{"id":6269,"date":"2023-11-17T20:14:55","date_gmt":"2023-11-17T20:14:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/?p=6269"},"modified":"2023-11-17T20:15:39","modified_gmt":"2023-11-17T20:15:39","slug":"outdoor-lighting-tips-for-the-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/outdoor-lighting-tips-for-the-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"Outdoor Lighting Tips For The Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6270\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hanging-christmas-lights-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hanging-christmas-lights-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hanging-christmas-lights-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hanging-christmas-lights-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hanging-christmas-lights-605x400.jpg 605w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hanging-christmas-lights.jpg 1750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/>Elevate your holiday home d\u00e9cor with a touch of creativity and preparation. While anyone can hang outdoor lights, these simple tips will help you take your festive d\u00e9cor to the next level.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Plan It Out<\/strong><br \/>\nBefore you start decorating, plan out where you want them to go. Consider the design of your house, trees, bushes and any features you want to highlight. Since trees grow and your landscape changes every year what you did in the past may not be the right plan for this season. Don\u2019t forget to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.angi.com\/articles\/safe-power-sources-holiday-lights.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">map out your power sources<\/a> and plan your lights accordingly.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_6274\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6274\" class=\"wp-image-6274\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/perfect-tree-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/perfect-tree-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/perfect-tree-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/perfect-tree-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/perfect-tree-605x400.jpg 605w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/perfect-tree.jpg 1750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-6274\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">You may have the perfect tree or accent for your holiday decorating<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Inspect Your Lights<\/strong><br \/>\nMake sure all your lights are in good working condition; untangle them before hanging. If you store your lights outside, bring them in to warm up, it makes untangling easier. Need to buy new ones? Invest in outdoor-rated lights that are specifically designed for what you\u2019d like to accomplish. Choose outdoor-rated extension cords in a colour that matches your winter landscape.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_6275\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6275\" class=\"wp-image-6275\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/inspect-lights-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/inspect-lights-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/inspect-lights-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/inspect-lights-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/inspect-lights-605x400.jpg 605w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/inspect-lights.jpg 1750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-6275\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Inspect your lights before using, make sure they&#8217;re in good condition and meant for outdoor use<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Preparation Is Key<\/strong><br \/>\nBefore you begin, gather all the necessary tools and equipment. Extension cords, clips, hooks, hangers and power stakes are handy for extending your decorating area. Be sure to have a safe sturdy ladder and always have a helper to hold it steady. Make sure you set the ladder on flat, level ground and resist the temptation to lean out and reach too far. Always be cautious of overhead wires and keep clear of electrical lines.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_6273\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6273\" class=\"wp-image-6273\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hanging-lights-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hanging-lights-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hanging-lights-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hanging-lights-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hanging-lights-605x400.jpg 605w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/hanging-lights.jpg 1750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-6273\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Safety first when hanging your lights<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Work In Sections<\/strong><br \/>\nBreak down the project into smaller sections to manage the process better. Starting closest to your power outlet and working out from there ensures a streamlined connection when you\u2019re done. Space out your lighting. Strategically placed, you can create your desired effect with less lighting.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_6271\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6271\" class=\"wp-image-6271\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/lighting-ideas-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/lighting-ideas-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/lighting-ideas-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/lighting-ideas-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/lighting-ideas-605x400.jpg 605w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/lighting-ideas.jpg 1750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-6271\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Do one area at a time when creating your look<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Try Something Different<\/strong><br \/>\nHere are some fresh ideas for hanging Christmas lights:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Classic Outline: Highlight the architectural features of your home by outlining the roof, windows, and doors with lights. Use a single colour for a classic look or mix it up with multi-coloured strands.<\/li>\n<li>Tree Trunk Wrap: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thespruce.com\/how-to-wrap-trees-with-outdoor-lights-2736361\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wrap the trunk<\/a> of your outdoor trees with lights to create a magical effect.<\/li>\n<li>Net Lights: These are perfect for bushes and shrubs. They&#8217;re easy to install and cover a large area uniformly.<\/li>\n<li>Icicle Lights: Hang these along the edges of your roofline to simulate the look of icicles. Here are <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.holidayleds.com\/articles\/holiday-lighting-guide-icicle-christmas-lighting-tips-tricks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">some more tips<\/a> for a successful icicle light display.<\/li>\n<li>Wrap It Up: For extra flair, wrap up columns and railings, even your door frame, with lit garland. It looks magical after a snowfall.<\/li>\n<li>DIY Lighted Balls: Use chicken wire or wire mesh to create large balls and wrap them with lights. Hang these in trees or around your yard for a memorable display, similar to the above photo.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.christmaslightsetc.com\/sw\/diy-ideas\/how-to-make-christmas-light-balls\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Here\u2019s how<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Backlit Shapes: Cut out holiday shapes (like snowflakes, reindeer, or a tree) from wood, add a stake <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hgtv.com\/design\/make-and-celebrate\/handmade\/how-to-make-a-backlit-wooden-christmas-tree\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">then add twinkle lights<\/a> around the perimeter of the back of the shape for a striking effect.<\/li>\n<li>Festive Containers: Create an <a href=\"https:\/\/blessmyweeds.com\/12-festive-container-gardening-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">elegant container<\/a> and add some lights for a warm holiday welcome.<\/li>\n<li>Lighted Pathways: Practical and visually appealing: line your walkways with stakes topped with lights. There are many solar lights that work well, just be sure they don\u2019t get covered by snow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_6276\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6276\" class=\"wp-image-6276\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icicle-and-wrapped-lights-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icicle-and-wrapped-lights-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icicle-and-wrapped-lights-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icicle-and-wrapped-lights-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icicle-and-wrapped-lights-605x400.jpg 605w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icicle-and-wrapped-lights.jpg 1750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-6276\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wrapped trunk and icicle lights were used to create this unique effect<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Turning it On<\/strong><br \/>\nSolar lighting is convenient; however, selection can be limited and you need to make sure the light sensors don\u2019t get covered with snow. Timers can automate your lights, turning them on and off at specific times. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/23958973\/best-smart-holiday-string-lights-led\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Smart lights<\/a> can be controlled remotely through an app, giving you flexibility and convenience. Always remember to switch them off when you&#8217;re not around or when going to bed.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t be afraid to try different designs or techniques. Experimenting with different light patterns or colors can create a unique and festive display. For more outdoor holiday lighting ideas, have a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.ca\/geraniumhomes\/holiday-lights-decor-outdoor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pinterest board<\/a> for inspiration.<br \/>\nJust remember, safety first! Pick the right day, follow safety guidelines, take your time and enjoy the process of making your home festive.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6278\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/instagram-worthy-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/instagram-worthy-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/instagram-worthy-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/instagram-worthy-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/instagram-worthy-605x400.jpg 605w, https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/instagram-worthy.jpg 1750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Elevate your holiday home d\u00e9cor with a touch of creativity and preparation. While anyone can hang outdoor lights, these simple tips will help you take your festive d\u00e9cor to the next level. <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/outdoor-lighting-tips-for-the-holidays\/\">READ MORE ><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6270,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":"yes","footnotes":""},"categories":[37,36,8],"tags":[927,468,129,230,1088,1087],"class_list":["post-6269","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diy-outdoor-living","category-outdoor_entertaing","category-outdoor-living","tag-christmas-decor","tag-decorating-diy","tag-do-it-yourself","tag-holiday-decor","tag-holiday-lights","tag-outdoor-lighting"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6269","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6269"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6269\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6283,"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6269\/revisions\/6283"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6270"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6269"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6269"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}