Sure, you could grab every box in the garage rafters marked “holiday lights” and head to the front yard with your extension cords and staple gun.
But please don’t. The perfect holiday lighting display takes some thought.
White lights or multi-colored? Rooftop decorations or front porch display? Snowflakes or candy canes?
We’ll get you started with these holiday lighting tips:
Before learning how to hang holiday lights, you need to know which lights to choose. There are so many choices, from snowflake, candy cane or stocking-themed lights for your roofline to color-changing lights for your windows to a trio of twinkling elves atop your roof. Create a plan that uses the right lights for each area of your home, making sure they coordinate, not clash.
Stumped? Ask a professional. They do this for a living.
Chances are, you’ll need a ladder to do the job right. Since you won’t be able to enjoy your dazzling light display from the emergency room, follow these safety tips:
It’s easy to underestimate how many lights you’ll need. Measure all of the areas you plan to light. Then, plan on 100 lights per foot for the most impressive effect. So a 6-foot evergreen needs at least 400 lights. With holiday lights, less isn’t more.
Maybe you’ve played it safe for years, with simple white lights around your front window. Have you seen all the options lately? Light up your roofline with twinkling “linkable” candy cane lights. Make your porch pop with giant glittery gifts tied up in bows. Wow the neighbors with a color-changing light show. This is the season to shine.
LED lights use 10 percent of the energy incandescent bulbs do, and they last much longer. No more crawling up onto your icy roof because a bulb burned out. And today’s LED outdoor lights have come a long way from the originals, with warmer light and bright colors.
Thousands of lights! So exciting! But don’t forget the behind-the-scenes basics. Use UL approved extension cords for outdoor use. Check light strings for frayed or damaged cords. Forget staples and hooks and invest in light clips designed for outdoor lights. There’s a clip for every surface.
Maybe just reading these holiday lighting tips made you tired. We get it. You have to design your display, choose the right colors and lights, figure out the electrical needs, follow safety tips — and then take it all down once the holidays are over.
Or, leave the hassle to us. We’ll help you create a dazzling display, untangle the lights, climb the ladders — and we’ll even take it all down and store it for you until next year.
Outback Landscape, located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, serves residential and commercial properties in Idaho Falls, Rexburg and Pocatello, Idaho. Call us at 208-656-3220. Or fill out the contact form to schedule your free holiday lighting consultation.