Outdoor Lighting Like A Pro

Outdoor lighting like a pro
1. Make sure you have enough amps and extension cords to support your megawatt dreams.

2. If you’re buying new lights, “think green” and buy LED. They use up to 90% less energy and aren’t as temperamental since they don’t have filaments.

3. Give your lights extra bedazzle by adding garland. You can prevent sagging and gaps by either using the clips on some light sets to neatly tuck in garland or use color-coordinated pipe cleaners to affix garland to the light strands.

4. If you’re remodeling your house or building new, remember to add some outlets beneath your eaves and in your yard for special “holiday” lighting.

5. Whether inside or out, always hang lights with them plugged in. Besides giving you a real idea of how the finished extravaganza will look, this will save you countless hours searching for that one bulb that has gone kaplooey. When they fritz, you’ll know it instantly.

One, two, three, tree!
How to make the easiest tree for your yard! Supplies: tomato cage, one strand of lights, wire.

1. Take a tomato cage and turn it upside down. (Largest ring on the ground.)

2. Use a piece of floral wire (or garbage bag twist tie) to join the three stakes (now at top) into an apex.

3. Starting at the bottom, take one strand of Christmas lights and encircle the form all the way to the top. Messy and loose is fine.

Tree! Place one or more in your yard to make an easy, gorgeously lit forest.

Posted by Laurel Nielson