Let there be holiday lights
The sky is the limit when it comes to lighting the exterior of the home this Christmas, thanks a today’s wide variety of options for holiday lights and tools for hassle-free hanging.When planning your bright light display, you’ll want to consider your design style before you head to the store to stock up.
Determine what area you wish to light up to ensure you purchase the right number of strands for good coverage. While some homeowners prefer the clean look of white lights, others enjoy the festive look of multicoloured lights. Although traditional incandescent holiday lights are still popular, the LED lights now available are better than ever and more closely mimic the coveted traditional style. LED lights offer energy savings of up to 80 per cent, and have a lifespan of up to 20 times longer than their traditional counterparts.
With such a wide assortment of LED options now available, homeowners can get more creative than ever before. From colour changing lights to icicle style lights, and lighting “nets” that evenly cover bushes, outdoor decorating has never been so easy, nor so much fun. When attaching to a roof, wall or other surface, look for plastic or plastic-coated fasteners, hooks or clips designed for that purpose.
Safety considerations should always be a part of your decoaring efforts. Only use lights that are labeled as outdoor, and check your inventory of outdoor-use extension cords, too. You may need more than one, depending on the size of the area that you plan to light up. When setting up the extension cords, avoid high traffic areas and never place them under a rug. Save yourself possible frustration by testing all lights and inspecting all cords prior to installation.
Once you’ve finished hanging the lights, and have had ample time to admire your dazzling handiwork, take some extra precautions to keep your home safe through the holidays.Wrap a piece of electrical tape around the connected plugs for further protection from the elements. Always unplug the lights when you leave the house or go to sleep. Consider using an automatic light timer to set your lights to a predetermined schedule.
Christmas lights have long been a much-appreciated tradition of the season, not only for the homeowner, but for the passersby.. Make your days bright and your nights even brighter with your own holiday display.