It’s that time of year again, you’re thinking about getting the tree up at home, the festive playlist is sneaking back into rotation, and someone’s already talking about Secret Santa.

But what about the office?

Decorating with spruce and ribbons for Christmas

Decorating your workspace for Christmas can be a brilliant way to lift morale, bring teams together, and end the year on a cheerful note. Still, there’s a fine line between festive and fabulous… and festive chaos.

Here are our top dos and don’ts to help you get your workplace looking merry (and still professional) this season.

DO: Keep It Inclusive

Not everyone celebrates Christmas in the same way, or at all, so keep decorations fun and winter-themed rather than overly specific. Think twinkly lights, snowflakes, pinecones, and a few tasteful splashes of red and gold. A “winter wonderland” theme keeps things seasonal without excluding anyone.

DON’T: Block the Fire Exit

Yes, that corner might look perfect for the tree, but if it’s near a fire door, printer, or walkway, it’s a no-go. Safety first, the last thing you want is an elf-related evacuation drill.

DO: Let the Team Get Involved

Decorating the office shouldn’t fall to one person. Make it a team event with festive snacks and music. Everyone will take more pride in the result, and it’s a great way to boost morale before the year wraps up.

DON’T: Overdo the Tinsel

A little sparkle goes a long way. Remember, tinsel has strong “retro energy,” and while we love a bit of nostalgia, your office shouldn’t look like it’s stuck in 1995. Opt for modern touches instead; fairy lights, garlands, and metallic ornaments add plenty of shine without the clutter.

DO: Think About Colour

If your office has a particular design scheme or brand palette, try to coordinate. You don’t need to turn everything red and green, maybe pick decorations that complement your existing colours. It’ll look more intentional and less like Christmas exploded near the photocopier.

DON’T: Forget About Cables

Fairy lights and plug-in decorations are great until someone trips over a wire on their way to the coffee machine. Keep cables tucked away, use battery-operated lights where possible, and avoid daisy-chaining too many plugs together.

DO: Bring Nature In

A few natural elements, real pine branches, a poinsettia, or some simple greenery, can look beautiful and smell amazing. Just check with your facilities team before going full forest mode.

DON’T: Cover Every Surface

Desk space is precious. Leave room for people to work, eat, and exist without knocking over baubles. A few well-placed decorations go much further than a snowstorm of glitter.

DO: Add a Personal Touch

A small tree or mini wreath at each department’s desk area can be a fun way to reflect team personality. Marketing might go minimalist and gold, while IT might sneak in a Star Wars bauble or two.

Bonus Tip: Reuse and Recycle

When January rolls around, pack your decorations carefully and store them for next year. It saves money and helps reduce waste, so your office can stay eco-friendly and festive.