ll use pastel-coloured LED lights in a wrap-around style. Think pink, mauve, mint green, and soft blue – all gentle colors that are easy on the eyes and have a soothing effect.

You’ll need the cables to be white, so they blend in with the background and allow the softer colors to shine.

If you like the idea, take things a step further by mixing in some pastel-colored ornaments and props for a more complete look.

Lighted Ornaments

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to lighted ornaments. These eye-catching pieces of décor add visual depth and elegance to your tree’s lighting and serve as a focal point for your viewers’ attention.

They also come in handy when filling in spots that regular LED lights just won’t light up. Pairing lighted Christmas tree ornaments with contrasting strip lights makes for a striking visual effect.

Make Your Garden Merry With Multi-Colored Lights

You usually want to stick to a set color scheme, but not always. But if you don’t have one in mind, experimenting with multiple colors and combinations until you find out what works best with your setup can be the right call. And for that, you’ll need multi-colored LED lights.

Line up your garden with multi-colored strips. Lighting up your business’ perimeters creates an inviting, atmospheric environment for your guests and customers. You can even use different lighting patterns and sequences to add dynamism and movement to the display.

Create an Enchanting Tree Outline With Green Lights

Outlining trees with green lights makes them pop out against the nighttime backdrop. It’s a simple but bold approach you can use to imbue your outdoors with a mystical, enchanting aura. Add some battery-operated candles to the mix, and you’ll have yourself a tree that’s haunting and spooky – but in an exciting way.

Use a mix of different green lights to give your tree more personality. Dark greens make it look deeper and richer, while lighter greens make certain parts stand out. By using a bit of both, you can give your tree’s lighting a more 3D effect.

Stick to Just the Trunk for an Easy Festive Look

Sometimes, less is more. Wrapping just the trunk of your tree in lights is an effortlessly chic way to celebrate the season.

This minimalist approach highlights the tree’s structure and can be a subtle feature in your outdoor décor. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a more low-key design to spread the holiday cheer with, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of having to decorate your tree from top to bottom.

FAQs on How to Decorate an Outside Tree for Christmas

Here are some of the most common questions about decoration that we at Dekra Lite get asked. Have a quick look before you go.

How do you decorate an outdoor Christmas tree?

It’s best to start with a vision or idea of your desired look. Choose a color scheme or theme, then select lights and Christmas decorations that complement the natural beauty of the tree and your outdoor setting.

When getting new décor, don’t tunnel vision on the looks. You’ll also want to consider practical aspects such as durability, weather resistance, and UV-tolerance.

How do you hang Christmas lights on an outside tree?

For small to medium-sized trees, wrap the lights around the trunk and extend them out along the branches. Use clips or ties to secure them to the tree.

For taller commercial trees, you’ll need a ladder and maybe even a pole with a hook to access the top. Always prioritize your safety. If you’re having trouble securing your lights to the top, ask your Christmas tree supplier for help with setting up your decorations.

How do you decorate a Christmas tree so it looks good?

The key lies in striking the right balance between lights, ornaments, props, and surrounding décor.

Start with the lights, add garlands or ribbons, and follow up with your ornaments. Distribute your decorations evenly across the tree. Place larger ornaments closer to the center for depth and smaller ones at the tips of branches.

Periodically step back to assess the overall look and make any needed adjustments until you’re satisfied.

About the Author

Located in the heart of Orange County, California, Dekra-Lite, Inc. is a trusted leader in the commercial Christmas industry. We decorate hundreds of commercial properties, shopping centers, amusement parks, and cities each year, making holiday dreams come true all across the country.


We’d love to bring your extravagant vision to life!

Contact Us Today

Recommended Products

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/blogs/theworkshop/2024-decor-trends-unveiled-transform-your-space-with-the-latest-styles 2024-02-29T00:00:00-08:00 2024-03-01T16:43:25-08:00 2024 éǰ Trends Unveiled: Transform Your Space with the Latest Styles Jacklyn Walters More

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In the world of décor, anticipation for the festive season begins long before the first snowflake falls. At Dekra-Lite, our designers are already weaving the fabric of tomorrow's Christmas, drawing inspiration from the myriad of design trends unfurling throughout 2024. These trends are not just fleeting whims. They are the muses for our upcoming holiday collections, influencing every ribbon, light, and ornament we select. Join us as we unveil the design visions that have our designers dreaming of a Christmas like no other, informed by the most captivating trends of the year.

Why Do Trends Matter?

In a world awash with fleeting fads and rapid shifts in taste, it's easy to dismiss the latest trends as mere whimsy. Yet, understanding these shifts is crucial, not only for staying relevant but for connecting with our guests on a deeper level. Whether we're creating magic for the holiday shopper or the summer visitor, recognizing and integrating these trends ensures we not only meet expectations but also offer the delight of the unexpected.

Trends are the language of our collective preferences, changing with the seasons yet always reflecting our shared moment. They are not reserved for the influencers or the fashion-forward alone. They are acknowledged, consciously or not, by everyone. By keeping our fingers on the pulse of these changes, we ensure that your property remains not just a backdrop, but a leading character in the stories your guests will tell.

Worry not about keeping up with these ever-evolving tastes yourself. Our team of designers is dedicated to translating these trends into spectacular decorations for Christmas and beyond, ensuring your spaces remain both timeless and timely.

Styles & Trends

Maximalism

2024 sees the unabashed celebration of maximalism, inviting us to embrace the joy of excess. Christmas, with its inherent opulence, finds a perfect match in this trend. Imagine spaces alive with rich colors, eclectic mixes of textures, and bold statement pieces that speak to the heart of your brand's identity.

A storefront window display lined with overly decorated red garland showcasing a red Christmas tree inside.

Maximalism isn't just decoration; it's a declaration of joy.

Bold Minimalism

Conversely, bold minimalism offers a serene counterpoint, proving thatrestraint can be just as impactful. This trend champions spaces that breathe, where each element, from a striking piece of art to a solitary splash of color, stands out against a canvas of calm. It's about achieving balance, making bold statements without overwhelming the senses, perfect for brands exploring the edge of trendiness with caution.

A giant undecorated Christmas tree stands in a hotel lobby decorated with only one giant green velvet bow with red and gold gift boxes around the base.

Nostalgia

A theme park walkway is decorated with nostaligc commercial Christmas decorations including garland draped over the street and a skyline display that says Happy Christmas - 1938.

In a nod to simpler times, 2024 also embraces vintage vibes and a return to artisanal craftsmanship. This trend celebrates the beauty of the past, urging us to find new value in the old. It's about sustainability, authenticity, and storytelling through décor, offering a sense of warmth and nostalgia that enriches the guest experience.

Colors, Shapes, & Textures

Colors

The color palette of 2024 dances across a spectrum from vibrant jewel tones toearthy neutrals and romantic pastels. Peach Fuzz, the Pantone Color of the Year, bridges these categories, embodying the fusion of trends we see in the coming months.

When it comes to vibrant shades, consider our maximalist theme. Bold and bright colors, along with jewel tones and deep purples. These shades capture attention and add excitement to your space. Use them sparingly or use them everywhere. Either way these shades are sure to spark joy.

Five vibrant color swatches, one hot pink, yellow-green, blue, magenta, and deep purple.

Earthy tones like warm neutrals and soft greens are making their way to the stage, too. We saw deep greens on the rise at the end of 2023 and they aren’t going anywhere any time soon. Leverage these shades to create cool and calm spaces, and to balance out your vibrant tones.

Five earthy color paint swatches, one cream, navy, tan, pale green, and deep green.

Following the neutrals and naturals are the romantics – pinks, reds, and elements like lace, ribbon, and florals. 2023 saw a rise in the “coquette aesthetic.” This emphasized playful, flirty, and traditionally girly styles.

Five romantic color paint swatches, one baby pink, bright pink, deep pink, maroon, and deep red.

There’s no way to tell if these trends will last all the way ‘til Christmas, but we will definitely be using Poinsettias everywhere we can this season. In the meantime, consider incorporating these shades and textures into your spring and summer décor before they go out of style.

It’s not just the colors you choose but how you use them. We’re seeing simple color palettes on the rise, with 2-3 tones taking center stage. Mixing metals like silver, copper, and gold tones is a simple way to embrace this trend. Abstract gradients are another great way to leverage these simple palettes and tie together seemingly incongruous shades.

This blend of colors invites creativity, allowing for dynamic spaces that are at once inviting and innovative.

Shapes & Textures

The year's décor is defined by a mix of curves and organic shapes, from rounded edges to bold scallops and lines. Textures play a significant role, with layered surfaces adding depth and interest. Think textured ornaments, dimensional accents, and the interplay of light and shadow, all contributing to a rich, tactile experience.

Experiences

A man poses for a picture inside of a tunnel lined with rainbow color-changing lights while children and parents walk through in the background.

The ultimate trend of 2024 is the creation of immersive experiences. Inspired by phenomena like the immersive Van Gogh exhibit and social sharing, we're seeing a rise in spaces that engage all senses.

Interactive light shows, soundscapes, and art-inspired installations transform spaces into shared experiences that linger long after the visit. By integrating bold colors, clean designs, and unexpected accents, these spaces invite interaction, from communal seating arrangements to selfie stations and narrative-driven pathways.

Bring These Trends to Life

With so many styles to keep up with, it can feel daunting to incorporate them into your space. That's why we're here. Bringing these trends to life can be as simple as mixing in textured ornaments or adding a photo op for your guests to make memories in.

As we look ahead to the decorations of 2024, we see more than just trends. We see the opportunity to create spaces that resonate deeply with our guests, offering them not just a visit, but an experience. At Dekra-Lite, we're more than decorators. We're storytellers, using the language of design to weave tales of joy, wonder, and shared memories. Let us help you translate these trends into spaces that speak, ensuring your property remains not just current, but unforgettable.

About the Author

Located in the heart of Orange County, California, Dekra-Lite, Inc. is a trusted leader in the commercial Christmas industry. We decorate hundreds of commercial properties, shopping centers, amusement parks, and cities each year, making holiday dreams come true all across the country.


We’d love to bring your extravagant vision to life!

Contact Us Today

Recommended Products

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/blogs/theworkshop/choosing-outdoor-christmas-tree 2024-02-14T00:00:00-08:00 2024-02-19T07:19:25-08:00 How to Choose an Outdoor Christmas Tree Jacklyn Walters

Decorating your outdoor space with a Christmas Tree is one of the best end-of-year investments your business can make. An outdoor Christmas Tree makes a bold statement to your customers, elevates your business environment, and gets you more traffic.

That said, choosing the best one for you can be a bit complicated. Here’s what you should know.


  • An outdoor Christmas tree will help you attract more customers and improve their buying experience.
  • Choose a tree based on its physical dimensions, style, and visual alignment with your brand.
  • Outdoor Christmas trees are built to last, but carrying out weekly inspections and maintenance helps them stay in good shape.
  • You can decorate your tree with lights, ornaments, ribbons, toppers, and props for added visual appeal.

Outdoor Christmas Trees: Trendy or Tacky?

The difference between a tastefully decorated outdoor space and one that might look tacky or over the top largely depends on: execution. When choosing an outdoor Christmas tree, pay attention to the size and design of the tree, as well as how compatible it is with its surroundings.

