Decorations Inventory Guide for Insurance Claims and Policy Coverage
Decorations, especially those used for holidays, parties, and special events, play a key role in enhancing celebrations and festivities. While they may range from inexpensive items to more valuable collectibles, the collective worth of seasonal and event-based decorations can add up quickly in an insurance Claim.
Properly managing and documenting your decorations can help ensure you’re fully covered by your insurance in the event of damage, theft, or loss. This guide helps homeowners create an inventory of their decorations, including Holiday and party-specific items.
What Are Insurable Decorations?
Decorations include any items used to enhance the aesthetic and atmosphere of your home during holidays, events, or parties. These can range from holiday-themed decorations like Christmas lights and ornaments to birthday and party decorations for specific themes.
Some high-end or collectible decorations, such as designer Christmas ornaments or rare holiday collectibles, can carry significant value and may require additional insurance coverage. Those also might be better tracked under Antiques or Collectibles depending on their age and value.
Importance of Appraisals for Decorations
Most everyday decorations may not require formal appraisals, but high-end, custom, or collectible items can be worth a significant amount and may necessitate appraisals for accurate insurance coverage.
For example, collectible Christmas ornaments or rare, antique holiday Décor can have a high market value. Appraisals help determine the replacement value of these items and ensure they are adequately insured. If this is the case, track these under the Collectibles (or Antiques) categories so the proper Depreciation calculations - or lack thereof - can be applied.
Depreciation and Decorations
Most standard decorations, especially those that are mass-produced, tend to significantly depreciate over time due to wear and tear. However, collectible or limited-edition holiday decorations may appreciate in value. Ensure your insurance policy reflects the full replacement value of your decorations, especially for valuable or rare items.
Ensuring Proper Insurance Coverage for Decorations
Riders for High-End or Collectible Decorations: If you own rare or high-end decorations—such as collectible ornaments, custom-designed décor, or antique holiday items—consider adding a rider to your insurance policy to ensure they are covered for their full value.
Replacement Value Coverage: Make sure your insurance policy covers decorations at replacement value, not actual cash value (which factors in depreciation). This will allow you to replace your decorations at today’s market price if they are lost or damaged.
Detailed Documentation: Maintain a detailed inventory of your decorations, including photographs, descriptions, and purchase receipts. This will simplify the insurance claims process and ensure proper reimbursement.
Regular Inventory Updates: Regularly update your inventory as you add new decorations or purchase new items for different holidays or events. Ensure your insurance coverage is adjusted accordingly.
Quick List of Decorations by Category
Here’s a categorized inventory guide for various types of decorations, helping you document and manage your collection for insurance purposes.
Seasonal Decorations
Seasonal decorations are often used throughout the year to mark the changing seasons or general holidays. While these items may be inexpensive, the total value of a collection can quickly add up.
Fall leaf garlands
Spring floral wreaths
Winter pine cone decorations
Seasonal candles and candleholders
Faux snow decorations
Summer-themed lanterns
Seasonal table centerpieces
Hanging paper or fabric garlands
Decorative pumpkins (ceramic, fabric, or glass)
Sunflower or autumn leaf arrangements
Faux winter branches with snow spray
Seasonal tablecloths and placemats
Beach or tropical-themed decorations
Seasonal banners or signage (e.g., "Welcome Fall")
Spring Easter egg tree branches
Christmas Decorations
Christmas decorations are one of the largest categories for many households, and some items—such as collectible ornaments or designer wreaths—can hold significant value. Be sure to categorize them appropriately - either under Antiques, Collectibles or just “standard” Decorations.
Artificial Christmas trees (pre-lit or plain)
Christmas tree skirts and collars
Collectible or custom ornaments
Christmas tree toppers (stars, angels, custom-made)
Nativity sets (traditional, wooden, or collectible)
Stockings and stocking holders
Light-up reindeer or snowmen (yard décor)
Holiday wreaths (fresh, artificial, or custom)
Christmas village figurines (Department 56, Lemax)
Christmas light sets (LED, incandescent)
Indoor/outdoor string lights
Custom or designer advent calendars
Santa Claus figurines (traditional, modern, or collectible)
Christmas candle sets and holders
Garland for mantels, doorways, or Railings
Hanukkah Decorations
Hanukkah decorations range from traditional items like menorahs to more modern décor. Some family heirlooms or custom-made pieces may require special attention in your insurance coverage.
