How to Prepare Your Vacation Rental Property for the Holidays (Easter and Beyond)

As a vacation rental host, the holidays are golden opportunities to elevate your property’s appeal and deliver a memorable experience for your guests. Whether it’s Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the Fourth of July, guests are often seeking a cozy, festive atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. By adding thoughtful holiday-themed touches, you can not only increase bookings but also earn glowing reviews and repeat visitors.

Here’s how to prepare your vacation rental property for Easter and other major holidays—with style, charm, and hospitality in mind.

1. Start with Seasonal Decor

The easiest way to make your rental feel holiday-ready is by incorporating seasonal decor. For Easter, think pastel colors, spring florals, and playful accents like bunnies, eggs, and nests.

• Add a cheerful wreath to the front door.

• Use pastel-colored throw pillows and table runners.

• Place a few decorative Easter baskets or faux eggs on the coffee table or dining room.

• Fresh or faux flowers (tulips, lilies, daffodils) can breathe springtime vibes into any space.

For other holidays:

• Fourth of July: Red, white, and blue bunting, mini flags, and patriotic tableware.

• Thanksgiving: Warm hues, pumpkins, pinecones, and rustic centerpieces.

• Christmas: Twinkling lights, wreaths, a small tree, stockings, and ornaments.

✅ Pro Tip: Target’s holiday decor section is a great resource for affordable and stylish seasonal updates.

2. Create a Holiday Welcome Package

Impress guests with a themed welcome basket tailored to the holiday.

For Easter, include:

• Chocolate bunnies or mini egg-shaped candies.

• A handwritten card with Easter greetings.

• A small activity for kids like a mini egg coloring kit or stickers.

Other ideas for different holidays:

• Hot cocoa packets and candy canes for Christmas.

• Pumpkin spice snacks and tea for Thanksgiving.

• Sparklers or glow sticks for the Fourth of July.

This extra touch makes guests feel cared for and enhances their overall experience.

🛒 Try sourcing from Etsy’s holiday gift baskets for unique, handmade options.

3. Highlight Family-Friendly Activities

Holiday travel often includes families. If your rental is family-friendly, make it a point to showcase that during the holiday season.

For Easter:

• Provide information about local Easter egg hunts or church services.

• Leave out a few Easter storybooks or board games for rainy days.

Use your guidebook or welcome binder to list nearby seasonal attractions like:

• Christmas light displays

• Fall festivals or pumpkin patches

• Fourth of July parades or fireworks displays

You can find local events using Eventbrite or your town’s tourism board website.

4. Set Up for a Holiday Meal

Many guests enjoy cooking or sharing a meal together on holidays. Make sure your kitchen is ready!

• Ensure your kitchen is well-stocked with essentials like bakeware, mixing bowls, and serving trays.

• Provide a roasting pan or turkey baster for Thanksgiving.

• Add Easter-themed napkins or placemats for spring brunches.

You can also leave out a couple of festive recipes in a holiday-themed folder—think “Grandma’s Famous Deviled Eggs” for Easter or “Apple Pie à la Mode” for Thanksgiving.

🍽️ For inspiration, check out Tasty’s holiday recipe collection.

5. Update Your Listing and Photos

Let guests know you’re holiday-ready by updating your vacation rental listing.

• Add new photos of your festive decor.

• Mention special touches in the listing description (e.g., “Easter brunch-ready kitchen” or “Patriotic backyard setup for July 4th”).

• Temporarily adjust the title for the season: “Springtime Getaway with Easter Goodies” or “Cozy Christmas Cottage with Tree & Twinkle Lights.”

Also, consider offering flexible check-ins or discounts for extended stays during the holidays to attract more bookings.

📷 Need help with seasonal listing photos? Consider hiring a pro via Thumbtack or Snappr.

6. Think About Outdoor Spaces

The holidays are a great time for guests to gather outside. Enhance your outdoor setup:

• Add spring flowers or planters near the entry.

• Set up an outdoor Easter egg hunt area if you allow children.

• Hang string lights or lanterns for a cozy evening vibe.

• Provide marshmallows and skewers for s’mores around the fire pit during fall or winter holidays.

If your property has a grill, make sure it’s clean and ready to use—especially for summer holidays.

7. Go the Extra Mile with Entertainment

You can elevate your holiday setup with some multimedia fun:

• Provide Easter movies like Hop or Peter Rabbit.

• Include a Spotify playlist for the season (like “Springtime Jazz” or “Holiday Classics”).

• Add a few board games or puzzles with seasonal themes.

A smart TV, Bluetooth speaker, or even a curated YouTube playlist can make a big difference in guest satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your vacation rental for Easter and other holidays doesn’t have to be expensive or over-the-top—it just needs to be thoughtful. Small, seasonal upgrades can turn a great stay into an unforgettable one.

Remember: hospitality is about the feeling you create. When guests walk into a space that feels warm, festive, and welcoming, they’re far more likely to write glowing reviews, return for another visit, and recommend your property to friends and family.

Start planning early, stay organized, and sprinkle in those special touches—your future guests will thank you!