While an outdoor environment gives you more room and flexibility to work with, you still need to consider the ideal dimensions for your space. A taller tree will help you attract more foot traffic but might look out of place in smaller spaces.

Design and aesthetics are just as important as size. You want your Christmas tree to be well-decorated and its aesthetic elements to be harmonious with its surroundings. Lighting can be a powerful tool here.

By simply matching your tree’s lights to the color palette of your brand, you can create a more memorable customer experience. Ashows colors can help managers enhance the mood of their customers. So, experiment with the colors of your tree and background lights and create some interesting combinations which reflect your brand’s identity.

Benefits of an Outdoor Christmas Tree

Outdoor Christmas trees are not all show! They help decorate your property, which can have real, significant benefits for businesses and can help you hit some of your sales targets. A captivating Christmas tree is an investment – one that will pay off for years to come.

Attracting Customers

Think of an outdoor Christmas tree as a customer magnet. Because it acts like one, especially when you decorate it well and place it strategically on your property to be visible from important sightlines and catch the eye of those passing by.

During the holiday season, people are in buying mode, and it’s much easier to sell them on your products and services. You’ll get more sales if you can draw in foot traffic closer to you, and a Christmas tree helps you reel people in from afar.

Improving Customer Experience

People want to create memories during the holidays. And if you want to leave a lasting impression on your customers, there’s nothing quite like a well-decorated outdoor seating space with a beautiful Christmas tree as its centerpiece.

But the benefits don’t extend solely to your customers. Remember that you’ll also boost the morale and productivity of your own employees for as long as the tree is around.

Getting Social Attention

The Christmas tree provides an attractive background for photos, selfies, and group images. You’ll know if your decorations are working well if customers gather around for a quick selfie or photo.

Here’s the thing: Photos are shared excessively on social media during the holidays. So, a well-fashioned Christmas tree can not only get you more customers in-person, but valuable social exposure online too.

Tips to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Christmas Tree

Before anything else, make sure you’re purchasing your tree from a reputable supplier. Look for a solid warranty and after-purchase customer support.

To choose the perfect tree, focus on these three factors.

Choosing the Right Tree Shape

The shape of your Christmas tree influences its visual appeal and determines how well it fits into the available space. You should consider the layout and spatial dimensions of where you’ll place your tree to select the most suitable shape.

You have several options:


  • Traditional Full Trees: These trees offer the classic Christmas look. They’re simple yet versatile, which makes them a very popular choice among businesses looking to decorate their outdoors.

  • Slim Pencil Trees: If you’re working with limited outdoor space, slim pencil trees might be a more suitable choice. They take up less room while still adding height and festive charm. They also tend to be more affordable since they use less material.

  • Modern Shapes: If you want to stand out from the ordinary, modern designs and unique shapes are just what you’re looking for. Designs like spiral and walk-through trees help you put on a more avant-garde display.

Choosing the Right Christmas Tree Size

The size of your tree needs to be proportional to the outdoor area to avoid overwhelming the space or appearing too small and insignificant.

Measure the height and width of the space where the tree will be placed. Ensure there's enough room not just for the tree but also for any additional decorations you might want to add later.

Leave a comfortable amount of space for viewers to appreciate the display. Especially so if you’re decorating an outdoor seating space. Your customers probably won’t appreciate the tree as much if it’s so close that it ends up being disruptive and distracting.

And most importantly, consider the sightlines to the tree from various approaches to the business. Focus on traffic-heavy points; entrances, exits, and walkways.

A larger tree may be necessary to draw traffic from a busy street, while a smaller tree can suffice in a more intimate or pedestrian-friendly setting.

Choose The Perfect Type for You

Choosing the perfect type starts with deciding whether you need a live or artificial tree.


  1. Live-cut or Artificial
    This one is an easy decision. For businesses looking to use the Christmas tree for commercial purposes, using an artificial tree is almost always the right call. That’s because they’re durable, require little maintenance, and can be used for years on end. Modern artificial trees can easily replicate the authenticity and charm of their live counterparts, so there’s little to no downside.

  2. Tower or Panel
    Tower and Panel trees both involve stacking steel rings for the main support structure. Towers have rings stacked in two-foot increments and use branches for foliage, giving a more realistic and natural look. Panel trees, on the other hand, use rings in four-foot increments and utilize large panels of foliage. This gives their foliage a very regular and uniform look.

    If budget isn’t a constraint,giant Christmas trees tend to be the preferred choice. They’re large, awe-inspiring, and have natural-looking foliage.

  3. PVC vs PE
    And finally, if you want to get down to the details, consider what material the tree uses for foliage. The two mainly used types are PVC and PE – short for Polyvinyl Chloride and Polyethylene.

    PVC is more affordable and durable, but PE looks more natural and realistic due to its being modeled after real branches. If you want the most authentic look possible, go with PE foliage.

Best Outdoor Artificial Christmas Trees

The best outdoor artificial Christmas tree for you depends on your goals, budget, and of course, your outdoor space. Let’s look at some common scenarios to see which type of outdoor Christmas tree would suit your needs best:

  • Your outdoor space dimensions
    If you’re restricted to a more compact space but still want some height, the best option for you is to go with a slimmer design. Consider a tree like theMonarch Tower, which is perfect for narrow walkways and entrances, or compact outdoor sittings.

  • Go for budget-friendly options
    Getting a high-quality Christmas tree doesn’t have to break the bank. You have access to plenty of high-quality options even if you’re working with a fixed budget.

    A smaller tree is perfectly fine – and can even be the optimal choice – if your primary goal is to improve your customer experience and get social shares.

    Paired with the right props and decor, a smaller tree can appear more inviting than the larger ones and make for a more interactive experience. Your customers will feel encouraged to walk up and snap a selfie.

    Just adjust your budget and shift your emphasis to nailing the decor and creating a warm, lively ambiance.

    Use warm tones of light to set the mood, and make sure there’s enough space around your tree for customers to gather around and take a picture.

  • Choose based on your needs and goals
    If your goal is to attract more customers and make more sales, go for a tree that’s tall and brightly lit so it can grab attention from a distance.

    Something like a tall Sequoia Tree as they are massive tower trees with sizes ranging from 14’ to 70’, making them perfect for commercial outdoor usage. They feature the very best in both aesthetics and technology.

    If you have custom decorations in mind, get a traditional tree to save on the extra lighting and decor costs.

    If you don’t have the time or resources to deal with after-purchase decoration, getting a pre-lit, or better yet, a pre-decorated tree can end up saving you money in the long run.

Caring for an Outdoor Christmas Tree

Outdoor Christmas trees like the ones we offer atDekra Liteare extremely durable and built to last. But they do need some care and maintenance every now and then to stay in tip-top condition.


So, below is how you can care for your outdoor Christmas tree to make sure it lasts for a long time:


  • Avoid positioning your tree under direct sunlightif you’re located in a sunny region. Avoid placing it in close vicinity to heat sources as well. Look for Christmas trees that come with a UV-resistant coating to prevent sun damage.

  • Take care of dust build-up regularly. Clean your tree weekly or whenever there’s a noticeable build-up of dust on the foliage. Use a gentle brush or a dry microfiber cloth. You can use a spray bottle with water when more thorough cleaning is required but do not use chemicals or harsh cleaning liquids.

  • Clean gently. Avoid damaging any sensitive lights, ornaments, or decorations while cleaning.

  • Use commercial-grade LEDs. Christmas tree lighting can be quite energy intensive. Using quality lighting helps you save on power costs and protects your tree foliage from undesirable discoloration due to heat buildup. Go forpower-efficient, low-heat decorationDZپDzԲ.

  • Carry out regular check-ups to inspect for damage. Check the foliage and electrical harness, especially after extreme weather events. It’s better to spot and deal with problems proactively so your Christmas tree lasts you through the full holiday season.

How To Decorate an Outdoor Christmas Tree

Many Christmas trees come with lighting pre-installed for convenience, but you can take things a step further with:


  • Vibrant custom lighting
  • Shiny and reflective ornaments
  • Colorful ribbons
  • An eye-catching topper
  • And various props


But – before you go hunting for the perfect decor – remember that it’s best to keep things cohesive by deciding on a theme first.


A festive, snowy theme with red and white is always an option you can default to for the holidays. But you may want to consider using your brand’s color palette instead to helpincorporate your brandinto your decor.


Make sure toget ornamentsand decorations that are UV-treated, weather-resistant, and suitable for outdoor use.

About the Author

Located in the heart of Orange County, California, Dekra-Lite, Inc. is a trusted leader in the commercial Christmas industry. We decorate hundreds of commercial properties, shopping centers, amusement parks, and cities each year, making holiday dreams come true all across the country.


We’d love to bring your extravagant vision to life!

Contact Us Today

Recommended Products

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/blogs/theworkshop/celebrating-all-year-3-easy-steps-to-keep-your-commercial-property-shining 2024-01-22T07:02:07-08:00 2024-01-29T20:58:47-08:00 Celebrating All Year: 3 Easy Steps to Keep Your Commercial Property Shining Tony Pallotta More

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Ditch the Post-Holiday Blues: Celebrate Every Season with Stunning Commercial Decorations

The holiday season may be over, but that doesn't mean your commercial property has to hibernate until next December! Embrace year-round festivity and engage your visitors with beautiful decorations for every occasion. In this blog, we'll reveal 3 easy steps to transform your space and keep the good vibes flowing

Step 1: Deck the Halls for Every Season (and Reason)

Beyond Christmas: Year-Round Commercial Decorating for Maximum Impact

Forget about throwing your decorations in the attic - seasonal merchandising is a powerful marketing tool! Go beyond festive lights and explore engaging banners that highlight upcoming events, celebrate national holidays, or simply showcase your brand personality. Our rotating banner programs make switching between themes a breeze, keeping your guests surprised and delighted year-round.


A shopping center parking lot with lampposts decorated with East pole banners.
  • Connect with our team:Tell us your vision, whether you need stunning street pole banners, eye-catching entrance signage, or custom designs for unique occasions like St. Patrick's Day or Cinco de Mayo.

  • Review and refine: We'll send you design proofs before printing, so you can tweak every detail until it's perfect.

  • Sit back and relax: We handle everything from printing to installation, ensuring your property shines all year long.

Want more product recommendations and tips?

How to Decorate Your Property All Year Long

Step 2: Renew Your Holiday Magic Before Santa Calls

Don't Wait Until December: Secure Your Dream Commercial Christmas Decorations Now

While you might be dreaming of warm weather and summer barbecues, we're already gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year! To offer you the merriest and most customized decorations, early renewal is key.


Let's work some holiday magic:


  • Review your existing décor: We'll assess what sparkled, what needs a touch-up, and what deserves a festive retirement.

  • Expand your horizons: Dream big! Is it time to upgrade your commercial Christmas tree or add that animated Santa display your team has been eyeing? We'll help you create a breathtaking holiday wonderland.

  • First-time client? No problem! Embrace the early bird spirit and lock in your dream Christmas decorations with plenty of time for design consultations, custom builds, and special orders.


Close-up picture of a white lit reindeer decoration with a giant outdoor Christmas tree in the background.

