Bright ideas for Christmas lights & tips to get it done right

Nothing sets the scene for Christmas like festive lights and with so many options to choose from, it’s sometimes hard to know where to start or easy to get carried away. If you’re looking to your lighting to get you in the spirit and spread some cheer, we’ve put together a few pointers to help you get the job done right.

Bright white, icy blue or warm gold?

Don’t underestimate the importance of getting the right colour scheme. Sticking to your chosen colour palette is key to a good-looking set-up and it’s worth thinking about your Christmas style, whether that’s classic red and gold, merry and bright or a white winter wonderland.

White lights are a popular choice but details such as the colour temperature can make a big difference to the overall display. Colder, blue-tinged ones will create a crisper winter look, while the softer whites have a much warmer glow.

Let your creative juices flow

The beauty of Christmas lights is that they’re so versatile, meaning you can be as creative as you like when adding some magic inside and out:

• Christmas isn’t just for your main living areas. Spread the festive cheer in your hallway area by running strands of lights along the ceiling or up stairways.
• Draping doorways is a stylish way to celebrate Christmas and lights up any room.
• Brighten up the Christmas card display by saying goodbye to bland twine and instead use a string of festive lights.
• Wrapping railings, lining pathways and windows are simple but effective ways to set the scene outdoors.
• Solar lights are a cost-effective way to light up your outdoors.
• Make the most of potted plants and trees to weave in some extra spark. If you’re lighting up a large tree outdoors, spiral the lights up the trunk for maximum effect, and if the tree is big enough, along the main branches.
• With a plant support stand and some fairly lights you can create your very own twinkling tree. Before wrapping your lights around the stand, you might want to give it a spray of paint to add to the atmosphere. Take your pick from crisp white, gold or silver.

Get the job done right: Hanging outdoor lights

Now you’ve got the inspiration to light up your home and outdoor living space, here are some practical pointers to pulling off Christmas without a hitch:

• Check the type of power source you will need before you make a purchase and use heavy-duty outdoor extension cables if you’re planning on connecting to the mains.
• Solar powered lights and decorations are a great choice for those who want to save energy and pay less on the power bill. Another bonus is that you don’t have to deal with cords and cables.
• Measuring up before you start avoids any disappointment. A measuring tape or even a bit of string will allow you to work out the length of lights needed to dress your tree or window, and how far you need your extension cord to stretch from the power supply.
• Gutter clips help by avoiding any damage while your installing and dismantling lights and you can leave them up for a few years before they need replacing. If you’re resting your ladder against guttering, pack it with some spare wood to avoid it being crushed.
• Using a timer means you save money on power usage and the hassle of turning lights off manually each night. Make sure you choose a timer that’s suitable for the combined voltage of the lights on the socket.

Hanging indoor lights

• Access to power points should be top of mind when planning your indoor decorations, and of course you will need to avoid any flammable or delicate surfaces that could be damaged by heat from the bulbs. Arrange your lights while they are turned off at the wall.
• Suction cup hooks and temporary adhesive are your go-to when it comes to hanging strings of lights without damaging your paintwork or scratching glass. String, twist ties, and garden ties are all useful for securing lights to curtain rails or balustrades.

Safety first for a Merry Christmas

Christmas can be a hectic time and often a rush to get all the jobs done but safety is a priority. We want you to have a memorable Christmas for all the right reasons so remember to be careful using ladders, take care around electricals and be vigilant for trip hazards.

At Mitre 10 we love Christmas and it goes without saying that if you need any advice on your Christmas lighting our team are happy to help in-store. We have a range of festive lighting available in-store or online here.