How to decorate your first home for Christmas

There’s something very special about spending your first Christmas in a new house.

It’s a real relief to be wrapping gifts instead of packing boxes, and exciting to see your own decorations sparkle in a space that finally feels like yours.

A first Christmas at home will be a memory you won’t forget, but if you’ve recently moved into a new build, there are a few things to know before you reach for the tinsel. This guide will help you decorate safely, thoughtfully, and beautifully, so you can enjoy your first festive season without any DIY dramas.

Protect fresh plaster and paint

Fresh plaster takes time to dry. At Tilia Homes, we recommend avoiding decorating for twelve months as it’s important to let your walls breathe. You should also avoid hanging heavy or wall-mounted decorations for now. Instead of using nails or hooks, use removable adhesive strips or place lighter decorations on shelves and sideboards.

If you’re unsure, a good rule of thumb is to decorate surfaces rather than walls. Try garlands on mantelpieces, fairy lights draped over curtain poles and tying ribbon on internal cupboards or doors.

For more top tips on how to look after your new build home in the first year, read our latest guide here.

Match your décor and decorations

Every new home has its own personality, and your winter decorations can enhance it further. One of our top winter home styling tips is to consider the colour theme you might want to use in your home. Neutral walls work well with bold red and gold tones, while cooler grey and white interiors suit metallics, icy blues and soft greens.

If you’ve upgraded your flooring, protect it by using a tree skirt and mat to catch stray needles or water drips. Artificial trees can be a smart option in your first year, especially if your carpets or wood floors are new.

Make lighting work for you

Lighting can completely change the atmosphere of your new home at Christmas. Use a mix of warm white fairy lights, lamps and festive candles to create a gentle glow. Choose LED lights, which use less energy than traditional bulbs as this can help to keep costs down during the colder months.

A simple trick is to place lights at different heights. Fairy lights along a staircase, candles on the dining table and glowing tree in the corner all help create a welcoming layered effect without overdoing it.

Decorating every room  

You don’t have to limit Christmas décor to the living room. A small wreath on a bedroom door or a sprig of holly in the kitchen window can make the whole house feel festive.

If you’ve moved from a flat to a house, your front door or garden may be a new space for decorations. A real pine wreath or a few strings of outdoor Christmas lights can transform your home’s front garden without being too bright for neighbours. Looking for an energy-efficient option? Choose solar-powered options to save energy and avoid trailing wires.

A new home to make memories in

Tilia Homes have a range of beautifully designed new homes for sale across England. Each one is the perfect blank canvas to make your own, ready for decorating and celebrating every season, from the first warm spring morning to Christmas dinner with the whole family.

You can view our full range of new homes for sale here.

Q&A: How do I avoid damaging my new home at Christmas?

Can I hang decorations on new walls? 

It’s best not to in the first year. New plaster and paint can still be settling, so use adhesive hooks designed for temporary use or find freestanding alternatives. 

Can I use sticky pads or fake snow on windowsills?

Test a small patch first, ideally behind furniture or a door. Some products can mark paint or leave residue. Once you’re sure they’re safe, go ahead.

How should I keep my home warm and dry?

Keep heating consistent, rather than switching it off and on. This helps moisture escape gradually and prevents condensation. It also keeps you comfortable through the festive period.

Where should I put the Christmas tree?

Choose a spot that doesn’t block heat sources or doorways. Trees look great near windows or French doors where they can be enjoyed from both in and outside.