LET THERE BE (FESTIVE) LIGHT
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the magic of some festive lighting around the house. But why stop there? What about your garden, fencing and gateways?
If you’re looking to make this Christmas a brighter one (quite literally) then follow these simple tips to transform your yard from “kinda tired” to totally wired.
SAFETY FIRST
Summer storms can bring all sorts of wild weather – from damaging hail to downpours to violent winds – so, make sure your display is properly secured with appropriate weights or zip ties. And, given all that water around, ask yourself: Are my outdoor lights waterproof? What about the electrical connections? Don’t leave it to chance. Discuss your needs with your local hardware staff member and stick to the reputable brands.
LITTLE BY LITTLE
If you’re a Christmas lights newbie, then don’t try to outdo the Joneses who have been doing this for the past 20 years. Start small and build from there. Colourful spotlights, strategically positioned at the bottom of a feature tree can look sensational. Then, complement that visual with a few strands of fairy lights wrapped around the branches and you’ll instantly turn your yard into a Christmas wonderland.
WHERE’S RUDOLF?
Santa doesn’t work alone and neither should you. Stringing lights across windows, guttering and tall tree branches can be a dangerous undertaking – as you’re combining serious heights with a task that requires your full attention and often two hands to attach hooks and ties. Be sure to have someone as a spotter, both for your ladder and to watch for any potential problems that may arise. Remember, it’s no fun spending Christmas in the emergency ward.
LESS IS MORE
If you only have a limited supply of lights, get creative as to how you intend to use them. When looking for maximum impact, double up or even triple up the amount of lights you use on bushes by concentrating them at the front in layers. Let the back of the plant sit in darkness and let the front shine majestically for all the neighbourhood to see.
ENOUGH’S ENOUGH
Always resist the urge to put lights up in November. Early December is almost as bad, but we’ll forgive you because, hey, it’s Christmas. But once the New Year rolls around, those lights need to come down. Sure, they still look great, but having them still shining bright mid-february is a big Christmas no-no.