Step 3: Give Last Year's Decorations a Pre-Holiday Makeover

Breathe New Life into Your Commercial Christmas éǰ: Easy Refurbishment Tips

éǰthat's made to last is at the heart of our passion. By giving your decorations a little TLC each year, you can extend their life and reduce waste. Refurbishment isn't hard! Simply take your decorations out before the next season and:


  • Check your lighting:Make sure all the lights are twinkling brightly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs or strands.

  • Inspect and refresh: Look for scratches on ornaments, faded foliage, or frayed wiring. We can help with repairs and replacements.

  • Dust your holiday spirit: Give everything a good cleaning to bring back the festive shine.

A woman sitting down next to a custom Christmas tree, cleaning the ornaments.

Let's Celebrate Together!

Keeping your commercial property looking festive all year long doesn't have to be a hassle. Our team of experts is here to help you every step of the way, from choosing captivating year-round banners to planning your most magical Christmas yet. Contact us today and discover how we can make your vision a reality!

Remember, celebrating doesn't have to end with the holidays. With these 3 easy steps and our expert help, your commercial property can be a beacon of festivity and joy all year long!

Related Readings

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/blogs/theworkshop/how-to-decorate-your-property-all-year-long 2024-01-09T00:00:00-08:00 2024-03-29T09:13:23-07:00 How to Decorate Your Property All Year Long Jacklyn Walters More

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Decorating a commercial property is no joke.


Malls and shopping centers have various tenants to please. Theme parks need decorations that uphold safety standards. Event centers have a continuous stream of rotating artists that all require a different ambience. ѳܲԾ貹پhave tight budgets and input from all of their community members.


No matter what type of property you’re decorating, it might seem easier to throw in the towel and have no décor at all. Don’t lose hope! We’re here to remind you that decorating a commercial property should be fun and, when you’re done, will bring your guests joy, too.

In this post you'll learn how to decorate your commercial or municipal property all year ’round.

What is year-round décor?

Some call it overlay, others call it large-scale décor. We call it year-round cheer. Year-round décor refers to any decorations placed on your property to enhance its aesthetics.


This includes:

  • Commercial outdoor lighting

  • Pole banner displays
  • Animated RGB lighting
  • Other seasonal props and décor like our lit star decorations

Year-round décor can also refer to elements you leave up all year, such as deciduous tree lighting. Whether you’re looking for commercial-grade lights to shine from now until Christmas or special event décor, we have the products and expertise you need to create a stunning display.


Keep reading to learn how to decorate for each season.

How to Decorate for Each Season

Keep your property visually engaging by changing up your decorations each season. That might sound like a lot of work. Our expert design team makes it easy. We can create custom banner programs to swap out each season, plan colorful light displays to carry you all the way through summer, and find the perfect large scale outdoor decorations to accentuate your property’s best features.

1. Best Commercial Decorations for Spring

Spring is the time to refresh your property. Whether that means new branding or cleaning out the closets, the beginning of the year is a great time to reevaluate your existing décor. This is also the season of fresh starts. That’s why some of the best decorations for spring are colorful, bright, and reminiscent of nature and new life.


The beginning of the year also ushers in new holiday celebrations. Lunar New Year, Valentine's Day, and Easter are all hallmarks of springtime celebrations. Make sure your space stays relevant with timely photo ops and props like our giant heart decorations. We can also special order and custom fabricate products for your spring celebrations, like our giant inflatable flamingo Orlando.


If you’re still deciding on your new year’s look, buy yourself some time without letting the lights go out. Subtle lighting options like our net lights will keep your space looking chic and highlight your property’s greenery for spring.


Overall, it’s important to keep your property shining bright in the spring to welcome new beginnings, and new guests of course.

A giant inflatable flamingo decoration stands in the center of an upscale shopping center surrounded by customers walking by.

Must-Have Products For Spring

2. Best Commercial Decorations for Summer

Summer is the time to highlight your property’s outdoor features. If you’re struggling to settle on your ideal atmosphere, we suggest going big and bright. While your customers and guests enjoy the great outdoors, keep their spirits high with vibrant lit decorations.


Some of our most popular summer decorations are LED Light Spheres. Not only do these come in eight energetic colors, but their textured surface fits right in with summertime flowers. Looking for a more dynamic way to add a pop of pigment to your property? Animated RGB props are the perfect color-changing decorations to celebrate the season.


Summer pole banners are another way to ring in the season. Have our design team create custom banners to promote summer events, or shop our stock banners. We have designs for farmers markets, summer sailing, simple seasonal banners, and more.


Whether you’re celebrating your new season of warmth or simply embracing the summertime vibe, ‘tis the season for outdoor celebrations. Meet your guests where they’re at with commercial outdoor décor.

Must-Have Products For Summer

3. Best Commercial Decorations for Fall

The only thing better than Christmas is Halloween. So when Autumn comes around, your guests will expect you to embrace pumpkin season. We’ll be honest – at the moment we don’t carry any pumpkins. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make them!


We can custom order giant inflatable Halloween decorations like our ghosts and pumpkins shown below. Or we can create something entirely new just for your property. From ropelight Halloween characters to spooky celebration banners, our team has done it all. Call us to get started on your custom Halloween decorations.


Or, if you just need some simple signage to welcome the harvest season, we have plenty of stock banners to keep your property looking festive. From Harvest Festival signage to simple Fall and Welcome signs, our commercial pole banners are an easy way to show your autumn spirit.

Custom Fall Decorations

A giant inflatable ghost decoration hangs in a shopping mall Halloween display.
A giant inflatable pumpkin hangs in a shopping mall Halloween display.
A custom Halloween pole mount of a cat hangs in a city street.
A custom ropelight pole mount of a jack-o-lantern wearing a witch

4. Best Commercial Decorations for Winter

Winter décor is our specialty. And our commercial outdoor décor is built to last. That’s why it’s perfect for the period between fall and winter holidays.


When you’re looking to keep the lights on between Halloween and Christmas, look no further than our DL Pro Mini Lights. Our commercial-grade outdoor mini lights are the perfect cold-weather lighting option for your transitions between seasons.


If you’re ready to go all in to the winter wonderland scene, we have the snow to get you there. From Ropelight Snowflakes to Acrylic Snowflake Ornaments and even artificial snow for your indoor spaces, we have it all.


Close-up picture of a snowflake ornament in a Christmas tree surrounded by blue and silver ornaments.

How to Decorate By Property Type

If decorating your commercial property for Christmas is more of a pain than a party, you might be interested in decorations you can set up once and leave all year. If this sounds more your speed, keep reading to find the best decorations for your property.

Stylish Decorating Ideas for Shopping Centers

Keep your shoppers feeling trendy and spendy with stylish lit decorations.


Festival lighting is perfect for outdoor lifestyle centers, where people will gather as the sun sets.


Illuminated star decorations are perfect anywhere you place them. Our clients have used our Genval standing stars these in outdoor gardens, indoor medians, and hallways. And our Limal hanging stars are great for any overhead space, wall, or building façade that needs some extra sparkle.

Three silver sparkling star decorations placed in an outdoor shopping center

Easy Decorating Ideas for Cities

Keeping your parks and municipal buildings looking fresh doesn’t need to break the bank. Some simple perimeter lighting on your buildings can completely transform your city’s scene.


Highlight community events, hometown heroes, and even your local graduating class with custom street pole banners. Or shop our stock banners to keep your city streets ready for seasonal holidays and celebrations.


A blue and yellow street pole banner with a picture of a student in a graduation cap.

Safe Decorating Ideas for Theme Parks

Safety is our number one consideration when decorating theme parks and event centers. That’s why we carry LED lights that are safe to use in places where kids can reach, and to leave up all year.


Give your park guests a dynamic light show with safe and long-lasting RGB lights. Keep them static for a bright rainbow display or let them dance and change all day long.


Or, up your park’s branding with custom graphics. Banners, directional signage, character-cut-outs – whatever you need, our in-house printing department is at your service.

A theme park walkway lit with multicolor globe lights.

Elegant Decorating Ideas for Hotels

It’s easy to make your guests feel cozy and chic with holiday decorations. Elevate their stays all year long with luxury lit décor.


Light Curtains are the perfect addition to any upscale hotel lobby decorations. Illuminated décor elements like Brighton Sparkles create an opulent atmosphere in lobbies, dining areas, and common spaces.


Close-up picture of a snowflake ornament in a Christmas tree surrounded by blue and silver ornaments.

"A room should never allow the eye to settle in one place. It should smile at you and create fantasy."

Juan Montoya

Conclusion

Your property should be a place your guests want to spend time. Create a space they never want to leave with the perfect decorations. Whether you want to change up your look for every season or find décor to last you all year, we’re here to make it easy. Contact us to learn more about our free design services and how we can help you create magic all year long.

Don't forget:

Your commercial property decorations should make your customers want to stay all day.

You can decorate for each season, or buy décor that will last all year.

Our expert design team is here to help. Call us at (800)474-5179 to learn about our free design services.

If you want to buy commercial-grade decorations for your property, you can check out more on our store.

Products Featured In This Blog

Related Readings

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/blogs/theworkshop/what-goes-up-must-come-down 2023-12-20T11:32:17-08:00 2023-12-20T11:32:19-08:00 What Goes Up Must Come Down Jacklyn Walters More

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Santa Claus has come to town. Now that he’s gone, it’s time to pack away the Christmas cheer and store it for next year.

How you remove your décor today will determine how easily you can set up next season. We’re not saying next year’s success entirely depends on this year’s removal, but the stakes are high. Keep reading for our guide on how to prepare your commercial Christmas decorations for removal and storage.

Know your removal date.

Don’t wait until after the holidays to decide when to take everything down. It’s important that your whole team knows when your décor will be removed so they can adequately prepare. If you’ve hired a team to remove your holiday décor for you, you’ll need to let security know who will be there and when. Schedule routine maintenance and special events around your removal dates as well. If your own team is handling the removal, you’ll need a gameplan. Arrange who’s handling which areas ahead of time and make sure to block off a few days to get everything done. Christmas magic doesn’t happen overnight, and neither does packing it away.

Know what you’re refurbishing in the off-season.

During your décor review, you’ll determine which of your Christmas decorations need to be spruced up before next season. Whether it’s a new string of lights or a fresh coat of paint, you’ll need to make sure these products are set aside from those you’re storing all the way until next Christmas. Label these decorations before you start packing, then note on their boxes that they’ll be refurbished. That way when it’s time to start spiffing up last year’s décor, you won’t have to unpack all of your boxes to see what needs fixing.

Know your storage plan.

Where you’re storing your decorations can have a big impact on how you pack them away. Do you need to store them in waterproof packaging or bubble wrap? Can your tree be left intact or does it need to be broken down? Don’t do more work than you need to. If your storage space can fit your whole decorated tree, then wrap it in plastic wrap and call it a day. But if you’ll need to stash everything in their smallest parts and pieces, make sure you have enough boxes and enough manpower to break everything down in your allotted time.

Know how you’re organizing your boxes.

There are countless ways to keep your décor organized. You can store by section of your property or type of decoration, you can color code or label your boxes. Whatever works best for your team and your storage space, make sure the whole team knows and sticks to it throughout your removal process. Have a well-documented plan that you can refer back to so you don’t forget your system when you unpack next season.

