Holiday decorating is supposed to be joyful—not stressful, rushed, or risky. Yet every year, homeowners across Southeast Michigan find themselves overwhelmed by choices, timelines, safety concerns, and half-finished decorating projects.
That exact issue was front and center in a recent
, where Adam Helfman sat down with Ashley Thomas of Sherwood Forest Garden Center to talk about what homeowners often get wrong when it comes to holiday décor—and how to do it better.
If you want your home to feel festive without turning decorating into a second job, here’s what you need to know.
Decorating Without a Plan Creates Stress
You’ve probably been there.
You pull out last year’s decorations, realize something’s broken, lights don’t work, or the look just doesn’t feel right anymore.
Now you’re running to stores, guessing what to buy, and hoping it all comes together.
Ashley Thomas put it simply during the episode: decorating works best when there’s intention behind it. Walking in without a plan almost always leads to wasted money, mismatched décor, and frustration.
When you take the guesswork out of decorating, everything feels easier. You make better choices, avoid impulse buys, and end up with a home that actually feels put together.
Live vs. Artificial Trees: Choose With Purpose
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether a live or artificial Christmas tree makes more sense.
Ashley explained that the “right” answer depends entirely on how you decorate and live in your home.
Live trees offer scent, authenticity, and tradition. Sherwood Forest Garden Center carries Fraser Firs from Michigan and North Carolina, Concolor Firs with citrus-like fragrance, and classic Scotch Pines. Each tree serves a different purpose depending on ornament weight, ceiling height, and personal preference.
Artificial trees, on the other hand, work well for homeowners who want consistency, minimal cleanup, or pre-lit convenience. Today’s artificial trees are safer, better lit, and more reliable than ever.
The key takeaway from the Hire It Done discussion? Choosing the tree comes first—everything else follows.
Quality Décor Makes a Real Difference
Not all holiday décor is created equal. Big-box decorations often look good on the shelf but don’t always hold up outdoors or last beyond one season.
Sherwood Forest Garden Center stands out because of its focus on handcrafted, thoughtfully designed décor. From weighted outdoor gnomes built to withstand Michigan weather to custom wreaths, garlands, and bows, the emphasis is on durability and visual impact.
Ashley shared that many of their items are handmade by local artisans, including her own family. That craftsmanship shows—not just in how the décor looks, but in how long it lasts.
When your décor is built to handle wind, snow, and cold, you’re not redoing your work every year.
Outdoor Décor Should Be Safe and Secure
Outdoor holiday decorating is one area where guesswork can quickly turn into a safety issue.
Improperly placed lights, unstable lawn décor, or overloaded outlets can create real hazards. Ashley emphasized the importance of using décor that’s designed for outdoor conditions and installed with intention.
Weighted decorations, weather-rated lighting, and proper spacing all matter. When done correctly, outdoor décor enhances curb appeal without putting your home—or your family—at risk.
This is especially important for SE Michigan homeowners who deal with fluctuating winter weather.
Personalization Is What Makes Décor Feel Special
One of the most valuable insights from the episode was how personalization changes everything.
At Sherwood Forest Garden Center, homeowners are encouraged to bring photos of past trees or existing décor. From there, Ashley and her team help design additions that actually work with what you already have.
Whether it’s custom ribbon, themed ornaments, or a unique tree topper, personalization removes the trial-and-error process. You’re not guessing—you’re building on a plan.
That approach saves time, money, and stress.
You Don’t Have to Do It All Yourself
Hire It Done isn’t anti-DIY—but it is pro-doing things the right way.
Ashley made it clear that homeowners can get as involved as they want. Some prefer guidance and materials so they can decorate themselves. Others want the entire process handled for them, from design to setup.
There’s no wrong choice—only the one that fits your time, energy, and expectations.
As Adam Helfman often reminds homeowners, your time is valuable. If decorating starts to feel overwhelming, hiring trusted professionals isn’t a luxury—it’s a smart decision.
When to Take Decorations Down
Even post-holiday timing came up during the conversation.
Ashley recommends removing décor by the first week of January, especially if you have a live tree. Heat vents, dropping needles, and drying branches can become issues quickly.
Timers for lights are also essential. They save energy and prevent situations where decorations accidentally stay lit well into spring.
Why Local Expertise Matters
Sherwood Forest Garden Center has served the Rochester and Metro Detroit area for over 30 years. Their ten-acre property offers everything from trees and plants to holiday décor, gifts, and outdoor accents.
More importantly, their knowledgeable staff helps homeowners make confident decisions—not rushed ones. That local expertise is what separates a memorable holiday experience from a stressful one.
Final Thoughts for SE Michigan Homeowners
Holiday decorating shouldn’t feel like pressure. It should feel like tradition, warmth, and enjoyment.
The biggest lesson from this Hire It Done episode is simple: when you remove guesswork and lean on trusted professionals, decorating becomes fun again.
If you want your home to feel festive, safe, and thoughtfully designed this season, start with a plan—and don’t be afraid to hire it done.
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