The Do’s and Don’ts of decorating with outdoor Christmas lights!

Putting up outdoor Christmas lights is one of the most enjoyable and exciting holiday traditions for many families. The preparation, testing to make sure all the strings are in working order, deciding on the yearly color scheme and collecting extension cords, ladders and hooks are all part of the joy and celebration. Then you wonder are there any rules for hanging your holiday lights? Or can we all decide on our own light hanging technique and style? For the most part the hanging of those festive lights has no written rules, but for those of you who are looking for some friendly tips and advice this article is for you. Here are the Do’s and Don’ts of hanging outdoor Christmas lights.

Don’t go overboard! Choose only two or three colors and avoid using more than one style of lights. For example, try not to purchase both warm and cool white lights. Cool white will be bluish in color and warm whites will be closer to an ivory. This is also a good tip for those who enjoy flashing or twinkle lights. Choose one or the other, using both flashing and twinkling lights can make you outdoor display seem too busy and overwhelming.

Don’t ignore your home’s architectural details! If the exterior of your home includes a series of peeks, or a roofed entrance way, use your string lights to accentuate those features. This approach can also be used when hanging lights on your surrounding landscaping. If you are lucky enough to have a large mature tree in your yard, use your lights to draw everyone’s attention to it!

Don’t forget to attach your lights securely. It will only take one swift wind to undo all of your hard holiday work! Lights which hang loosely are not attractive and can actually become a hazard. When purchasing your lights, remember to also purchase some heavy-duty hooks or eaves trough clips.

Do be creative! When hanging your outdoor Christmas lights, remember that the whole tradition is supposed to be fun and enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to try new things. If you feel as though your outdoor string lights have been the same for the past few years, try out a new color scheme or purchase an additional outdoor light decoration.