The house in winter darkness is somehow magic. But there beyond that glittering genius? Someone on a ladder, talking to a rope of lights that are apparently knotting together at an inordinate rate when you turn your head. The process of putting up holiday lights does not only entail the act of plugging in a couple of bulbs, but it is rather a combination of creativity, patience and survival instinct. Click here for more information!
Begin with a plan even a rough plan. Draw your roof line or yard or porch on paper. Imagine the way in which the colors will interact. And do not lay red and green all about like a candy cane explosion. Balance warm whites with low color bursts. Others like order–Lights around each side With military precision. Others like the anarchy of the I meant to do that decorating. Whichever, dedicate yourself to your vibe.
Pull each strand before getting on a ladder. The other half of the sadness of light installations is to put in bulbs that are twenty feet in the air only to find out afterward that they are dead. Take the strings and lay them flat, plug them in, shake each of them one. Before you fly away find replacements to fuses or bulbs. Frostbitten hours of regrets are saved by a couple of minutes on the ground.
And now upon safety,–because he, gravity, has no vacation. One always should place the ladder on a solid ground. When you feel like you want to go a little further, do not. That is how individuals become the stars of neighborhood blooper films. Install outdoor lights clips or hooks; zip ties and duct tapes will fail you when the temperatures drop.
Want to level up the look? Layer textures. Bushes, eaves, large old fashioned bulbs around doorways are net-lit and strands of icicle lights. Smart plugs or timers are convenient, you will be glad when your display will automatically switch off at midnight. To those who like drama add motion lights or twinkling effects sparingly. Excess sparkle and you begin to think you are at a casino.
It is good to step back and have a numb finger, a red nose, and then everything is lighted as it should be, or nearly. There may be neighbors who may stop and stare. Kids might cheer. Even the dog may wag acceptingly. That is the reward of all the frozen fingers and half-hearted swearing.
And keep in mind, there is nothing like perfection. The lights are an insignificant uprising against the dark nights- a reminder that warmth and wonder can shine brighter than cold.