Let’s be honest. Even the strongest people become nervous when they hang Christmas EverLights. But you don’t have to live with a mess of wires and lights that only shine on three sides. Here’s how to make your Christmas display look great with a little grit, imagination, and some common sense.
Before you climb anyplace, make sure to test each strand first. Half the battle is wasted when you find out that the bulbs you hung up 20 feet in the air are dead, the wind is howling, and your fingers are numb. Make sure all the lights are plugged in, shake out the knots, and then turn on the lights. A visual rundown before you start will save you trouble later.
Choose your anchors carefully. It all works: eaves, gutters, and window frames. Don’t make holes that aren’t needed. Instead of nails or staples, use plastic clips. They’re cheap, easy to put on, and won’t tear your house apart in January. Pick clips based on whether you’ll be hanging them on shingles, brick, or gutters.
Planning ahead? Make a quick drawing. You don’t need plans; only a simple map of where the lights should go. The more details, the smoother the install. Note your power outlets and measure distances. Extension cords need to reach across the yard, not just half a driveway.
Don’t forget about balance. Even the wildest designs look better structured. If your neighbor’s lawn inflatables have staged a coup, you can win back the street with firm lines and balanced trees. White and multicolor both pop if done with intent.
Avoid overloading circuits. Grandma burned her old house down with one plug. Don’t act like grandmother. Check the sticker on each string of lights; it will tell you how many strands can be connected at once. If you’re not sure, use a grounded power strip to spread the load into additional outlets.
Layers give things depth. Wrap around tree trunks, snake up columns, and line fences. Use net lights to highlight bushes or shrubs, and hang icicle lights along the gutter. Bonus: Net lights hang like a blanket, which saves time.
Tie up loose ends. The wind will try your patience, so tape or tie cables to the ground. Water and electricity don’t mix, so keep plugs and splitters off the ground.
Get your hard job done early in the day. Sunlight makes it easier to see problems. You also won’t have to squint at every small light with cold fingertips. If it’s really cold, offer someone else cookies or promise them hot cocoa later.
Creativity always sticks out. Put in something that people don’t expect, like a light-up “Merry Christmas” sign, music that goes along with it, or even a glowing garden gnome. People will always remember the house with the disco yard.
Every night, check your setup. A little walk outside will help you with half of your troubles and keep your display glowing all December long.
If nothing else works, phone a couple of friends. Two-person jobs save time and tension. Also, putting up holiday lights was supposed to be a collaborative effort. Have a good time. Be silly. Be proud of every string. This season, you’re set to wow the street.