Menorahs (metal, glass, ceramic, or custom-made)
Dreidels (collectible or wooden sets)
Hanukkah-themed table runners and placemats
Hanukkah string lights (blue and white)
Gelt (chocolate coins in decorative containers)
Star of David ornaments and decorations
Hanukkah candles (traditional or LED)
Hanukkah-themed banners and garlands
Tabletop dreidel spinners and games
Custom-embroidered Hanukkah stockings
Hanukkah door wreaths
Blue and white winter floral arrangements
Hanukkah figurines (children playing dreidel)
Hanukkah window clings
Personalized Hanukkah decorations
Kwanzaa Decorations
Kwanzaa decorations often focus on cultural elements, with traditional symbols and colors of red, black, and green. Custom Kwanzaa décor may hold sentimental or financial value.
Kinara (candle holder for Kwanzaa candles)
Kwanzaa candles (red, black, and green)
Unity cups (ceramic, wood, or metal)
African-inspired table runners and placemats
Woven baskets for Kwanzaa fruits
Kwanzaa-themed banners and flags
Custom Kwanzaa figurines
Wooden or ceramic Kwanzaa symbols
Kwanzaa wreaths with traditional colors
Kwanzaa poster prints and artwork
Beaded Kwanzaa candle sets
Traditional African fabrics (Kente cloth)
Kwanzaa centerpiece displays
Kwanzaa corn and fruit arrangements (plastic or fresh)
Hand-carved Kwanzaa kinara holders
New Year’s Decorations
New Year’s decorations are often vibrant and celebratory, featuring metallic tones, lights, and custom banners. For themed parties, these decorations can be quite extensive.
New Year’s party banners and signs
Countdown clocks or digital timers
Metallic streamers and garlands
New Year’s Eve party hats and tiaras
Light-up "Happy New Year" signs
Champagne bottle-shaped decorations
New Year’s Eve confetti and table scatter
New Year’s countdown balloons
Party poppers and noisemakers
Glitter-covered candles
New Year’s Eve-themed photo booth props
Gold, silver, and black table centerpieces
Sequin table runners and placemats
Champagne glass placeholders
"2024" or year-themed hanging decorations
Easter Decorations
Easter decorations, with their pastel colors and spring themes, can range from table centerpieces to outdoor garden accents. Some collectible items may be of higher value.
Easter wreaths with eggs and spring flowers
Bunny figurines (ceramic or fabric)
Easter egg garlands
Easter egg trees and ornaments
Easter-themed tablecloths and napkins
Plastic or ceramic Easter eggs for décor
Custom Easter baskets
Faux flower arrangements for Easter
Bunny-shaped candles and candleholders
Decorative crosses (ceramic or wood)
Tabletop spring displays (flowers, bunnies, chicks)
Easter-themed garden stakes or signs
Pastel-colored string lights
Personalized Easter banners
Easter egg hunt signs and décor
July 4 / Veterans Day / Memorial Day Decorations
These patriotic decorations often feature red, white, and blue themes and can be used for various national holidays. Some flags or collectibles may hold sentimental or monetary value.
American flags (indoor and outdoor)
Red, white, and blue bunting
Patriotic wreaths with stars and stripes
Flag-themed table runners and placemats
Star-shaped garlands and banners
July 4th Lawn decorations (pinwheels, lights)
Veterans Day commemorative flags or symbols
Patriotic flower arrangements (red, white, and blue)
Stars and stripes yard signs or posters
American flag candles and candleholders
Flag-themed table centerpieces
Firework-shaped lights or lanterns
Red, white, and blue balloon sets
Personalized patriotic banners
Memorial Day memorial candles or plaques
Halloween Decorations
Halloween decorations range from simple jack-o-lanterns to elaborate yard displays. Some high-end or collectible decorations, particularly animatronics or custom pieces, can be quite valuable.
