Every year it happens: Christmas content suddenly creeps up on brands, photographers and creatives. Maybe your launch date moved, stock arrived late, or the idea only just came together.
The good news? You can still create beautiful, professional festive content – even on a tight timeline.
At Styled Home Studios, we work with shoots of every size, including last-minute Christmas campaigns. With the right organisation, a flexible location and a streamlined booking process, a December shoot is absolutely achievable. Here’s how to make it happen.
1. Keep the concept simple, clear and festive.
You don’t need a full studio build or elaborate set design. A well-decorated home instantly gives warmth, lifestyle authenticity and Christmas atmosphere – without spending days dressing a space. For smaller brands, photographers and entrepreneurs, styled real homes are a huge time-saver.
Quick wins:
*Choose a location with natural light and a cosy, lived-in feel
*Look for neutral styling so your product stands out
*Use existing décor, greenery and gifts to create atmosphere
2. Choose a location that’s already dressed for Christmas.
One of the biggest time-savers is shooting in a home that already has seasonal décor. Many of our locations are beautifully styled for Christmas from early December — some even earlier. When enquiring, simply ask: “When will your home be decorated for Christmas?” Hosts are used to this question, and many can provide images or videos ahead of time so you know exactly what you’ll be working with.
3. Be prepared for a fast turnaround from concept to shoot.
Because you deal directly with the Host through Styled Home Studios, you can move from enquiry to confirmed shoot very quickly.
We regularly see:
*Enquiries confirmed within 12 hours
*Shoots happening the same week for urgent deadlines
*No long agency chains. Just a fast, direct path to getting your content made.
4. Book your location by the hour – not the day
If you only need a few scenes or a half-day shoot, you don’t need to hire a location for a full day. Our homes can be booked by the hour, making last-minute shoots budget-friendly and flexible. This works brilliantly for:
*Product photography
*Gift guides
*Lifestyle content for social
*Influencer campaigns
(Image courtesy of Amanda Hutchinson. Shot at Bijou City Villa – SW17)
5. Bring the outdoors in.
If Christmas décor is minimal, the outdoors (and items you already own) can be your friend. In a design-led home, small festive details go a long way.
*Evergreen branches
*Wreaths
*Fairy lights
*Cosy blankets and winter textures
6. Have a clear and simple shot list.
When time is tight, planning becomes powerful. Create a shot list that covers:
*Product shots
*Lifestyle / talent scenes
*Detail shots
*Social-first content (reels, TikToks, behind-the-scenes)
A shoot with a clear plan can capture over a month of content in a single day.
7. Styled homes make brands look bigger
For small brands and independent creators, a location home gives a polished, editorial feel without the cost of a large studio setup. Your content looks:
*Elevated
*Professional
*Aspirational
*On-brand for Christmas campaigns
That’s why real homes are becoming the go-to for festive shoots and seasonal storytelling.
You still have time! If you need to create Christmas content fast, the right location makes all the difference.At Styled Home Studios, we make it easy. Whether you’re shooting product images, a gift guide, an influencer day or a mini campaign – we can help you find the perfect festive backdrop.
Browse our portfolio of styled locations and get your festive shoot booked in today.
Your content may be last-minute – but it doesn’t have to look it.
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