You're dreading hanging those Christmas lights this winter, but you still want to come home to a brightly lit home every night. We've all been there. Taking a day out of your week to hang lights is an essential part of the Christmas holiday. Get in the spirit by hanging your lights properly. We've put together a checklist and how-to for you to follow before you start enjoying the season.
View the slideshow above to find out how to properly hang your Christmas lights this season!
For more holiday articles, check out Non-Traditional Holiday Lighting and Holiday Decorating Tips.
Photo Credit: flickr/jspad
Tags: Holidays
1. Pick Your Desired Projects Before You Purchase: Whether you decide to place lights all over your home, or even just the windows, make sure to adequately measure lengths. It will save you headaches and frequent return trips back to the store.
Photo Credit: flickr/rengel134
2. Buy Appropriate Lights: Incandescent mini lights are the traditional light to buy because they are inexpensive and produce a warm glow. LED (light-emitting diode) lights are the newest option, giving off a brilliant white light and are cool to the touch. Even better, they're 90% more energy efficient.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
3. Test the Lights: Before you even plug them in to the outlet, visually inspect the lights to look for broken or missing bulbs and worn or defective wiring.
Photo Credit: Alamy
4. Set Up a Ladder: If your home’s sides are low, you might be able to simply use a stepladder. If not, plan to use a normal extension ladder. If you have to lean the ladder against your gutter, place a piece of 2x4 inside the gutter in order to reinforce it.
Photo Credit: flickr/andrewmalone
5. Use Hooks: For attaching lights along gutters or the roof, use clips or hooks that are specifically made for the job.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
6. Stop Yourself From Tripping: Avoid running your lights on the ground to stop tripping.
Photo Credit: flickr/ebercanada
7. Find a Buddy: Working with a helper will speed up the process.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
8. Never Connect More than Three Strands: This equals approximately 300 lights, end to end. After you finish hanging your third strand, start back at the power source for your next set.
Photo Credit: flickr/mtsofan
9. Start High: In general, the trick is to start high and work your way down. Never work from the bottom.
Photo Credit: flickr/Malingering
10. Avoid Knots: Finally, don’t coil up the lights and shove them back into their original box. Wind them. For indoor lights, you can make a simple winder by cutting a V shape into opposite sides of an piece of cardboard.
Photo Credit: flickr/pugetsoundphotowalks
StyleList Home
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy AOL Corporate Site | Advertise With Us
Copyright © 2013 Homesessive | All Rights Reserved | Part of AOL-HuffPost Home