Feeling overwhelmed? Learn from this year’s hang-ups and next year, don’t go it alone. Plan your commercial Christmas decorations with the pros for a hands-free (and stress-free) holiday.

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/blogs/theworkshop/reimagine-your-decor-planning-for-your-decor-review 2023-12-05T08:38:39-08:00 2023-12-05T08:38:41-08:00 Reimagine Your éǰ: Planning for Your éǰ Review Arianna Guevara More

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Want to know how the most wonderful time of the year can be even better next year?

The key is startingthisyear, by reviewing your decorations while they’re still up.

éǰ reviews allow our team and yours to look at which decorations are working, which aren’t, and put together a plan for next season. Yes, I know, you just put up your decorations. But that’s why there’s no time like the present to start reviewing them. Here’s everything you need to know to review your commercial Christmas decorations and start planning for next year.

Who:

The first step is deciding who needs to be involved. We recommend including decision makers like your marketing manager, lead designer, or holiday décor project managers. It’s also helpful to include someone who interacts with your guests and would have insight into their experiences and perspectives. Your Dekra-Lite sales rep will provide another perspective, keeping an eye out for high-traffic areas and places you can highlight in future designs.

What:

Ultimately, your décor review is a walk-through of your property. We’ll evaluate the location of your decorations as well as the state of each item. It allows us to look more deeply at which decorations your guests and customers engaged with, and which ones fell flat. This is also a good time to plan for your off-season refurbishments and determine which products can be repurposed for next year.

When:

The whole point of décor reviews is to look at your commercial Christmas decorations while they’re up. So you’ll need to plan your review before your décor removal date. We recommend planning this in the thick of the season if your team has the bandwidth. It’s best to see how people are interacting with the decorations and how they move through your space during the season. If you can schedule your review between Dec. 1 and Dec. 23 that will give you the best glimpse into customer behavior and attitudes toward your display.

Why:

Now you’re wondering, ‘Why in the world would I take time out of my busiest season to plan something that won’t even happen for another year? I’ll just wait for next June and plan then.’ You have a point. But we’ve seen customers scramble to plan their décor program in July because they can’t remember which props need new paint and which ones they meant to throw out. Taking a few hours to walk through your existing program means you won’t miss out on opportunities for next year. It also means you can establish your budget needs for next season now so when your accounting team asks what the is for you can actually tell them. All in all, evaluating your decorations now will help you set a clear goal for your future programs based on this year’s success (or lack thereof).

How:

When you schedule a décor review with our team, we’ll help with everything from evaluating your current decorations to identifying new spaces to leverage to budgeting for next year.

We’ll help you evaluate:

What customers are engaging with

  • Engagement is typically pretty clear to see. Sometimes it’s people physically posing with decorations, taking pictures in front of the tree, or congregating around high-density décor areas. But some props might get more attention than you can see on site. Decorations like garland and bow accent kits rarely get a lot of in-person love, but checking social media can give you insight into what’s drawing people to your property in the first place. And if people aren’t interacting with a decoration in person and it didn’t make it into the Instagram reel, chances are you can cut it out of next year’s plans.
Spaces that need décor

  • Holiday decorations drive foot traffic, so where the garlands go, customers flow. Look at where your guests are congregating and which spaces they’re avoiding to see where to place your decorations next year. If customers aren’t getting to certain areas of your property that are heavily decorated, consider moving those decorations to high-traffic areas to capitalize on your investment. We also love to pay attention to your space’s natural focal points. éǰ reviews are a perfect time to determine whether you’re leveraging your stand-out architectural features.
éǰ that needs to be refurbished or replaced
  • Even when you put out brand new ornaments, foliage, or props, by the end of the season they can be scratched, dented, or even stolen. Sometimes you put out your tried and true decorations and realize they’ve enjoyed their last Christmas season. Either way, now’s the time to determine which of your decorations are in perfect shape for next year, which need a little bit of love during the off-season, and which are ready for retirement.
Places you’d like to add on
  • Once you know what you have, what’s working, and what needs to be replaced, you can finally decide what you’d like to add next year. Your additions might be pieces you’ve had on your wishlist for years but haven’t had the space, or new lights and ornaments for your tree. During your décor review, keep an eye out for areas that need little enhancements like gift boxes and snow blankets under your tree. We can help you find the perfect additions to your existing program, or get started on an entire redesign for next year.

The season is in full swing, so call our team at (800)474-5179 to set up your décor review today. We can meet in person or virtually to help you reimagine your commercial holiday décor program. But call soon! Christmas will be over before you know it.

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/blogs/theworkshop/our-favorite-projects 2023-11-29T16:44:36-08:00 2024-01-16T00:15:45-08:00 Our Favorite Projects Arianna Guevara More

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We’ve worked on some pretty amazing projects in our 37 years.

As we prep for this season, we asked our team to reflect on some of their favorite jobs thus far. Some are old, some are new, some didn’t even make it to market. But they all have one thing in common: each of these projects allowed our team to be creative and make something truly special for our clients.

(Read to the end for a gallery of honorable mentions!)

City street line with three gold lit Starburst Arches on each side.
Close up of Starburst Arch.
Three Starburst Arches on one side of the city line.

My favorite and the most memorable project that I worked on was creating the custom Scepters and Starbursts for South Coast Plaza. I think the reason that I like this project the most is because I was involved in every step of the process. That year I wore all kinds of hats. It all started when fabricating the samples and presenting those to the SCP Management group. Then ordering all the materials for the project, helping with the actual fabrication of the product (I even did some welding and grinding), and helping paint the pieces. After that I worked with my Production Team on making the jigs for the lights to fit on every section of Scepters and on each Star Point – that was its own challenge. Then we had to come up with the best way to connect everything and create installation wiring instructions. When I thought I was done, I was the repair and troubleshoot go-to person so I started almost every day at South Coast Plaza to do some type of repair. I am not going to lie, it was very trying but worth it all the way since we delivered a great product.

Luis Antonio

Production Supervisor

Mexicos national bird converted into a pole mount.
Plaza Mexico palm trees with the Crested Caracara as a pole mount.
Pechanga Resort Casino with cool white decor of trees and snowflakes.
Pechanga Resort Casino with warm white decor.

My favorite project is difficult to choose because I’ve enjoyed a lot of them. I really liked working with Dulce Diaz on the giant eagle pole mounts for Plaza Mexico since I could utilize a bit of my drawing background. For Christmas décor, however, my favorite would probably have to be Pechanga Resort Casino. For Pechanga, we pitched them two different packages – a cool white package and a warm white package. I liked seeing each package come together, and the effect the included products would make when combined. I worked with Nicole Santarelli on this project, and that was a joy in itself. I also liked the creative flexibility that was allowed. I always appreciate any project that lets me take some of the reins in creativity, because I think that’s when I do my best work.

Katy Fieling

Graphic Designer

Custom Beverly Hills Walk-Through Tree
Custom Ballymena Ornament with large ornaments and garland wrap.
Walk-Through Tree unlit, during the day.
Ballymena Ornament unlit, during the day.

I have so many projects I’ve loved working on. But if I had to pick one, I’d go with Beverly Cañon Gardens. The whole program is bespoke and designer, and I like the very European dynamic about this year’s décor with the cool white and warm white lights. If you look at trends, 10 years ago in America combining warm and cool white was a faux pas. This year, people were enamored by it. Watching the customers at the businesses and cafes surrounding the park interacting with all of the décor was so refreshing. The Ballymena Ornament was really cool and as we were installing it people were looking at it, asking questions, and getting excited for the holidays. The city’s team was really happy with how the program turned out, as well. It’s a small project but it’s a cohesive project and I think it speaks leaps and bounds about the classiness of Beverly Hills in that particular area.

Nicole Santarelli

Account Executive

Honorable Mentions

City of Beverly Hills Skyline Displays
Reindeer Skyline flying into the night with presents.
Warm White Skyline decor with ornaments as well.
SeaWorld San Diego Custom Ornamentation
Custom giant tree at Sea World.
Close up of tree showing its ornaments, lights, and customs ornament fish!
Outlets at San Clemente Tree Base and éǰ Elements
Giant Fiberglass Ornament Stacks
Custom giant tree for Outlets at San Clemente
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/blogs/theworkshop/top-5-our-teams-favorite-products 2023-11-01T00:00:00-07:00 2023-11-01T08:36:03-07:00 Top 5: Our Team's Favorite Products Arianna Guevara More

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With over 900 products in our repertoire, it can be hard to decide which ones to add to your property.


That’s why we’re here.


We’ve compiled 5 of our team members’ favorite products and use cases so you can get the most magic for the least amount of work.

Walk-Through Tree & Kilkenny the Santa Bear

I love the Walk-Through Tree because it gives very majestic and magical vibes. Especially when used in front of entrances or walkways, because it creates excitement and anticipation for guests heading in the next room. And Kilkenny. He’s so sweet and approachable and really creates that memorable holiday experience you want to share with loved ones. I think Kilkenny would look great leading people to a property or a giant water feature. I imagine Kilkenny at Niagara Falls.

Lesley Gilliam

Inside Sales Executive

Regal Walk-Through Ornament

My personal favorite product is the Regal Walk-Through Ornament. I think this is the most versatile of our high-end décor pieces because you can use it for holiday photo ops and remove the cap for different events and seasons. The best placement for the ornament is in front of entrances to catch your guests’ attention first thing. It's a warm welcome to the holidays and to greet everyone arriving at your beautiful property.

Kelly Hayden

Account Executive

Light Curtains & Canopies
A shopping mall window display decorated with twinkling light curtains
A wreath decorated with holly leaf ornaments in front of a light canopy

My favorite products are our light curtains and canopies. I love the twinkling lights and how they can transform a window or a walkway. My favorite light canopy is at South Coast Plaza, because this canopy reflects off the metal ceiling above which gives it a dancing design.

Alicia Gonzalez

Sales Manager

Sequoia Trees & Custom Tree Risers

I love most of our décor options, but my favorite is our Sequoia Trees. They look best with a nice graphic riser and near water or inside a water fountain. Why? Because a large tree will always call for attention.

Jorge Sanchez

Production Manager


Giant Christmas tree with red and white ornaments  on a tree riser base with custom graphics
Crystal Branch Trees

My favorite product is our Crystal Branch Tree. When they’re placed near water features, these trees give winter wonderland vibes so they’re perfect for celebrations that are more about winter than just Christmas. My favorite program with these trees is the Long Beach Convention Center.

Christian Rojas

Photographer

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/blogs/theworkshop/light-curtains-your-luxury-lighting-solution 2023-10-12T14:14:10-07:00 2023-10-12T14:14:12-07:00 Light Curtains: Your Luxury Lighting Solution Arianna Guevara More

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Don’t leave your windows empty this season.

Add drama and glamour with light curtains.

Light curtains are the perfect luxury lighting solution for your overhead spaces, windows, and photo backdrops. These steady-burn or shimmering light curtains range from 7’-50’ long, so they’re suitable for nearly all locations and applications.

The number one question we get about our LED light curtains is “how wide are they?”

Well, technically, they aren’t. Each light curtain purchase includes 24 individual light strands which plug in to our multi-outlet bar to create a curtain effect.

