When do you put your Christmas decorations up? Are you someone who has the fairy lights twinkling away in November or do you wait until mid-December before reluctantly propping a little artificial tree against the living room wall for a last minute Christmas lights switch on?
Where we fall when it comes to our outdoor festive decorations has become a huge debate over the years, with some going all-out to create a home that sparkles, while others like to keep things subtle. If you’re working out how you’d like your outdoor lights to look this year, here is a look at some of the dos and don’ts to get you through the festive season without falling out with the neighbours.
Do Use LED Christmas Lights
LED lights are more energy efficient than standard fairy lights. Also, although they’re pricier than bulb Christmas lights, they last longer meaning you don’t have to replace them as regularly, so you can save money in the long run. Stores such as Coopers of Stortford stock durable LEDs that can withstand different weather fronts.
Don’t Waste Energy
Switch your outdoor Christmas lights off when no one’s around to see them. By keeping them on during the day when it’s light or there’s no one around to see them properly, you’re using energy unnecessarily, plus your energy bills will be higher than they need to be.
Do Pretend You’re Inside
If you’re decorating trees in the garden, treat them as you would your indoor Christmas tree. Wrap Christmas lights around the base and work your way up, making sure to hook them around the trunk and on the sturdiest branches. You need them to withstand windy weather, so clever draping is key here.
Don’t Overdo It
While this is the season for bright, flashing lights, think of the neighbours. If you want to drape thousands of twinkling lights everywhere, then go for it. Just be sure to switch the sequence to something a little gentler than the frenetic flashing setting.
Do Find Something Special
Include specially designed outdoor Christmas lights. Strands of sparkling snowflakes above doorways and delicately balanced glowing icicles along fences can set your outdoor scene apart and look so pretty when lit up on the wintry nights.
Don’t be Unsafe
Follow safety precautions carefully. Always have someone to hold the ladder if you’re adding Christmas lights to the roof or along gutters and avoid hanging anything while you’re on your own. Also, remember you’re dealing with electricity. Be safe when testing all the bulbs are working and if you think any of the lights don’t look right, use different ones.
Where do you fall in the big outdoor Christmas lights debate? Do you go big or do you keep things understated?
