Pro's No-Fail Tips to Putting Up Christmas Lights

Image: Thinkstock 

Holiday decorating falls into two categories: the fun to do (hanging the stockings) and the not-so-fun to do (getting the tree into its stand as a torrent of pine needles falls to the floor). Stringing up outdoor lights has traditionally fallen into the latter camp, but no longer. Here, expert tips for making the process smooth, successful and, yes, even fun.

Sketch It Out

We’re not suggesting that you produce a Frank Gehry-level architectural sketch, just that you quickly draw up your plan (enlist your family to help). The reason? Once your ideal display is down on paper, you can see pretty quickly whether you “have the means and ability” (not to mention outlets!) to pull it off, says Chris Barber, technical director of Fantasy In Lights, a spectacular eight-million-light extravaganza at Callaway Gardens in Georgia. Consider picking a theme (check out these suggestions) for your outdoor display—it will help focus your efforts and tie everything together nicely. Plus, it’s just more fun.

Image: Thinkstock

Go for LED

Plan on using about 50 lights every 10 feet, says Barber. And make sure you have the outlets and power to support the action. Choose LED lights; they’re brighter and require about 80 percent less energy. “Using LED lights gives you the ability to connect up to 25 strings of lights on the same outlet,” notes Don Mandeville, district manager at The Home Depot. “With the older incandescent lights, you can only string three or four sets together on one circuit, which creates the need for multiple extension cords and outlets.” Be sure to test lights to make sure all the bulbs work before you start hanging.

Once you have your materials, assemble your team. At the least, you’ll need one person to hold the ladder while you work but try to find three “assistants” to ensure the process is smooth and, most importantly, safe. (Hey, even Santa has help!)

Image: Thinkstock

Adhere Wisely

“One of the biggest mistakes people make is how they attach their lights to their home. It’s best to use a light hanging kit to ensure lights don’t detach,” says Mandeville. “Do not try to nail directly into the shingle or the fascia as this could cause water or moisture damage to the home.”

The easiest way to do it: Arrange the lights from either start or finish at an outside outlet to limit the amount of extension cords. If electricity isn’t readily available, “try using a stake timer that can be placed in the yard to accommodate multiple strands of lights,” says Mandeville.

Image: Callaway Gardens, Fantasy in Lights

Make it Memorable

Mandeville suggests mixing the old and new to create the perfect winter wonderland.  You can find some pretty fancy kits that use blue tooth technology to add music and make lights blink on cue.  Add in old-school charm with garlands and poinsettias. “Don’t forget about small touches,” says Mandeville, “such as adding swag to your mailbox, or wrapping your front door to resemble a gift.”

Organize for Next Year

After all that, you may want to leave your lights up as long as possible. (We fully support this.) But when it comes time to take them down, be as thoughtful as you were when putting them up. To store lights, “find a stiff piece of cardboard, then cut a slit every inch all the way down both sides,” advises Barber. “Start at one end and go from end to end, sticking light strings in each slot as you wrap it.”