How to Install Light Curtains

Diagram showing how to install light curtains

Add these twinkling lights throughout your mall or complex to continue the holiday spirit; transform an empty wall that would previously go unnoticed into a glowing backdrop that will be sure to inspire photos and delight. You can also enhance the light curtains with large 2D décor pieces or hang finial ornaments throughout.

And they aren’t just for the holidays. This versatile product can also be used for formal occasions to add that perfect elegant glow. Or, maybe you want to make a special sale or event feel more special? LED light curtains are a great way to do this!

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/blogs/theworkshop/how-to-prepare-for-holiday-installations 2023-09-28T00:00:00-07:00 2023-09-28T10:20:14-07:00 How to Prepare for Holiday Installations Jacklyn Walters More

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It’s almost install season!

Even if you hired a team to install your decorations for you, there are still some things you need to do to prep your property for their arrival.

Before your installers show up for the big day, an installation manager will likely come to survey your property. This will allow the operations and project teams to create a site map and installation guide for the installers to follow.

You should receive an installation date range so you’ll know when to expect the install team – and your décor – to arrive.

Here’s how you can help ensure a seamless installation:

Trim Your Trees

If you’re lighting any palm or deciduous trees, please make sure they look their Christmas best.

Free Up Power Sources

Make sure your power sources are available and easily accessible to expedite the installation process. If you don’t have easily accessible power, please notify the team in advance so they can adequately prepare.

Notify Your Security Teams

Holiday installers can’t do their job if security doesn’t know they’re supposed to be there. Please make any security guards aware of their presence well ahead of time to avoid delays.

Schedule Special Events & Routine Maintenance Around Your Installation

Any installation crew would hate to interrupt your teams while they work and celebrate. Please schedule your property’s events and maintenance before they arrive (or after for an even more magical scene).

Holiday installers prefer to work under the cover of moonlight. Working overnight allows them to stay out of your way during regular business hours. So you can expect to see the sleighs (installation trucks) arriving as your team is heading home for the day. This just means you get to sit back, relax, and drive in the next day to a workplace that’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Installations can take anywhere from 1-5 days. By prepping your property, you can help your installers deck your halls as quick as St. Nick.

If you have questions regarding your Dekra-Lite scheduled installation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our North Pole Mission Control team at northpolemissioncontrol@dekra-lite.com

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/blogs/theworkshop/how-to-incorporate-your-business-in-decor-program 2023-09-26T00:00:00-07:00 2023-09-28T09:34:30-07:00 How To Incorporate Your Business in Your éǰ Arianna Guevara More

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Creating and cultivating a festive atmosphere for your customers this holiday season is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your business.


But if you've been hauling out the holy for years now, you might be ready for the next step: branded holiday decorations.

Custom Branded Holiday éǰ

Personalizing your holiday program to incorporate your shopping center, city, zoo, theme park, or overarching brand identity can be as simple as swapping out your traditional red and green ornaments for your brand colors instead. (It also doesn't hurt to coordinate with some custom-painted fiberglass décor to match!)

As you'll see in our Selfie Station Collection, holiday selfies are getting all those emoji-heart-eyes! Incorporating a selfie station in your holiday décor is a great way to increase brand awareness. Our Walk-Through Ornament Selfie Station comes with a custom gift tag or backdrop so you can choose a design for your customers will share on social media.

You can also add custom ornament cutouts on your giant Christmas tree. We recommend creating designs that match your theme or your logo. (Pro Tip: Our design team can create these for you so you don't have to!)


Your holiday wreaths and foliage are also the perfect canvas for brand messaging!


Decorate your wreaths with your brand colors and add a large cutout logo in the center. Or fill your garland sprays with ornament cut-outs to tie your theme together across your property.

Artificial Christmas foliage filled with custom branded ornaments and graphics

The opportunities are endless when it comes to branding holiday décor in a way that will attract attention and holiday spirit. We'll supply the magic for all of your décor demands, whether you need an entire custom branded décor program or something simple.

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/blogs/theworkshop/just-a-touch-of-magic 2023-09-05T09:14:12-07:00 2023-09-05T09:14:13-07:00 Just a Touch of Magic Jacklyn Walters More

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Adrian, Michigan during the holidays is like a real-life Hallmark movie.

Snow coats the once leaf-covered trees, families gather in decorated shops and catch up over cocoa. And the community’s almost decade-old holiday tradition involves coming together to decorate hundreds of Christmas trees for the annual Comstock Christmas Riverwalk Event. So the city didn’t need a reason to celebrate. It didn’t even need a focal point – its residents had already decorated 486 of them. All the city needed was a place to capture all the memories made throughout the season and a photo op to give them a reason.

Adrian’s now-annual celebration began in 2014, when two-time former mayor Jim Berryman was in the midst of his second mayoral term. He felt the city needed something to bring everyone together around the holidays, and created the Comstock Christmas Riverwalk Event. His goal – “develop an event that anyone and everyone in the community that wanted to participate could participate in.” Now, community members from all across Adrian can pay for a Christmas tree in the park and decorate it however they like. Some families decorate together, some dedicate their tree to lost loved ones. One couple even approached Berryman to tell him about how they met while decorating their neighboring trees.

“I was decorating one in memory of my wife that had passed away, and she was decorating one for her husband who had just passed away that year,” the man said to Berryman. “We met decorating our trees two years ago and we got married this summer.”

One year, Berryman wanted to break the world record for the most cut and lit Christmas trees in one place. At the time, the record was held by the Hallmark Channel with 559 trees.

“We can beat that,” Berryman said.

.

Aerial image of a park at night filled with hundreds of multicolor lit Christmas trees.

Fast forward eight Christmas seasons since the first Comstock Christmas Riverwalk Event and it was time to spice up the annual tradition. It needed, as Berryman said, “something that makes it more special.”

And Berryman knew just what he was looking for.

“I was just browsing around the internet and was looking for something, a walk-through ornament. And Dekra-Lite came up and as soon as I saw yours, I thought, 'Oh my gosh, that's fantastic.'”


Berryman called and it wasn’t long before he was connected with one of our account executives to start planning.


Working alongside Nicole Santarelli, Berryman opted for our Walk-Through Ornament Selfie Station for the Adrian community to enjoy.

The selfie station comes with a custom graphic gift tag, so Berryman had the chance to select the message for the celebration. Adrian purchases décor for the Comstock Christmas Riverwalk Event with donations from the community. And since the Adrian Noon Rotary Club sponsored the special addition, Berryman and Nicole worked together to create a gift tag message that would work for the Rotary Club and the community. They landed on “Peace and Health” with the hashtag “Service Above Self” – Rotary International’s motto.

A blue gift tag that says "Peace and Health Adrian Noon Rotary Club #ServiceAboveSelf" with a Rotary International Logo in the middle

“It just fell in line with the theme of what this event is all about.”

Once the design was set, we packed everything up, shipped it to Adrian, Michigan, and the community took it from there. From placement to installation, the Adrian community had it handled.

“Since we put it up in the park it was the most popular thing that we’ve had in the nine years we’ve done it.”

Jim Berryman

There wasn’t a time Berryman drove past the park when there wasn’t someone taking photos under the arch – or a whole line of people waiting for their turn. Families took photos for next year’s Christmas cards and to show their faraway family members what they were missing in Adrian. One couple even held their wedding ceremony under the Walk-Through Ornament.

And it never outshined the true meaning of the season.

“The family trees still are the focus,” Berryman said. “That’s what makes the park special is everyone’s family tree is in there. … It was the right addition at the right time.”

When asked how he would top the Walk-Through Ornament’s success next year, Berryman simply said:

“I’m not trying to top the arch. The arch was just absolutely spectacular. … I look at it more as what can we add that’s going to complement everything else?”

Nine years after Jim Berryman planned the first annual Comstock Christmas Riverwalk Event, it’s grown into more than just an event for Adrian’s residents to enjoy. It’s a celebration that connects all facets of the community. The city departments come together to organize the event. The Rotary Club purchased last year’s Walk-Through Ornament. Students from the city’s three colleges help prepare the park for the trees’ arrival and organize the signs that indicate which tree belongs to which family or group. Local businesses even decorate trees with bags of gloves, mittens, scarves, and other things community members might need during the holidays. And families across and outside of Adrian come together to decorate their trees for the season.

“It’s turned into what I was hoping it would be.”

Jim Berryman

So when people ask, ‘Don’t you think Christmas is getting too commercial?’

Well, yes. We are a commercial Christmas decorating company after all. But in a time where the holidays have become so overwhelmed withstuff, Adrian reminded us that little cheer goes a long way.

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/blogs/theworkshop/dress-up-your-banners-with-banner-enhancers 2023-08-25T08:26:35-07:00 2023-08-25T08:26:36-07:00 Dress Up Your Holiday Pole Banners with Banner Enhancers Arianna Guevara More

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The first sign of the holiday season isn’t snow or holly or giant Christmas trees. It’s the banners that line your city streets and local shopping center's parking lots.


Street pole banners are an engaging way to greet the season, promote upcoming events, get a message to your patrons, and attract new business. But they attract even more attention when surrounded by giant shimmering sequins and illuminated shapes. That’s where banner enhancers come in.

What is a holiday pole banner enhancer?

Banner enhancers are the perfect outdoor décor for day and night. These glittering and bright accents draw attention to what really matters – the message on your vertical street pole banners.


When you add ornate illuminated LED designs like shooting stars, elaborate swirls, and blossoming flower-like shapes, you give your decorations an irresistible nighttime appeal.

Another customer favorite is our custom flitter enhancers. Flitter is perfect for accenting banners that don’t have access to a power source. You can also set your pole banner decorations apart with accessories like pole ends, vinyl wrap, and colorful vinyl garland.


Talk to our team today about custom decorations to add life to your lampposts.


We have a whole in-house printing department so we make a lot of holiday street pole banners. And they’re great, don’t get us wrong. We love a good simple banner display. But your light pole decorations, no matter how simple, should never be basic.


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/blogs/theworkshop/all-of-your-decorating-questions-in-one-place 2023-08-24T00:00:00-07:00 2024-04-24T10:20:42-07:00 All of Your Decorating Questions in One Place Arianna Guevara More

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Find answers to all of your decorating questions in our blogs.

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/blogs/theworkshop/how-to-use-large-scale-graphics 2023-08-16T16:44:58-07:00 2023-08-16T16:44:59-07:00 How to Use Large-Scale Graphics Arianna Guevara More

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Your big company event is coming up and hundreds of your guests will be there. Maybe it’s the unveiling of a new section of your mall, or an important city-wide campaign you want your fellow citizens to notice. Whatever it is, custom graphics can really make or break your big unveiling. Yet it isn’t so easy to know what designs you need or how to use them, especially when it comes to large-scale custom graphics.

We’re here to help.

We live and breathe creativity. It's what makes the workshop go ‘round. It’s also what keeps our in-house print shop running non-stop. Over the last three decades, we've created banners, special event signage, custom cut-outs, and more for hundreds of clients. Whether it’s one large banner, or a thousand, we make sure every client's brand message takes center stage with vibrant and well-crafted digital graphics. From large window graphics to street pole banners for the holidays and beyond, here are some of the ways our custom large-scale graphics can take your event to the next level.

Promotional Signage

We can help you design and print banners and signs for your upcoming sales, holiday celebrations, and community events. The message text should be simple and clear and surrounded by attention-grabbing graphics and colors. Not sure where to place them to really grab your guests' attention? We can help with that, too!

