Christmas Lights | Design Happens

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Home Survival Skills: Have Yourself An Energy-Efficient Christmas

by Jessica Yonker December 4, 2012 3 Comments

Christmas lights are one of my favorite things about the holiday season. This year especially, I’ve been known to frantically scream out “Christmas!” every time I see a holiday light display – I’m certain everyone I know is asking Santa for an early present in the form of earplugs.

Light displays may be a warm and cozy staple of the holiday season, but there’s no getting around the fact that they cost a lot to run. If it’s been a couple of years since you replaced your light set you might be wasting energy – and therefore money.

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Designer MacGyver: 5 Jolly Ideas for Indoor Christmas Lights

by Briana Mowrey November 26, 2012 9 Comments

Many families start decorating for the holidays immediately after Thanksgiving, and if you’re one of those families, you may have already wrestled with today’s tricky DIY material. Yes, I’m talking about string lights. You can use them outdoors and on your Christmas tree (once you get them untangled, that is!), but there are so many more ways to deck the halls with their twinkle. Take a break from your Cyber Monday shopping and admire how versatile the glowing strands can be.

Photo: Cabin & Cottage

Home Survival Skills: Put Up Your Christmas Lights Now

by Jessica Yonker September 11, 2012 15 Comments

Rate My Space user jayslights puts on a yearly show with a computerized light display.

I know, I know – it’s only September. But think about it this way: if you take advantage of the warm weather now to put up your main lights (don’t pull out that life-sized, electronic Rudolph just yet), you won’t have to worry about standing out in the cold come November. Just take a day or a weekend to set them up, then leave them off until you’re ready to take out the rest of your decorations.

And what’s holiday prep without your little helpers? Let your kids help decorate low areas, like porch banisters or shrubs, to get them excited for the upcoming holiday season. It may look and feel silly now, but you’ll thank yourself later when your neighbors are out in the freezing cold trying to put up their entire light display and you’re inside enjoying a nice cup of hot cocoa!

Can’t wait for the holidays? Check out more ways to get a head start here:

Jump-Start Your Christmas Crafting

25 Handmade Holiday Decorations

DIY Network: Outrageous Christmas Light Displays

DIY Network: Holiday Lighting Buyer’s Guide

DIY Network: Installing Christmas Lighting

Christmas Countdown: Tree Trimming

by Kayla Kitts December 4, 2010 13 Comments

I’m a pretty traditional gal when it comes to Christmas decor. But this year, I abandoned all things red, green and gold. My tree is daring, in vogue and pays homage to my all-time favorite color. A purple Christmas tree complete with pink bows, silver balls and cupcake ornaments is the unexpected and fun focal point of my living room. Whether you lean evergreen or artificial, old fashioned or modish, here are some of my favorite trimmings sure to inspire so you can get your tree Santa-ready, too.