Imagine this: It’s December, and the sun is just setting. Your house is the only one on the block that makes drivers stop and point. Isn’t it magic? The big secret isn’t a sophisticated, pricey light. It’s the planning. Displays that will blow your mind? They happen because someone planned ahead before putting in the first twinkling. Find for more bonuses here!
Let’s be honest first. If you don’t have a plan, even the best bulbs can fail. Draw a picture of your house from the street. Think as a visitor or a neighbor who is too curious. Find the places that need some shine. The windows, the rooflines, and even the lonely dogwood tree in the yard. Take pictures during the day and glue a printout to the fridge. Mark the parts you wish to glow.
Time to take stock after dreaming. We all find a tub with the words “XMAS LIGHTS” on it, but we don’t know what we put in it last January. Put everything out. Lights that blink like a scary house? Throw them away. Are the wires frayed? Safety is more important than memories.
Now, think about this: Do you want to be Old School or do you want your local airport to be able to see a light show? White lights are classy. Flashing lights of several colors make kids very happy. Choose a few designs, including icicle lights on the eaves, net lights on bushes, and curtain drops in the window. Don’t try to replicate Rockefeller Center.
Here is a hint from a pro: LED is your friend. You might save money and a few visits to reset the breaker. Pick extension cords that can handle the weather. Use clips instead of nails or duct tape, unless you want to spend all spring mending chipped paint.
It’s time to set up the layout. Don’t drape; it’s lazy. Make each strand tight. The way everything are symmetrical makes it look like you hired a pro. Change the brightness: put a spotlight on a wreath, add soft twinkling lights to the porch, and go crazy with color on one tree to make it stand out.
Do you have kids? Let them choose a crazy place for the goofy lights. How about a dinosaur in a Santa hat? Kids in the neighborhood will remember your “Yeti in the manger” jokes for a long time. Set a timer. You don’t want a party at 3 a.m. when everyone is asleep.
Finish up with a slow walk to the sidewalk. Look closely. Do you see any dark spots? Did you accidently blind your neighbor’s living room? Small changes can make a big difference.
Your neighbors will want to know your secret. Shrug and smile. The truth is that you don’t need a PhD in lighting or a second mortgage. You only need to be patient and creative, and realize that plugs, like patience, can only go so far.
And if all the lights go out and nothing works, you can always have cocoa and laugh. That’s what you remember most of the time.