Pole Banners

These are great for calling attention to city functions or services, or recognizing your community members. We've made thousands of banners honoring veterans and hometown heroes. Some cities even celebrate their graduating class with street pole banners!


Pole banners are also great for shopping center walkways and parking lots to promote upcoming events, new vendors, and to celebrate seasonal holidays.

Directional Signage

This is extremely useful for helping to direct visitors to attractions and events (and for directing them away from restricted areas). We love to use directional graphics like floor stickers and custom signs as temporary wayfinding markers during special events.

Directional sign with wooden posts pointing left and right for different attractions.

Window Graphics

Window graphics are essential to draw in traffic to your business. They can be used to promote business services, upcoming attractions, new shops, or to conceal vacant spaces in shopping centers.

Photo Ops & Backdrops

Two women wearing climbing gear stand in front of a stand and repeat backdrop that says shatterproof holding signs that say "I just rappelled down 17 stories to end the stigma!!" and "Addiction is preventable it

Backdrops and other unique graphics make great photo opportunities for the holidays and special events. These can easily be branded to boost your property's social media exposure and promote your celebrations, whatever they may be.

Custom Decorations

Cut-outs are a great way to bring your branding into your décor! Whether you need custom-shaped ornaments, a branded tree base, or an entire group of standing cut-outs, we can create it.

A woman and three children pose in front of a giant outdoor Christmas tree with custom ornaments and a custom graphic tree base.

Partitions

Large-scale printed graphics help conceal construction area fencing or other temporary barriers, adding fun, color, and creativity where there might otherwise just be an eyesore. Partitions and fencing are also great for creating an immersive environment. Don't let your guests see the concrete walls behind your Santa set, create a snowy mountain scene to keep the spirit flowing!

The design ideas don't stop there! Check out our Graphic Design Catalog to browse our past projects and stock graphics.


Have more questions or ready to start planning? Contact our team to discuss your own custom graphics.

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/blogs/theworkshop/how-to-decorate-our-guide-to-your-christmas-decor-questions 2023-08-02T00:00:00-07:00 2024-04-24T10:20:09-07:00 How to Decorate: Our Guide to Your Christmas éǰ Questions Arianna Guevara More

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Christmastime is all about magic.


Not everyone gets to know how the magic happens, but we don’t believe in gatekeeping. You deserve to be in on the secrets that make the season bright.


Whether you’re new here or have been working with us from the start, it’s likely that you have some questions about how commercial Christmas decorating services work. We’ve been at this a pretty long time – almost 40 years now. So we’ve heard just about every question you can imagine (and probably some that would knock your stockings off).


Here’s everything you need to know about how we do what we do, and how you can make Christmas magic too.

Two people looking at pictures of commercial grade outdoor Christmas trees and Christmas décor on a phone and laptop

When deciding to decorate:

Should I decorate my business for Christmas?

The short answer, yes.


The long answer, holiday decorations boost foot traffic, foot traffic boosts engagement, engagement boosts, well, all of your goals.


Whether you’re trying to increase sales, educate community members, or just bring joy to your guests, Christmas decorations help with all of it.


For the facts and stats on why holiday décor matters, check out our blog and on every reason why you need to decorate your property for Christmas.

What is trending in holiday décor?

Just like fashion, holiday trends change at the drop of a Santa hat. Right now the most popular Christmas decorations include RGB lighting and trees, Sequoia Trees, and giant fiberglass props.


RGB is our current favorite. Color-changing light shows make for a captivating tree lighting ceremony, and the lights can stay up all year long. You can change them to match your branding, to celebrate seasonal holidays, even to show your support for local teams on gameday.


If you prefer something more classic, Sequoia Trees are one of our best sellers. Plus, this holiday staple can be stylized year after year. Brighten up your giant centerpiece with pink and blue ornaments this year and go back to a classic red and green palette next season to keep your guests coming back for more.

How much does the average holiday décor cost?

Not to be the absolute worst, but there really is no average cost for décor.


Our average sales for customers who need lobby decorations aren’t comparable to the average cost of a décor program spanning an entire theme park.


That’s why we work with our clients to create the program of their dreams within their budget. Whether you’re looking to spend $500,000 or $5,000, we’ll make sure every penny is well spent.


Fill out our commercial property questionnaire to get started on the perfect decorations for your space and budget.

Close-up of a silver Christmas ornament on artificial foliage with people installing a Christmas tree frame in the background

During the decorating process:

How soon is too soon to put up Christmas decorations?

Some people love to see Christmas trees on November 1, others prefer to celebrate Thanksgiving before getting into the spirit.


Generally, the sweet spot for holiday installs is any time in November.


We recommend installing your holiday decorations based on who your guests are and what seasonal activities your property has planned. Mall Santa comes to town around November 17 this year, so you’ll need your Santa scene prepped before his arrival. But if you aren’t hosting Santa on site and your customers don’t want to see Christmas trees until black Friday, you don’t have to deck your halls until the end of the month or even early December. Decorations inspire customers to get in the Christmas shopping spirit, so don’t miss out on sales by hauling out the holly too late.

How do I decorate my space?

There are endless ways to fill a space with cheer. No matter your property size or your team’s budget, our designers could create hundreds of design options for you. Here are some tips to hone in on what decorations you’d like for your space:

Theme:

Choosing the general theme for your display will simplify the rest of your decisions. This is about more than just color palettes (although it is also very much about color palettes). Deciding on a theme is about what kind of whimsy you want your customers to experience.


You can transport them to Christmas past with nostalgia-inducing foliage and ornaments in red and green. Or captivate your guests with elegance – twinkling lights and ornaments of silver and gold. You can go bold with modern light shows and a rainbow color scheme. Or make your guests feel right at home with a branded holiday celebration including a few classic elements – trees, garland, wreaths – draped in your brand colors and custom ornaments.

Focal Point:

Once you’ve decided what you want your customers to feel, you can choose what focal point best emanates that seasonal spirit. The classic centerpiece is a classic for a reason, you can really never go wrong with a Christmas tree. Illuminated décor and selfie stations can generate engagement and socialization, and add an extra touch of sparkle. And we love when our customers put characters up front and center. Fiberglass props like our toy soldiers, giant candy canes, or large fiberglass bulbs all make for a spunky centerpiece. Our fuzzy inflatables are also the perfect way to make your guests smile as they step onto your holiday scene.

Scene Setters:

Now that you have your theme and focal point, the rest is simple. What kinds of decorations do you want to fill up space?


Outdoor spaces look great with lighting (if you have available power sources). Garland is perfect for lining doorways and entrances, and helps incorporate more of that color palette you’ve already chosen.

Any remaining space and budget should be spent on elements that enhance your existing décor. Think wreaths, sprays, small props, snow, and gift boxes. These are the finishing touches that transform your decorations into an all-out holiday scene.

What are some precautions you should take when decorating for the holidays?

Safety comes first when we’re installing holiday décor. If you’re setting up your own decorations, here are a few things to keep in mind

Lighting

  • Make sure all of your outlets have weatherproof safety covers.
  • Use electrical tape to secure any light strands you connect end-to-end.
  • If using incandescent lights, make sure to keep all lighting components out of reach from customers and any flammable materials.
  • Secure any cabling so your guests don’t trip on wires. The best way to do this is by tucking them along walls, behind decorations, or under rugs.

Weather

  • Buy the appropriate products for your regional weather.

  • We carry CSA lighting for our cold weather partners, complete with thicker wires and waterproof connections.

  • All of your outdoor decorations should be secured to the ground or a nearby structure with weights and structural cabling.
  • Consider your products' wind load and your location's average wind speeds. Hanging décor and standing decorations alike will need to be extra secure in areas with high winds.

Audience

  • Consider your scheduled holiday plans and customer demographics when decorating.
  • Use low-voltage lighting in areas children will be present.
  • Use low-voltage lighting in areas near water.
  • Mark off restricted areas. Our metal fences are perfect for creating clear pathways for your guests to follow (and avoid).
Giant outdoor Christmas tree lit up at nighttime decorated with red ornaments and metal holly leaves with a Moravian star tree topper

After you decorate:

When should outdoor Christmas decorations come down?

Most of our customers schedule décor removal during the last week of December and first week of January. We recommend scheduling a décor review before you take down the decorations. This allows your team to review what you like, what lasted through the season, and what you’d like to add next year. That way when it’s time to start planning again you don’t have to start at square one.

How do you store large outdoor holiday decorations?

We handle storage for most of our turnkey customers. This includes high-quality crates, storage containers, and a very well-organized warehouse. Chances are, you’re trying to store your commercial holiday decorations with less space and fewer team members. The key to storing your décor starts during the take-down process. Ideally, every piece should be placed back in the box it arrived in or something similar. Clearly label the item inside, noting anything fragile and things that will need refurbishment before you install them next season. If you’re decorating a large property, label which section or location the item belongs in. This will help you keep your storage space organized and streamline next year’s decorating process.

How do I make sure my decorations look good next year?

The best way to ensure your decorations last is annual refurbishment. Our team evaluates every tree, garland, and prop during the off-season. This includes plugging in light strands and replacing any that have dimmed or broken, fluffing foliage, replacing worn ornaments, cleaning up and repainting fiberglass, and so much more. Check out our full guide on how to refurbish your holiday decorations to keep your décor shining for Christmases to come.


Lucky for you, we can help with just about everything that has anything to do with the holidays. Okay, no, we can’t help you with your Christmas gift shopping. But everything else we’ve got covered.


Learn more about our process and what to expect when planning commercial Christmas decorations here.


For more of our frequently asked questions, check out our FAQ page. Or shoot us a message, phone call, email, or fax (yes we still accept faxes). Whatever you need, we’re your holiday decorating experts and we’ll answer your call… or fax.

Trying to get your team on the holiday décor train?

Download our infographic on how to decorate your commercial property to get the Christmas party started.


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/blogs/theworkshop/christmas-decorations-for-day-and-night 2023-06-20T00:00:00-07:00 2023-07-07T16:57:58-07:00 Christmas Decorations for Day and Night Arianna Guevara More

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Like the sun sets so the moon can shine, so, too, do daytime families rest so their nighttime counterparts can start their holiday shopping. Some shoppers love to go out after breakfast. They want to laugh, play, and shop under the energizing smile of the sun. Others enjoy nighttime dinners, late night movies, and cool twilight walks among the glow of festive lights. Your property likely has both. So it's important to understand which holiday décor will look great for your daytime customers and your nighttime dwellers.


Our stellar design team prides itself on an eye for planning décor that looks great from dusk 'til dawn and back again. Most of these ideas include decorations that look great throughout the day and light up at night.


Here are our top recommendations for anyone searching for the perfect outdoor lighted Christmas decorations:

Fiberglass Reindeer

Okay so we're starting out with an unlit decoration. But these outdoor Xmas reindeer decorations just look so great during the day that we still recommend them for your day-to-night display. We love using flood lights to up light these decorations for their nighttime debut.

RGB Christmas Decorations

One of our favorite day-to-night Christmas decorations is our RGB Christmas Tree.But we also have a whole range of RGB lights and decorations from holiday-specific RGB snowflakes to color-changing spheresand light tubesthat look great any time of year.

