With another busy year nearly behind us, the lead-up to Christmas presents a powerful opportunity to reconnect with clients — past, present, and potential. These final weeks of the year bring a blend of nostalgia, reflection, generosity, and planning. For designers, it's an ideal season to reignite old connections, nurture active projects, and gently set the stage for a strong start in the year to come.
Below, we're sharing seven simple ways for you to connect with clients and kick off 2026 with a bang.
1. Send Personalised Christmas or Holiday Greetings
Handwritten cards, thoughtfully chosen gifts, or bespoke branded surprises still strike a chord in a world dominated by digital everything. Consider sending cards to a broader past-client list (going back 3–5 years), or include mini design inspiration cards, QR codes linking to project galleries, or exclusive booking offers for January.
2. Thoughtful Branded Gifts That Spark Conversation
Choose branded gifts that match your design identity — bespoke ornaments, colour card sets, festive styling booklets or calendars. These thoughtful touches often get shared, leading to new referrals.
3. Host a Seasonal Workshop or Mini-Masterclass
Workshops such as Christmas tablescapes or wreath-making allow you to showcase your skills in a relaxed, festive setting. Host in-person, online, or in partnership with local artisans or suppliers.
4. Celebrate with an Exclusive Client Event
Consider small, meaningful gatherings: a studio sneak peek event, coffee morning with clients and their guests, or partnered events with suppliers showcasing new materials, finishes, or products.
5. Use Social Media to Create Festive Momentum
Try a '12 Days of Design Tips' series, festive competitions like 'Best Decorated Tree,' themed Pinterest boards, or behind-the-scenes looks at your studio as you wrap up the year.
6. Offer Limited-Time Christmas Packages
Create festive bundles like Christmas tree styling, entrance makeovers, room refresh consultations, colour clinics, or gift vouchers. These accessible packages add value and open doors to future projects.
7. Share a Meaningful Year-in-Review
A personal reflection—your favourite palettes, proudest project moments, or industry insights—helps humanise your brand and strengthen client connections.
End-of-Year Client Connection Checklist
- Send personalised cards or gifts
- Update clients on holiday days/hours
- Schedule festive social posts
- Film short styling tips or a thank-you message
- Reach out to clients from 2–5 years ago
- Invite key clients to festive events or workshops
- Send thank-you notes to suppliers and trades
- Review pricing ahead of January updates
- Refresh contract templates
- Confirm start dates for 2026 clients
- Pre-book early-year site visits or trade meetings
These thoughtful end-of-year strategies help designers wrap up well while nurturing relationships that carry into the new year.
Do you have some end-of-year work traditions? We'd love to hear how you get into the festive spirit with your clients and colleagues. Please share in the comments below, or tag KBDi on your Instagram posts so we can see what you're up to.