by Strands of multi-coloured box lights of the year before. Frozen hands holding extension cords. Admittedly, it is a combination of excitement, mess, and a lot of glitter when it comes to the tradition of putting up the lights to decorate the place around the holidays. Not only to make a spectacular spectacle without the need to visit the ER or create a neighborhood power outage, but also just in case you are an amateur one who only decorates during the holidays, refer to these tips of experts. Check helpful resources here!
Plan Ahead
Start with a plan. Draw a sketch of your house, trees, bushes and anything that you wish to be lit up. Calculate the amount of lights strands. Those lights of 2007, which were half burnt out? It’s time to retire it. Use LED lamps, these lights consume 75% less power than incandescent bulbs and they have a long life saving you money in the long term. And never forget to check on the UL safety label in order to make sure your lights are safe. Remember to test all the strands first and then start hanging them!
Ladder Safety is Key
Your friend, not your enemy, shall be your ladder. It should be put on a flat and stable surface and should never be installed on an icy or snowy ground. When it rains or it is snowing, have a break and have hot cocoa before everything gets better. There is not a light show that is worth falling over. And do not make yourself grope and reach and stretch–shift the ladder. No, it is nothing to do with laziness, it is a precaution.
A Game-Changer: Timers and Smart Plugs.
Timers and smart plugs will save time and effort. You can make your lights automatically go on at dusk and off when you go to bed and then you will not need to venture outside in your pajamas each night. Also, this is good in preventing having your lights on throughout the night that will attract moths and that may even make your neighbors complain to you.
Use Extension Cords rated outdoor.
It may sound obvious, yet, each year, people commit the same error of using indoor extension cords to illuminate outdoors. It will result in melted plastic and even fire. Always ensure you use those cords that are meant to be used outdoors and ensure that connections are always higher than the ground using hooks or bricks to avoid water destruction. Note: water and electricity do not interact!
Pro Tip: Change the Light Sizes and Colors.
This is a neat professional trick, which I find entertaining: You can combine the sizes and colours of your lights to achieve a more dynamic effect of many layers. See what you can do with bigger bulbs over your roof, fewer twinkling strands in your shrubs, icicles hanging off the eaves. This change gives it some interest and creates the entire display as a series of spices on a Christmas dish.
Now that you have these tips, you are all set to make a beautiful, safe and stress free holiday lights show, one that will be admired by your neighbors and one that will light up your home throughout the entire season!