Acrylic Sculptures

Our acrylic sculptures are great for indoor and outdoor holiday arctic scenes. From penguins of all sizes to elegant lit holiday trees, these sculptures paint a cool holiday scene during the day and welcome a friendly glow to your space in the evening.

European-Inspired éǰ

Our Belgian partners, Globall Concept, really deliver an exquisite line of spectacular light displays! Designed with a clear silicone mesh expertly woven with mini lights, their elegant holiday décor pieces lend to the sunshine during the day and sparkle at night. Plus, we have a whole lot of Globall Concept in ournewest product line ready to shine on your property this season!


These are just a few unique pieces and collections that will help your holiday décor shine.Let's designmagical Christmas decorations your customers will be talking about all year!Contact our team to start now.

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/blogs/theworkshop/how-to-decorate-an-outdoor-lamp-post-for-christmas 2023-06-07T00:00:00-07:00 2023-07-07T16:57:50-07:00 How To Decorate an Outdoor Lamp Post for Christmas Arianna Guevara More

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Did you know you can transforman ordinary street lamp outside your building into a magical beacon of festive light?


Whether you’re decorating towering street poles or walkway lampposts, adding different types of pole lighting décor to your holiday ensemble is a powerful way to turn drab poles intoworks of wonder.


If you’re interested in adding light pole décor to your property, there are a few questions you should consider before shopping for the perfect outdoor Christmas decorations.


Dothe light poles have power?

If not, can you get power to them from nearby?

What size are the light poles?

Are theystreet poles, parking lot light poles, or small walkway lampposts?

Can the poles handle wind loads?


Pole decorations can range from 2' to 8' tall, so you have options no matter what size poles you're working with. It's also important to consider where – and what – your flow of traffic is. Your light pole decorations should face and give clearance for their intended audience. Street-adjacent pole décor should face the street rather than any nearby walkways, and requires at least 14.5' of clearance. Walkway pole mounts should also face your traffic, and not the surrounding buildings or greenery, and need to be high enough to allow even your tallest guests to walk under.


Now, the fun begins: choosing your luxury decorations! Do you want a zigzag tree, shooting star, candy cane? How about something elegant like our swirly Valparaiso pole mount? There are endless designs available in ourlight pole décor collection.


But you're not done yet! Well, you could be, but we have so much more to put your light poles over the festive edge. Complete your Christmas look with colorful pole ends, vinyl wrap, garland and more!


Want something more personalized? Contact our sales teamto discuss customization options to make your pole light mount something special for you and your customers.

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/blogs/theworkshop/types-of-mini-light-strands 2023-06-05T00:00:00-07:00 2023-07-07T16:57:18-07:00 Types of Mini Light Strands Jacklyn Walters More

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Nothing marks the beginning of the holidays quite like untangling dozens of light strands. Among the knot of lights you’ll find some of the classics – warm white bulbs, maybe some multicolor strands. And you’re likely to wonder: What are the kinds of mini lights?


We offer dozens of colors, sizes, and styles of light strands. In the video below, we highlight four of our different kinds of mini lights.

5mm Multicolor Mini Lights

This is our most popular type of mini lights. 5mm mini light strands are what you typically see in Christmas trees, artificial wreaths, garland, and other Christmas foliage. They’re also often used for deciduous tree lighting. We featured our multicolor minis in the video above, but we also offer classic warm white and cool white options, as well as any fun or festive color you could need. With their classic style and compact shape, you really can’t go wrong with 5mm mini lights.


Firefly Lights

Our Firefly mini light strands are another of our favorites. These strands use the same 5mm bulbs as the multicolor mini lights, with a few differences that really make them stand apart from the crowd. Each of these bulbs slowly fades in and out at random, mimicking a tree filled with fireflies – hence their name. They also have much larger spacing, meaning the bulbs are farther apart from each other than typical mini light strands. This allows for a more natural look when used in year-round tree lighting applications. But the most subtle and important difference between these and our classic 5mm mini lights is that our firefly lights have a frosted lens. This disperses the light in an even glow which accentuates their firefly effect.


Faceted M6 Mini Lights

We love our M6 mini lights because they have all the wonder of incandescent bulbs with none of the worries. They don’t get hot, don’t burn out. But their elegant shape brings back memories of lighting the family tree. Pair these M6 lights with strings of popcorn or incorporate them into elegant trees with unique ornaments and ribbon. Either way these lights evoke all those warm holiday feelings that will bring your guests back for more.


G12 Mini Lights

Our G12 mini lights are one of our more unique types of string lights. Available in warm white, cool white, and faceted variations, these tiny round light bulbs are adorable, let’s be honest. But they’re also great for evoking a warm and inviting feel to your commercial holiday decorations. It’s like you’re hosting a family Christmas brunch except there are hundreds of people and everyone is a stranger. The more the merrier, right?


Whatever mini lights you choose, they’re here to make your season bright. Shop our entire mini light collection.

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/blogs/theworkshop/c7-c9-light-bulbs 2023-05-22T00:00:00-07:00 2023-07-07T16:56:48-07:00 What's the difference between C7 and C9 light bulbs? Arianna Guevara More

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Light.

This subject of poets and artists is also an essential element of any Christmas and holiday décor idea.Knowing the differences between your bulbs can be incredibly useful. And while it can all feel a bit technical at times, choosing the right bulb doesn’t need to be a frustrating affair. That’s why we’ve prepared a few helpful tips for choosing two of the most popular bulbs out there to help your holiday lighting shine– the popular and versatile C9 and C7 Christmas lights.


The first question our customers usually ask is:

Are C7 and C9 bulbs the same?

The short answer, no. But it can be hard to tell based on images alone.

Here are the basics:

Red LED C7 Light Bulb

C7 Light Bulbs

  • E12 / Candelabra base
  • 1.5" height and 1" width
  • Used to decorate small Christmas trees and large wreaths
  • Best suited for holiday décorthat will be seen up close
  • Great for pairing with vintage Christmas decorations
Green LED C7 Light Bulb

C9 Light Bulbs

  • E17 / Candelabra base
  • 2.5" height and 1.25" width
  • Used to decorate large Christmas trees andcommercial buildings
  • Best suited for extra large outdoordécor
  • Great forpairingwith vintage Christmas decorations

Are C7 or C9 bulbs bigger?

C9 lights are one inch bigger than C7 lights. This may not seem like a big deal, but this makes all the difference when viewed from far away. The picture below shows just how different C7 and C9 light bulbs look when placed on a building.

Close-up picture of two unlit light bulbs attached to a building. On the left, a red faceted C7 bulb with a label reading C7 and on the right, an orange faceted C9 bulb labelled C9.

Shop our faceted C7 light bulbs and faceted C9 light bulbs.


Still wondering, 'Should I use C7 or C9 bulbs?'


At the end of the day, both C7 and C9 Christmas lights are going to look great on your property and commercial holiday decorations. The best way to decide if you should use C7s or C9s is the size of your display and how far away your guests will be viewing them. C7 light bulbs are best for small and up-close holiday decorations. C9 bulbs are bigger so they're better for large Christmas décor, perimeter lighting, and decorations that will be seen from far away.

Shopping list for C7 and C9 Christmas lights:

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/blogs/theworkshop/unique-christmas-wreaths 2023-05-12T00:00:00-07:00 2023-07-07T16:52:55-07:00 Unique Christmas Wreaths to Spark Yuletide Traditions Arianna Guevara More

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Today is the day you foster a tradition.


As your customers don their soft sweaters, get cozy in the car, and head out to your property, they have no idea the holiday magic that awaits them. As they park, they get their first glimpse of what’s in store: Christmas cheer beyond compare. And the first thing they see as they walk through your entrance? A giant Christmas wreath, personalized to your property.


Dekra-Lite’s unique wreaths are a decorative element you won’t want to leave out of your commercial holiday décor program. They rekindle classic holiday cheer while your guests make new memories, take family photos, and stock up on Christmas gifts. Our stylish and customizable wreaths allow you to connect to this age-old tradition while catering to your brand or chosen color scheme. Plus, our giant wreaths are the perfect large indoor and outdoor Christmas décor.

Our unique Christmas wreaths come in all shapes and sizes. We have square wreaths, oval wreaths, and the classic round silhouette in sizes ranging from 3’-12’. Need a wreath with unique foliage to stand apart from the competition? Our wreath collection includes four foliage types from neat and upscale to wispy and whimsical.

Now you’re probably thinking, ‘How do you make a custom Christmas wreath?’

With our help, of course! Just select your wreath style, size, and ornament colors, and we’ll put it all together for you. Our wreaths arrive decorated and ready to hang.


If you want something really personalized for your property, we recommend the Giant Wreath Selfie Station. This large outdoor wreath comes double sided and covered in ornamentation that matches your branding. It also includes a custom base and custom graphic gift tag that you can fill with your logo, motto, or holiday hashtag.

Don’t have any of those designs on hand? Our in-house design team can make something just for you! All design services are included in your purchase, so don’t hesitate to ask for a hand.


If you love Christmas wreaths but don’t have the time to pick every element, opt for our pre-decorated wreaths. They have all the spirit with none of the planning stress.


Our unique Christmas Wreaths are not just “another decoration,” but a special and customizable take on a timeless holiday tradition. Dekra-Lite wreaths will help your holiday shoppers remember their special Christmas memories while they create wonderful new ones.

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/blogs/theworkshop/decorating-with-inflatables 2023-05-01T00:00:00-07:00 2023-07-07T16:52:39-07:00 Decorating With Inflatables Arianna Guevara More

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Santa, we shrunk the polar bear.


Don't worry; we can blow him up again next year.


What magic is this? Just the union of technology and creativity in our line of Inflatable décor.From huge holiday animals to giant festive ornaments, our inflatables are large enough to make any space more festive, and make the perfect indoor or outdoor Christmas decorations. Because you can deflate them after the season, they are easy to store.


Our giant Christmas inflatable polar bear, Dennis,inflates in under 2 minutes! Even the largest of elements, like our inflatable reindeer, Hedlandand Irkutskshrink down to fit into a 2' square box for maximum storage efficiency. You can choose from a variety of colors and materials to match any unique space and application. We also offer customization options.


And building a photo op with inflatables is super easy. In the video below, we set up a quick décor selfie station using our sitting reindeer, Hedland, right in our office! This selfie station uses simple holiday staples with a bold but economical focal point.

If you want your ceiling to pop, then explore some of our whimsical hanging elements. For example, Nagoya is an illuminated giant inflatableornament. Or check out Colombo, our super chic inflatable ornaments.


We also have plenty of inflatables for standing use if you don't have the overhead space. Our newest inflatable, Altamira, is a jolly way to accent your space. But our favorites are inflatable animals like Bilbor, because what's better than a giant inflatable teddy bear? (Probably nothing.)


Our inflatables really are an unbeatable balance of huge décor and simple storage. Use them year after year in different ways tokeep your décor fresh for your customers each season. Then, tuck them away easily until next year!


Shop all of our giant inflatable Christmas decorations here.

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/blogs/theworkshop/the-best-time-to-order-your-commercial-christmas-decor 2023-04-28T00:00:00-07:00 2024-03-21T02:42:31-07:00 The Best Time To Order Your Commercial Christmas éǰ Jacklyn Walters More

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Let’s cut right to it, the best time to order your Christmas décor is December.


