I don't know how to put up Christmas lights- help?

Question

I just bought my very first house and moved in a week ago.
I got to thinking about christmas decorations and I've never put up christmas lights before. I don't really know where to start.
I don't want to do something completely stupid.

Any tips?

So do I start at the outlet and go out from there?

Answer 1

Congrats on the new home! Decorating is always a challenge, especially when you've never done it before, but it can also be fun!

Decide what you'd like to do. I took a photo of my home and then brought it into a paint program and just made little dots everywhere I thought lights would look good. I liked it so much I used it as my Christmas card that year!

Most folks just line the eaves (thats just under the roofline) with lights. Are your eaves exposed wooden beams, or do you have gutters around your house? If eaves, you might want to install cuphooks to hold up your light strands, if gutters you'll want to invest in some gutter clips.

Do you want icicle lights, or just a simple strand? Icicle lights take more electricity and you can't string more than 3 together without blowing their fuse. Plus, with any combination if lights, you might overload your circuit, so try to find an outlet/fude that doesn't ahve a lot of other stuff on it. You'd hate to have your fuse blow when your lights and dryer are running at the same time!

Yes, you start at the outlet with the male end of the strand (I only emphasize this because I've accidentally put up lights backwards and had no male plug to insert into the socket!). You'll probably want to measure your desired area first which will tell you how many strands to buy (each box should have a "lighted length" measurement, so if you're trying to light 100 feet and each box shows a lighted length of 25 feet, you'd need four boxes to complete the length).

As long as you're happy, it won't be stupid. I started small the first year and have built on year after year, to the point where now I hardly have time to get them all up before its time to take them all down!

Answer 2

I would recommend putting them up after thanksgiving, and doing anything you think is pretty.

If you like white lights, do that.

If you like super colorful lights, do that.

It's all about personal aesthetic. And, for the most part, all people like Christmas decorations of all sorts.

Answer 3

It's just barely November, you have about a month and a half before you have to worry about it. I'm sure there's a book out there 4 you something like "X-mas Lights For Dummies".

Answer 4

http://www.christmastreesgalore.com/

and check this out:

http://www.planetchristmas.com

just do what your heart feels and be happy with it.

the just do it way is the only way.. if it doesn't look right.. start over!

practise makes perfect.

oh also...

http://uglychristmaslights.com

:D

you'll have a ball... get ideas... what to avoid doing and well.... it's just great fun OH and ebay.com has many things for xmas if you're lucky... you can get the junk for $100's less than you buy retail.

Answer 5

Hello!

Well,I would have to say you probably know how to put them on a tree right?

so outside,put them on the railings,or on the bushes,or a mail box,or on a pole or somthing..

BE CREATIVE!

Answer 6

Here's an idea:

http://www.onefunsite.com/images/rednecklights.jpg

Answer 7

Anything goes! If you want to fit in with the neighborhood, wait until you see what they put up!