It is that time of year again to pull out the old outdoor Christmas decorations and decide what to do this year. You may want to toss several lights and lawn ornaments that have become outdated or pretty run down looking. Now, what do you do? Here are some things to consider as you decide how your front lawn will look this holiday season.
1) Choose a Theme
It is better to have a few related outdoor Christmas decorations than many unrelated items. Decide if you want to go modern or traditional. Bright Christmas colors with Santa or a more subdued look with a nativity scene. It is important that you do not mix themes. Santa and a nativity scene together on your front lawn is not a good choice.
Keep in mind what your closest neighbors are doing. If neighbors seem interested in having their Christmas lights visible from outer space, perhaps you should take the high road and create a subtle, but extraordinary display. Consider using all one color so as not to clash with the holiday kaleidoscope surrounding you.
2) Determine the Lights you want to use.
Mini lights are lower voltage, sparkle, and come in many colors. Mini lights come in a variety of prices. Beware of cheap sets because they will not last as long and could have the whole string go out if one bulb goes out. These lights also come in LED.
C7 or C9 lights are the traditional lights. Their large size makes them easily visible and bright. When a bulb goes out the string will always stay lit. C7 bulbs are just over 2 inches, while C9 bulbs are just over 3 inches long. These lights also come in LED.
Icicle lights are a very popular light set to hang from your roof. They are usually available in both multi and clear.
Net lights are great for bushes and trees. These are a mini light that usually comes in multi or clear lights and green or white wire.
Rope lights are a great alternative if you are tired of untangling strings of lights. Most rope lights are about 18 feet long and come equipped with mounting clips and cable ties for easy hanging. The rope comes in all colors imaginable.
Moravian lights, Starlight Sphere and various other design lights can also be a nice addition to your Christmas outdoor decorations
3) Determine what Outdoor Christmas Lawn Ornaments you will use
Inflatable lawn ornaments are increasingly popular and much easier to store than more traditional large yard decorations. Due to their large size, you will want to use these sparingly, even a large lawn is better off with only one.
Holographic Christmas decoration is nice because during the day the holographic design adds Christmas cheer to your outdoor decorations. At night lights will bring these decorations to life. Very often there are in Disney or Peanuts animated characters, in addition to the traditional Designs.
Sculptured Illuminated Decorations are designs made out of rope lights. These can be found in a multiple of classic designs including reindeer, Santa, and nativity scenes
Outdoor Topiary is a great subtle addition to a traditional theme or design that focuses less on color and more on a natural setting.
4) Put a Plan together
When planning keep in mind that less is better than more. You want to convey the spirit of the Holidays without having your lawn looking like a miniature theme park.
Sit down and plan out your design. Draw a rough sketch of your home and yard and draw in where you would like to place your lawn decorations. Planning will allow you to put up your Christmas Outdoor Decorations up more quickly when the time comes and also create a better overall design.
5) Determine the Number of Lights you need.
Check the lights you already have to be sure all your strings are working. Plugin the strings and check for bulbs that no longer light. You can easily replace bulbs. Aside from checking bulbs, you should also check the wires. Finding frayed or exposed wires means that it is time for you to buy new lights.
Decide how many feet you will need to light up all the areas you would like to decorate, such as your doorways, windows, and roofline. Do not forget to include measurements for width and length.
6) Make sure you have Everything you Need for putting up your Decorations
Extra light bulbs for lights that may have burned out or will during the next month or so. It is always good to have a supply on hand
Gutter hooks are needed and sometimes you will need more than what is provided with the sets or some may have disappeared from last year
Wireless Remote control power switch or outdoor timers are excellent tools. They enable your lights to go on or off without having to go outside. A very worthwhile purchase
Several extension cords are usually needed to connect all your lights and decorations together. Make sure that the ones you use are sturdy and safe for outdoor use
Connectors are sometimes unavoidable if one outdoor Christmas lighting string is not enough for a specific area. You should make sure though that your connectors are not too exposed and are kept away from wet areas. You can put electrical tape around the connecting line for extra precaution.
Some Final Tips to Consider before you go Shopping
Do not deviate from your plan and theme when you go shopping. It is very easy for you to get carried away when shopping for outdoor decorations so decide what you are doing, stick to your plan and do not deviate! When you see something you like that is not related to your theme or plan-DO NOT BUY IT!
Whatever you buy for your outdoor Christmas decorations, remember that you have to find a place to store them for the next eleven months.
Price does matter. Fire incidents have happened due to cheap but faulty Christmas lights. You can avoid getting these sub-standard products by choosing local government standard approved products. Standard outdoor Christmas lighting maybe a little more expensive but avoids the potential fire hazard
