Christmas Light Decoration Tips and Tricks

[caption id="attachment_9561" align="alignleft" width="300"] Don't Make The Mistake Clark Griswold Did[/caption]

The idea of decking your house out with Christmas lights seem like a great idea at first, but once you're outside in the cold, and the lights start to tangle up, the job starts to become frustrating...at least that's true for me. Here are some tips for decorating your house this Christmas:

Start out small. If you're a Christmas lights novice, light just two or three items, such as trees or bushes, to serve as focal points. Add new displays each year.

Stay safe. Only use lights with the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) label and be sure you're using lights designed specifically for outdoor use.

Know your lights. When it comes to holiday lights, there's a type available for every nook and cranny of your house and yard. Whether you want blinking rope lights outlining windows or net lights blanketing bushes, wising up on your holiday light knowledge will help you get the most bang for your buck.

Check for burned-out lights. Test light strings and replace any burned-out lights before decking the halls. Burned-out lights drain power from the entire light string, and the other bulbs will grow dimmer.

Out with the old, in with the new. Avoid old-fashioned nails, staples, screws, or hooks when mounting your display. Electrical tape is a quick and easy alternative -- it won't destroy your roof, and it's a good tool for protecting electrical connections. Clips, such as shingle tab or parapet clips, hold lights to surfaces by applying simple, safe pressure.

Use a sturdy ladder. Enlist a helper to keep you steady as you hang lights on very tall tree -- you'll stay safe and you'll be able to reach the branches easily. Attach lights to branches with tree clips or twist ties.

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