Light-up jack-o-lanterns
Halloween yard inflatables (ghosts, witches, skeletons)
Tombstones and gravestones (plastic or resin)
Skeleton figurines and decorations
Animatronic haunted house props
Halloween door wreaths (spiders, bats, or pumpkins)
Haunted house wall decals
Spider webs with plastic spiders
Halloween string lights (pumpkins, bats, ghosts)
Plastic or ceramic witches and ghouls
Halloween-themed table centerpieces
Scarecrow yard stakes
Witch’s cauldron decorations
Custom-made Halloween banners
Trick-or-treat buckets and bags
Thanksgiving Decorations
Thanksgiving decorations often feature autumnal themes, with fall leaves, pumpkins, and turkey motifs. Some custom or high-end Thanksgiving items may require extra coverage.
Thanksgiving wreaths with leaves and acorns
Cornucopia centerpieces
Ceramic or glass turkey figurines
Fall-themed tablecloths and napkins
Thanksgiving table runners and placemats
Faux pumpkin and gourd arrangements
Leaf garlands for mantels or doorways
Fall-colored candles and holders
Personalized Thanksgiving banners
Tabletop pilgrim figurines
Turkey-shaped salt and pepper shakers
Fall leaf window clings
Thanksgiving-themed door mats
Decorative harvest baskets with fruit
Custom name cards for Thanksgiving dinner
Birthday Decorations
Birthday decorations are often personalized and can vary greatly depending on the theme and age being celebrated. Custom banners and unique themed items may require documentation for insurance purposes.
Custom "Happy Birthday" banners
Birthday balloons with numbers or names
Themed birthday party tablecloths and napkins
Party favor bags with personalized labels
Birthday party centerpieces (themed or custom)
Birthday hats, tiaras, and party crowns
Custom name cake toppers
Birthday table runners and placemats
Themed photo booth props
Birthday yard signs and inflatables
Personalized birthday banners
Number-shaped birthday candles
Confetti and table scatter
Themed party favor containers
Custom birthday party backdrops
Party Themes
Party theme decorations can vary depending on the occasion or theme, ranging from elegant dinner parties to kids’ themed parties. Though many of these can be simply paper goods, in some cases there are custom or specialty items that may hold significant value for insurance.
"Under the Sea" themed decorations (sea creatures, shells)
"Hollywood Glam" decorations (red carpets, movie reels)
"Casino Night" table settings and banners
"Western Cowboy" themed décor (hay bales, horseshoes)
"Tropical Luau" party supplies (leis, tiki torches)
"Roaring 20s" decorations (feathered centerpieces, gold accents)
"Space" themed party banners and centerpieces
"Princess" party decorations (tiaras, castles, crowns)
"Pirate" themed table settings and backdrops
"Superhero" party supplies (banners, capes, masks)
"Fairy Tale" decorations (castle backdrops, crowns)
"Circus" themed banners and inflatables
“Toga” or Roman themed decorations
"Winter Wonderland" party decorations (snowflakes, icicles)
Sports themes
Custom-themed party backdrops
Personalized theme party invitations and signs
Key Considerations for Decorations Collection Management
Digital Inventory: Keep a digital inventory of your decorations on Loti, especially for custom-made or collectible items. Include photos, descriptions, and receipts to ensure accurate documentation.
Climate-Controlled Storage: Store decorations in climate-controlled environments to prevent damage from humidity, heat, or moisture. Use proper containers for delicate items like fabric or glass decorations.
Insurance Updates: Regularly review your insurance policy to ensure new or valuable decorations are covered. Adjust your policy as needed to reflect any new purchases or higher-value items.
Wrap-Up: Protecting Your Decorations Collection
From seasonal holiday décor to birthday party themes, decorations can add significant value to your home and celebrations. While many items may not hold individual value, the collective worth of decorations, especially custom or collectible pieces, can be substantial.
By maintaining a detailed inventory, securing proper insurance coverage, and ensuring valuable or custom items are documented, you can protect your decorations investment from loss, damage, or theft.