Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1529448
1. PRE-PLAN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN From gifts to meals, the holidays involve lots of forethought, and hanging lights is no different. Before stringing, think about your budget, color scheme, power outlet locations, and home's architectural features. Are you going for a sophisticated all-white vibe or traditional red and green? Sketch out your design, take measurements, and make a list (check it twice!) of materials to purchase. 2. REMEMBER THE RULES You want your festive showcase to turn heads, but too much razzle-dazzle can put you on your neighborhood's naughty list. If you live in a managed community, ensure you know the approved: • Light types • Colors and patterns • Brightness levels • Illumination hours • Start and end dates 3. LEARN YOUR LIGHT TYPES Big-box stores are stocked with endless rows of holiday lights, and choosing the right ones can be more stressful than cheerful. Keep your cool during your shopping experience with this breakdown: • LED string lights are typically the most expensive but come with long-lasting and vivid colors. • Incandescent string lights, while not as eco-friendly, are usually cheaper and give off a warm, cozy glow. • Mini-string lights are around ½-inch in length and are great for making exterior outlines pop. • C9 and C7 lights have classic cone shapes. C9s are bigger and brighter, ideal for major displays; C7s can highlight smaller details, like wreaths or nativity scenes. • Net lights are best for draping over large areas, as they're structured in grid patterns instead of individual strands. BR GHT IDEAS Expert tips for hanging holiday lights. Holiday lights make the season merry and bright, but building a beautiful display takes time, effort, and a bit of creativity. Fret not; our little elves have been hard at work, drafting expert tips for making light-hanging jobs a breeze. Read on! UPKEEP 4. TEST 1, TEST 2 Nothing kills the seasonal spirit quite like a broken or stubborn strand of lights. Always untangle lights, test them inside, and inspect the wiring for wear and tear. Plug in each string, confirm all bulbs are operational, and replace faulty ones. 5. BE SAFE & SMART Crafting your front-of-home masterpiece comes with some risks if you don't know how to do things safely and efficiently. Consider this: • Have a buddy ready to hold the ladder, spot you, pass up supplies, and get a ground-level view. • Start at the top, working your way down in sections for better alignment and smoother installation. • Use universal clips, hot glue, and zip ties to secure strands instead of damaging staples or nails. • Avoid overloading outlets by distributing lights across various power sources and using timers to reduce energy output. 6. TAKE IT EASY ON THE TAKEDOWN When the holidays end, you might want to tear down your display quickly, but patience is key. Carefully remove any clips or ties holding lights together, neatly wrapping strings around cardboard pieces or extension cord reels. Store them in containers labeled by area—like "roof" or "porch"—so you know where they go when next year's happy holiday arrives. 24 COMING HOME MAGAZINE