Deck the Halls on Wheels: Rental-Friendly Christmas RV Decorating Hacks

If you're adventuring in an RV rental during the holidays, it's important not to miss out on some annual traditions that make this season so special... DECORATING

It may seem like a daunting task to worry about clean, temporary decorations, especially when working with limited space, but it is much more simpler than you think! Here are some easily ideas and solutions to make sure your Holiday on wheels is a magical and joyous one

Budget Friendly Hacks:

No need to worry about purchasing completely new decorations. Save extra money by packing your seasonal items from home with you.

The secret is focusing entirely on friction, suction, removable adhesives, and existing structures.

Exterior & Entryway Solutions

• Door Wreath Hack: Use an over-the-door wreath hanger (the type that hooks over the top edge of a door) for the RV entry door. This avoids using tape or magnets that could scratch or damage the metal/fiberglass.

• Suction Cup Lights: Use strand lights specifically designed with suction cup holders to secure them to the smooth fiberglass or glass areas (like the front of the motorhome or large side windows).

• Awning Draping: Draping lightweight garland or string lights along the roller tube of the retracted awning  (if whether permits) can create a nice look without touching the RV's body. Crucially: Remove everything before extending the awning or traveling! 

• Ground Decor: Focus the majority of the outdoor cheer on the ground in your campsite—a small artificial tree in a planter, a battery-operated spotlight on the RV, or a fun, lightweight sign near the entry steps.

Instant Cheer: Swapping Linens, Rugs, and Centerpieces

The easiest way to make any space feel festive is by temporarily swapping out soft goods and utilizing tabletops. These items require absolutely zero adhesive, hooks, or damage to the RV structure.

1. Seasonal Pillows

Embrace the pillow cover swap by exchanging your existing pillows with holiday covers.

• The Hack: Purchase a few festive pillow covers (velvet, plaid, or embroidered with holiday words) that fit the existing pillows. This reduces storage space and allows you to reuse them again even after your rental vacation.

• Zero-Damage Benefit: You simply slip the old cover off and the new one on. The covers are lightweight, pack completely flat for storage, and instantly change the color and texture of your main seating area.

2. Welcome Mat and Rug Swap

The entry area sets the tone for the entire RV. A simple doormat change provides major visual impact.

• Doormats: Place a fun, slim holiday doormat (e.g., "Happy Campers" or a simple snowflake design) right at your entryway.

• Area Rugs: You can also choose a low-pile, washable rug for easy maintenance to cover the floors of the common area. 

3. Centerpieces and Table Decor

Utilize the RV's kitchen table, dinette, or coffee table for simple, contained centerpieces. Remember to pack them away or secure them with Museum Putty before driving!

• The "Tray" System: Use a decorative, lightweight serving tray or charger plate as the base for your centerpiece. This makes the entire decoration easily movable and contained.

• Contained Centerpieces:

  • Ornaments in a Jar: Fill a clear, sturdy vase or mason jar with bright, non-breakable ornaments.

  • Pinecones & Greenery: Place faux pine sprigs, a few battery-operated candles, and pinecones on your centerpiece tray. Faux greenery avoids the mess of shedding needles from real plants. Activity idea: embrace the outdoors with your loved ones by exploring your campground for decorations straight from mother nature herself. This creates a fun memory and adds sentiment to your new seasonal decor.

  • Fruit Bowl Swap: Replace the everyday fruit bowl with one filled with seasonal elements like cranberries, small oranges, and cinnamon sticks (which also add a great natural scent!).

This trio of swaps ensures every surface looks festive, without leaving any trace when the holiday trip is over!

The "No Mess, No Fuss" Rule

• Avoid: Hot glue, tacks, nails, strong double-sided foam tape, permanent markers, or anything that drips (like real wax candles).

• Prioritize: Battery-operated LED lights (avoiding electrical outlet strain), fabric, paper, and static-cling items.

So there you have it—a handful of simple, zero-damage solutions to deck your RV halls this season. The beauty of these rental-friendly hacks is that they require minimal investment and just minutes to set up, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the season. Whether you're parked by a snowy mountain or a sunny beach, a little holiday spirit goes a long way. But ultimately, the holidays aren't about how many lights you hang, but the memories you make. Your RV, your cozy, temporary home-away-from-home, is the perfect setting for a unique and memorable Christmas.  Happy travels, and may your Christmas on the road be bright and damage-free!

Now, grab your Command hooks and a little holiday cheer, and make some mobile memories