“DECEMBER?!” you shout, a bead of nervous sweat rolling down your cheek. “But how could that be? Right at the prime holiday time when the jolly madness is upon us?”


Yes, but just to be clear, you are not ordering for the current December, but for next December. That would, indeed, be true madness.


We know it’s crazy during the holiday season, but with your commercial holiday decorations already installed, our elves have the opportunity to walk your property and view all of your holiday décor so we can identify the “dark places” to help you add some light. Both literally, with indoor and outdoor light Christmas decorations, and metaphorically with some classic Christmas cheer. This will ensure we can help create the most extraordinary holiday program with you next year.


If you didn’t plan a walk-through with our team while your halls were still decked, don’t worry. We can still help at almost any time of year (but by the time December rolls around, don’tbe surprised if we only have have a few ornaments left in stock).


For a full rundown on our process from start to festive finish, check out How to Tell Your Holiday Story.


In the meantime, here are your four key holiday planning months from here on out:

May

This is the month to finalize and place any orders.

July

Finalizing the specifications such as electrical, scopes of work, etc.

October

All the décor is coming in and we’re shipping it out to you for the install!

November - December

All the magic goes up! Smiles of cheer and gasps of joy fly out of your grateful customers’ mouths. Then, the process starts all over again!


With these dates in mind, you are guaranteed to have the most wondrous winter holiday program and season, with unique Christmas décor, minimal headaches, maximum efficiency, revenue, and fun! Have more questions or want to get started right away on planning ahead? Then call us at (800) 474-5179 or email us at Info@˵.

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/blogs/theworkshop/why-commercial-buildings-need-perimeter-lighting 2023-04-27T00:00:00-07:00 2024-03-21T02:44:50-07:00 Why Commercial Buildings Need Perimeter Lighting Arianna Guevara More

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When the sun sets, many buildings disappear as the sky darkens, and most people don't think much about them. Business owners and designers, on the other hand, pay a lot of attention to how their business looks during the evening hours. A building's appearance is especially important if it's open after the sun sets. One simple yet effective way companies can ensure that their businesses don't go unnoticed is by using perimeter lighting.


What is perimeter lighting, and why is it important?


Perimeter lighting refers to the exterior lights that go on the roof or around the edges of a building. These lights create contrast and help your business stand out. Outdoor string lights like our festival lighting or RGB lights can really set your business apart from the competition.


In addition to improving your business' visibility, commercial perimeter lighting also serves as a key indicator that your property is safe and open for business. Just by adding lights, you can create a welcoming atmosphere and draw customers into your building.


You are probably already aware that lighting is an essential element in setting the mood. With the right lights, you can help to curate thefeelings you hope your visitors experience when they step foot on your property. You can create anything from an evening ambiance, or a most festive environment for your visitors. Especially around the holidays, you'll want your customers to have that warm cozy Christmas feel when they enter your city or store. That's why vibrant Christmas lighting is essential from late October all the way through the holiday season.


For your year-round lighting needs, we recommend low-voltage clip lighting, festival lighting, or even mini lights for your more intimate or indoor spaces.


Perimeter lighting is a business investment.Whether you're brightening up an open space or lighting an intimate setting, adding outdoor perimeter lights is an effective way to improve your building's atmosphere. If you need to welcome your guests before they step out of their cars, try lighting your trees as well. Our team specializes inoutdoor lighted palm trees, but we can help with any of your commercial property lighting needs.


Call our elves at (800) 474-5179 to start setting your outdoor lighting vibe today!

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/blogs/theworkshop/4-ways-to-define-your-holiday-style 2023-04-13T00:00:00-07:00 2023-07-07T16:51:40-07:00 4 Ways To Define Your Holiday Style Arianna Guevara More

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From our choice of clothes to the cars we drive, our personal style adds that special touch that defines us. It should be no surprise, then, that finding your own personal flair for your Christmas & holiday decorations makes the difference between a typical holiday display and one that stands out to your customers.


You may be wondering,how do I choose a holiday theme?


We can help.


When selecting decorations for your property, there are a few things to take into consideration:

Clientele

Who are your customers? Who visits your property? What do you think that they would like to see? What would bring them joy? If you’re catering to clients who expect an upscale or luxury experience, consider a chic take on the holidays with colors such as champagne, rose, gold, and silver, as captured in our Elegant and Precious Metals themes.


If your clientele is hip and trendy, consider a modern twist on your commercial Christmas decorations with eye-catching pops of color like the blue and teal hues displayed in our Coastal Christmas Theme. Or bring your property to life with our Multicolor Pop palette. We can even help you tie in these vibrant hues in custom graphics and selfie stations for social media marketing!


Perhaps your customers lean toward traditional holiday displays, in which case we have an abundance of options and combinations of red, green, and gold décor. Our Classic Christmas, Traditional Tidings, and Holly Leaf Holiday themes are a great place to start.


After determining who will be seeing your holiday décor, it’s time to consider what will surround it.

Surrounding Landmarks

What focal points stand out on your property? What does your architecture look like? Will you be needing unique outdoor Christmas decorations to outshine your infrastructure? Or would you prefer to incorporate your décor into your existing style? Are you near the ocean, mountains, forests, or city? Wherever you find yourself this holiday season, we can help you find the perfect props to accentuate your location or help you stand out from your surroundings.

The Scale

Once you have an understanding of your customers and your property fixtures, it’s time to decide if you want to go big or stay cozy. There are plenty of ways to accent small spaces. But if you have the space (and the budget) we love to go crazy for Christmas. Think huge commercial holiday decorations like Sequoia Trees, large star props, and Giant Candy Canes.


We have all this and more, but before we decide on which pieces to deck your halls with, let’s delve into industry trends.

Trends

Like fashion, holiday décor is filled with the latest and greatest and last year’s flops. Do you know what they are? Our creative team prides itself on staying up-to-date with the latest holiday trends and would be happy to clue you in. We attend multiple trade shows every year to ensure that we’re at the top of our game.


Finding your seasonal style can be a fun and rewarding way to create something unique to you and your brand. If you already know what you’re interested in and can’t wait to get started, then we would love to hear from you! Still not sure what your holiday style will be this year? Contact our team to get your custom Christmas décor program started today!

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/blogs/theworkshop/5-crucial-elements-for-a-captivating-christmas-window-display-edited 2023-03-30T00:00:00-07:00 2023-07-07T16:51:27-07:00 4 Elements for a Captivating Christmas Window Display Arianna Guevara More

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Imagine walking through a shopping center on a beautiful day at Christmastime. Your senses captivated by festive sights and sounds, children lined up to take photos with Santa, the sweet smells of cocoa and candied walnuts fill the air fromvendors among the storefronts.Now, you pass a window and decide to stop inside. Why?


Most likely because their holiday window display caught your eye.


People love to window shop, especially during the holiday season. They love to weave in and out of stores to check out their displays and holiday decorations. Not to mention these displays help them determine which stores are worth their time and money.


So why not make window displays that inspire?


The best holiday window displays are inviting, festive, and most importantly convey essential information. Creating a presentation that captures the attention of passersby can make the difference between a successful holiday season and a not-so-successful one.


Here are a few tips and suggestions for creating captivating holiday outdoor Christmas decorations andwindow displays.


Creating Captivating Window Displays

1.Christmas Trees


Large outdoor Christmas decorationstypically center around giant Christmas trees. But for your Christmas window display, we recommend using smaller trees to accent your real focal point: your products and promotions. Products like our Flat Trees are the perfect way to add a holiday touch without distracting from whatever you're promoting for the season.


2. Window Graphics


Window graphics are great for window displays. They can be used to supplement other elements— like adding a touch of frost to your indoor Christmas display — but they also look great as standalone piecesand sale announcements.


Dekra-Lite offerscustom andunique Christmas decorations includinghigh-quality window graphics printed right in our SoCal workshop. One of the best things about our static cling custom window decals is that they're reusable and can be applied to any glass surface without leaving an adhesive residue.


Contact our team to get started on your custom design today, and check out our custom décor gallery for inspiration.


3. Graphic Cutouts


Graphic cutouts are a unique way to grab attention at any time of the year. From life-sized character cut-outsto hanging 3D decorations and ornaments, we can custom make whatever you need foryour window display.


4. Neon Flexible Lighting


Neon Flexible Lighting is another tool you can use to brighten up your holiday window display. This type of light creates vivid, bright colors, including cool white, red, orange, blue, pink, and more. You can use it to line the perimeter of your windows for a festive glow, or use it to spell out words or shapes.Regardless of how you decide to use Neon Flex, it will capture potential customers' attention with an iridescent glow.


A window is not just a way for people to peer in and out, but an opportunity to capture attention and increase sales. Let our team of expert designers cultivate the perfect marketing piece for the holiday season. Talk to our team today to start planning your holiday window display!

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/blogs/theworkshop/how-to-promote-your-holiday-decor 2022-11-28T00:00:00-08:00 2023-07-07T16:51:11-07:00 How To Promote Your Holiday éǰ Jacklyn Walters More

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The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. But if you’re more of a behind-the-scenes holiday hype man, you can still share the seasonal scoop.


Whether you’ve purchased décor, scheduled events, or just have general holiday happenings, you’re going to want to promote them. And your customers are going to want to hear about them!


Here are our three favorite (and free!) ways to promote décor:

Social Media

Even if you’ve never heard of FOMO, you’ve probably experienced it. And social media is a great way to invoke people’s fear of missing out. Whether you’re trending on TikTok or barely touch your business’ Facebook account, social media is a great way to promote your holiday decorations. Plus, it doesn’t really matter if you don’t have a huge following. When people are searching for Christmas events, your social pages give them a place to find information about your property’s holiday plans.


One of our favorite ways to get our audience interested in upcoming projects is with teasers. Think close-up photos of your décor or quick videos of the installation process. By giving people just a glimpse of what’s to come, they’ll be more interested in coming back to your page – and ideally, your property – to see the final product for themselves. You can also post pictures of your team members taking photos in front of your décor so when your guests are ready to experience the holidays, they know where to go.

If you plan on hosting information about your decorations and holiday plans on your website, social media is a great place to link that information as well.

Website

If you have a website, this is its time to shine! No matter where your guests land on your site, your goal should be to guide them back to what truly matters: your upcoming holiday events.


Do you have carolers coming? Promote it. Did you plan a tree lighting? Promote it. Are you hosting horse-drawn carriage rides? Promote it. Will you have a hot cocoa stand? Promote it. Have décor all over the city? Promote it. Santa coming? Promote it.


The bottom line: people can’t go to events they don’t know about. So make sure everyone who lands on your website knows where to go for holiday cheer.


. If all of your décor isn’t in one central location, let your customers know! It’s super easy to make a map with all of your holiday hot spots, and you can even include pictures of what they can expect to find there.

Local Guides & Blogs

A quick google search for “Christmas decorations SoCal” brings up dozens of news outlets and local bloggers sharing their yuletide tips. Make sure your community knows what you have to offer!


The more you promote your events on your own platforms, the easier it is for them to find your events and share them with the masses. You can also reach out to your local reporters and social media channels to let them know why people should come to your property to celebrate the season.

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