exterior christmas light ideas

Planning outdoor Christmas lighting usually comes down to where you want the glow most, whether that is the roofline, the trees, the walkway, or the whole yard. For decorating a home's exterior at Christmas, it helps to match the light style to the spot instead of using the same strand everywhere. C9 and C7 Christmas string lights are a classic pick for roof edges because the larger bulbs show up clearly from the street, while icicle lights add a hanging look along eaves and porch lines. Around bushes and shrubs, net Christmas lights can save time and give more even coverage than wrapping loose strands by hand. Tree trunks and branches often look best with flexible string lights or trunk wrap styles, especially when you are choosing between warm clear bulbs and bright multicolor sets. Pathway lights and stake lights help mark the walk to the front door, and they pair well with lantern-style outdoor lamps or post lights near steps and entryways. If you want a faster setup across a big wall or open yard, light projectors and landscape spotlights can fill in larger areas without climbing all over the house. Yard figures, lighted garlands, and other novelty light decorations work well as focal points near the porch, mailbox, or windows. As you browse, think about bulb size, wire color, power source, and how the lights will mount on gutters, shingles, railings, or branches. Clips, hooks, extension cords, and outdoor timers can make a big difference when you are trying to keep the display neat, secure, and easy to turn on each night.