How to decorate a Christmas tree with lights

If you're looking for some inspiration on how to decorate your Christmas tree with lights, then you are in the right place!

The holidays are just around the corner and that means it's time to get your home ready for all the merry festivities. One of the most important traditions during this joyous season is decorating the Christmas tree. And what's a Christmas tree without twinkling lights? In this blog post, we'll show you how to decorate a Christmas tree with lights by taking your tree from drab to fab with some tips and tricks on selecting, hanging, and adding lights.

1. Selecting the Right Lights

The first step in having a stunning tree is picking out the right lights. Year after year, people tend to make the same mistakes when it comes to their holiday lights. We see it all the time at our store! 

To save you from having to come back and return them, here are some things to keep in mind when you're making your selection:

Choose the right types of lights  

There are so many different types of holiday lights available these days. You want to make sure you choose the ones that fit your needs. 

For example, if you have young children or pets, you might want to steer clear of glass bulbs. Instead, opt for shatterproof bulbs made of durable plastic. 

But if you're looking for a more eco-friendly option, there are also LED lights available. These use less energy and generate very little heat, so they're safer to use around kids and pets as well. 

Don't Overdo It

It can be tempting to buy every single type of light available at the store, but resist the urge! More is not always better when it comes to decorating your tree. 

A good rule of thumb is 100-150 mini lights per linear foot of tree. This will ensure that your tree looks well-lit without being over-the-top. 

2. Planning Your Layout

Now that you've got your holiday lights picked out, it's time to start planning your layout. 

A common mistake people make is wrapping the lights around the trunk haphazardly before moving on to the branches. But this can make it difficult to evenly distribute the lights and can create more tangles later on. 

Instead, start by hanging all the strands at different levels on the outside branches first. Then work your way in towards the center of the tree until every branch is covered. 

How To Decorate A Christmas Tree With Lights

Credit: BCASA Ribbon Christmas Tree Light

3. Hanging the Lights

Once you've got your layout planned out, it's time to start hanging those twinkling lights! 

Again, resist the urge to just start wrapping them around randomly. 

Instead, take a minute to plug in each section of lights before you hang them on the tree. 

This will help you catch any areas where there might be a burned out bulb or a loose connection. 

Once you've checked each section, carefully drape them over each branch following your plan from earlier. 

4. Adding Decorations

Your tree probably already has some sort of decorations on it, but now is the time to really add some pizazz! 

  • First things first: garland! Wrapping garland around your tree adds instant glamor and can really help fill in any gaps between branches where there might be fewer lights. 

  • Another great way to add some sparkle is with icicle ornaments . These elegant glass ornaments reflect light beautifully and add a touch of whimsy. 

  • Finally , don't forget about Tinsel ! This shiny decoration not only looks beautiful, but also helps reflect light around your tree .

5. Finishing Touches 

Now that your tree is decorated with garland  icicles, and Tinsel, it's time for those all - important finishing touches! 

Top off your beautiful creation with a glamorous star or angelic cherub —or get really creative and DIY your own unique tree topper! Just remember: when it comes to finishing off your tree , let your imagination run wild !

6. Frequestly Asked Question

1. What are some tips for decorating a Christmas tree with lights?

If you want to make your Christmas tree look really special, consider adding lights. Here are some tips for doing it:

  • Start by stringing the lights around the top of the tree. This will create a nice, finished look.

  • Make sure to use enough lights. The more lights you use, the brighter your tree will be.

  • Try to use different colors of lights. This will add some extra visual interest to your tree.

  • If you have any particularly large ornaments, try hanging them from the branches of the tree with lights attached. This will create a really beautiful effect.

2. How do you avoid creating a Christmas tree that is too garish or tacky?

The basic principle of Christmas tree decoration is to create a visual impact by placing items on the tree in a simple order. 

If your tree is too big and full, you may need to think about splitting it into two or more trees. This will allow you to use colors, style and even themes. 

  • Try to avoid the candy-cane effect. That is, adorning each and every space on the tree with something, no matter how small. Rather, start at the top and work your way down. 

  • In terms of colors, use neutral colors like silver and white, followed by hues of gold, bronze and brown.A tree looks best with a combination of both traditional and modern decorations. Don't be afraid of using items that are not exactly Christmas-related. Sometimes it's nice to mix in some colors of the season. 

  • Finally, don't try to use every decoration that you own. You end up with a confusing and messy tree, if you do.

3. Are there any specific types of lights that you should use when decorating a Christmas tree?

Yes! use Christmas lights in multi-color, multi-color lights are brighter than white Christmas lights and they look better on a Christmas tree too. 

Green and red Christmas lights are traditional; these colors are more vivid and mix better with green Christmas trees. Use blue, yellow and purple Christmas lights if you are decorating an artificial Christmas tree.

4. Should you use icicles when decorating a Christmas tree with lights?

Sure as icicles are long, thin pieces of ice that form when water drips from a surface and freezes. 

While they can add a touch of sparkle to any tree, there are a few things to consider before using them. 

  • First, icicles can be sharp, so be careful not to prick yourself when handling them. 

  • Second, they can melt and drip water, which can damage your lights or other decorations. 

  • Finally, icicles are prone to breaking, so you may need to replace them more often than other types of Christmas tree decorations. 

If you keep these things in mind, icicles can be a beautiful and easy way to add some extra sparkle to your Christmas tree.

5. Are there any other ways to enhance the look of your Christmas tree by using lights?

Yes. In addition to traditional string lights, there are a number of other ways to decorate your Christmas tree with lights. 

  • Icicle lights are a popular choice, as they mimic the look of falling snow. 

  • Net lights can also be draped over the branches of your tree, providing even coverage with minimal effort. 

  • If you really want to make a statement, consider using laser lights. These can be shown on the tree or on the wall behind it to make a dazzling display that will wow your holiday guests. 

No matter what type of lights you choose, remember to follow basic safety precautions. 

Always inspect the cords and plugs for damage before use, and never overload your electrical outlets. 

With a little bit of planning, you can create a holiday display that is both safe and beautiful.

7. Further Reading

8. Bottom Line

Now that you know how to properly decorate your Christmas tree with lights, it's time to put your newfound knowledge to the test. Get out there and start hanging those lights! Soon enough, you'll have a beautifully lit Christmas tree that will be the envy of all your friends and family.

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Erica Andersen
Erica Andersen
Erica Andersen is an artist with a love of abstract drawings. She also enjoys visiting world-wide museums to appreciate the great works of art from around the globe. Erica is especially creative when it comes to designing her home office - she loves making it into a unique and inspiring space. Erica has two beautiful daughters who she loves spending time with.