{"id":133021,"date":"2021-12-13T13:11:10","date_gmt":"2021-12-13T18:11:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/?p=133021"},"modified":"2024-12-30T13:19:32","modified_gmt":"2024-12-30T18:19:32","slug":"decorating-with-holiday-lightingholiday-lighting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/decorating-with-holiday-lightingholiday-lighting\/","title":{"rendered":"Decorating with Holiday Lighting"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the season of celebration arrives, your home\u2019s festive spirit can shine with dazzling <\/span>holiday lighting<\/span>. This doesn\u2019t mean that you need to have <\/span>lights <\/span>on every inch of your rooftop or trees \u2013 although we support that! Even small accents, from window treatments to nightstand accessories, can make an impact. With a little bit of planning, the possibilities for glowing good cheer are endless. Read on as we share some of our favorite ideas for bringing the season alive with joyous <\/span>holiday lighting<\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Send a Message with LED Rope <\/b>Holiday Lighting<\/b><\/p>\n

LED rope <\/span>lights<\/span> allow you to send a message in a way that is \u201cbright, energy-efficient, and easy,\u201d according to <\/span>Martha Stewart Living<\/span><\/i><\/a>. The Magazine offers templates, including their gorgeous \u201cJoy\u201d sign, that allow you to write out your season\u2019s greetings in style. The <\/span>lights <\/span>are attached to \u201ca grid of wire wreath forms with heavy-duty cable ties\u201d and can be quickly displayed on windows, garage doors, and across porch railings, as well as throughout your home. In fact, they are so easy to create, you may want to hang more than one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Say It With Snowflakes<\/b><\/p>\n

Speaking of rope <\/span>lights<\/span>, you can create stunning hanging snowflake ornaments, perfect for decorating gazebos, trees, and porch beams. You can craft this glimmering <\/span>holiday light <\/span>display by \u201chand-twisting rope <\/span>lights<\/span>\u201d in a pattern available through <\/span>Martha Stewart Living<\/span><\/i><\/a> and then hanging them by their cords, which are artfully hidden by ribbon. This wintry decoration is perfect for celebrating the <\/span>holidays<\/span>, but it is so welcoming that you might want to keep these snowflakes up until spring.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stage Mason Jar Strands<\/b><\/p>\n

Whether you are hoping to add <\/span>holiday lighting <\/span>to bedroom nightstands or want to illuminate walkways for guests, mason jars may be the key to your winter decorating. The idea is a favorite of the pros at <\/span>Real Simple<\/span><\/i><\/a>. \u201cFill a large Mason jar with a strand or two of battery-powered <\/span>lights <\/span>to add whimsy,\u201d and you are done.\u00a0 It\u2019s that easy. We also love seeing them on tables for outdoor entertaining \u2013 those cold nights by the firepit take on an extra magical quality when you can see these <\/span>lights <\/span>twinkling in the darkness. Plus, it makes seeing your fabulous snacks even easier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Display a String-<\/b>Light <\/b>Christmas Tree\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Would you love to add a Christmas tree to your child\u2019s room but don\u2019t want to deal with the potential mess and expense? <\/span>Holiday lighting <\/span>can also help you create an ideally festive atmosphere in kids\u2019 rooms. String <\/span>lights <\/span>are the key. The decorating experts at <\/span>Martha Stewart Living<\/span><\/i><\/a> love the idea of creating string-<\/span>light <\/span>Christmas trees using five strategically-placed adhesive hooks. \u201cFelt star ornaments add to the twinkle effect and can be made using the template.\u201d While white decorations are sure to delight, you and your kids can craft the felt ornaments using any color that makes you smile.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Create Unique <\/b>Holiday <\/b>Glass Candle-Holders<\/b><\/p>\n

Do you have pretty glassware that you can spare? Consider turning glasses, everything from whisky tumblers to chalices, into charming candle-holders by filling them with votives. If they are deep enough and solid, you may want to use votives with wicks that you can <\/span>light<\/span>. However, if they are placed in an area where they might be disturbed, you\u2019ll want to use battery-operated votives. You\u2019ll still have the beauty of the illumination but without the safety concerns. <\/span>Midwest Living<\/span><\/i><\/a> loves this idea and suggests taking this <\/span>holiday <\/span>decoration a step further by \u201c[topping the glasses] with mini-wreaths, being sure to use non-flammable materials or to keep candle flames well away from fresh greens.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hang Glowing Topiary Lanterns<\/b><\/p>\n

Making them into stunning <\/span>holiday lighting <\/span>is a snap if you already have topiary lanterns. All you need to do is wrap your <\/span>lights <\/span>along the wire bands that form the lantern, securing them with staples or small adhesive hooks as you go. If you don\u2019t have topiary lanterns, you can easily purchase frames at craft stores that can be wrapped with string or LED rope <\/span>lights<\/span> (and use twist-ties to secure them to the edges). The experts prefer the latter at <\/span>Martha Stewart Living<\/span><\/i><\/a>: \u201cRope <\/span>lights<\/span>, which look as if they\u2019re filled with liquid beads, provide a smoother, more defined look than the standard string variety.\u201d\u00a0Want to go for some extra sparkle? The <\/span>Magazine<\/span><\/a> recommends wrapping tinsel in between the <\/span>light <\/span>bands and hanging these dazzling orbs from trees with thick, colorful ribbon (which will also help hide the cords).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Drape Crackle Ball Garland<\/b><\/p>\n

Crackle ball <\/span>holiday lighting <\/span>is trendy right now and with good reason! Not only do\u00a0<\/span>they add a sparkle in whatever space they appear, they also feature an eye-catching texture that sets them apart from traditional lanterns. It\u2019s not surprising that <\/span>Southern Living<\/span><\/i><\/a> is raving about crackle ball garlands from West Elm. The Magazine loves the shimmering options and its affordable price tag. While the editors are making a plan to drape the garland along their stair rails, it also would look lovely sitting across fireplace mantels, as window treatments, and on porches (provided they can be secured against the elements).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Light<\/b> a Mistletoe Chandelier<\/b><\/p>\n

Finally, if you want to add a sense of romance to your <\/span>holiday lighting<\/span>, and are up for a little DIY fun, consider creating a gorgeous mistletoe chandelier using the instructions from <\/span>Martha Stewart Living<\/span><\/i><\/a>. As the Magazine reveals: \u201cAlthough it looks as though it has been cast from silver, the piece is made of faux mistletoe and dainty rice <\/span>lights<\/span> attached to a branch.\u201d The look is refined and delicate, although by using the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Faux Mistletoe, it\u2019s sturdy enough to last throughout the <\/span>holiday <\/span>season and into the new year. It\u2019s so lovely that you\u2019ll want to put it up again next year! <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"