Holiday Lighting Tips
Whether you prefer a classic look with your lights or a more dazzling display, here are some holiday lighting tips that we follow when hanging our Christmas lights each year….even if we are the only ones who can see them.
I love our new outdoor Christmas Ribbon lights on the house this year. They are so bright, festive and perfect for the holiday season.
Although we live in the country with no houses around, I still look forward to putting the Christmas lights on the house each year. There is something so magical with the house lit up, surrounded by total darkness.
This year I added to our holiday lights and introduced Ribbon lights on the pillars. It’s basically traditional net lights but in strips and perfect to wrap on columns. I had to go to a few stores to find enough for just the four columns I wrapped. (I needed 3 per column). When I last checked they were 50% off, so I may snag enough to do more pillars next year.
Holiday Lighting Tips
1. Plan Your Design
Before getting hubby to climb the ladder, map out where you want your lights. Consider areas like rooflines, windows, trees, pillars and pathways. Measure these spaces to estimate how many strands of lights you’ll need.
2. Choose the Right Lights
The options are endless with today’s holiday lighting, especially with the bright white and warm colored lights. For outdoor use, select weather-resistant lights with UL certification to ensure safety. Net lights work well for bushes, while icicle lights create a stunning effect along gutters. Don’t forget extension cords and timers. I love how lights come with a remote. Just a click of the button to turn on and off. I remember the days of going outside to plug them in and out. Who else does?
3. Have the right Tools
Avoid frustration by having the right tools on hand. A sturdy ladder and some clips will save time and make hanging lights that much easier. Light clips are especially useful for attaching strands to gutters or shingles without causing damage. We installed clips to our roofline years ago so it makes hanging the lights each year go a lot faster.
4. Test Your Lights
This is a biggie. Test all strands before hanging them (trust me, I learned the hard way). Replace burned-out bulbs before you are on the ladder hanging the lights. Make sure connections are secure if joining multiple strands.
5. Start Hanging
Begin at your power source and work outward. Secure lights with clips, ensuring they’re evenly spaced. For trees, wrap the trunk and then spiral up the branches. Take your time to adjust so lights are balanced.
By following these holiday lighting tips, you’ll create a stunning and magical light display that’s safe, efficient, and full of cheer each holiday season.
For more holiday inspiration from Duke Manor Farm, check out these posts.
Santa we are ready with our outdoor lights
Outdoor holiday lighting ideas
Happy Holidays!
