Whether you’re decorating for a religious or secular holiday, the Christmas tree represents life and light. From evergreen branches warding off evil spirits to Martin Luther’s twinkling candles and Queen Victoria’s royal influence, the tree has evolved while remaining rooted in Christian theology.
Stringing lights on your tree is easier than you think. Start at the base and work your way up, avoiding crossing strands and addressing dark spots as you go.
Pre-Lit Trees
Whether you have a bare or pre-lit tree, there are tricks to getting it lit just right. Getting your tree to look polished and professional requires careful planning and attention to detail. Whether you opt for the minimalistic elegance of white lights or a vibrant display of multicoloured bulbs, your tree needs to capture the eye in order to take centre stage.
Start at the base of your tree and work your way up, avoiding dark spots. This method is a favourite of the staff at New York City’s Rockefeller Center, who use this trick to create “not just a shell of light, but a depth and three-dimensionality that cannot be achieved otherwise.”
Avoid using more than one strand of lights on any branch. A dead strand of lights can ruin the overall effect, so check each strand often. If you notice any dead strands, hide the eyesore by wrapping a piece of floral wire around it and bending it out of sight.
Using high-quality, durable Christmas lights is the first step to creating a professionally decorated tree. Investing in the best quality possible will save you money in the long run and will ensure that your lights last year after year. Make sure to store your lights in airtight containers and in a cool, dark environment to extend their life.
When stringing lights, be sure to use only UL-rated outdoor or indoor lights for your tree. It is also important to use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to keep your tree and home safe from electrical hazards.
Before you begin, test your lights by plugging them in and turning on the tree to see if they are working. Then, divide your tree into sections and start at the base of the trunk, working your way up to the tip of each branch. For a more natural effect, try to mix your light type and colour combinations, pushing some of the lights deeper into branches and others closer to the tips.
LED Lights
While it may take some practice to get your tree lights to shine just right, mastering this task is essential for transforming your living room into a magical winter wonderland. Whether you are using traditional bulbs or LEDs, there are certain tricks of the trade to help make the job go much more smoothly.
First, start with a high-quality variety of Christmas tree lights. Choosing durable, energy-efficient bulbs will save you money over the long term and create a more beautiful, natural look. The next step is to decide how many lights you will use and where they should be placed. Consider highlighting special ornaments or creating an even glow throughout the entire tree for a more balanced appearance.
When stringing the lights, always start at the base of the tree and work your way up. This helps to ensure that the power cord and extensions remain hidden and minimises dark spots on your tree.
To achieve a more organic look, try stringing the lights slightly randomly instead of following a strict pattern. You can also add some depth to your tree by pushing some of the lights deeper into the branches and pulling others closer to the tips.
Once your lights are in place, it is important to periodically step back and look at your tree from all angles to ensure that the lighting looks balanced and even. Don’t forget to take care of your tree lights by storing them properly in airtight containers and comfortable environments to ensure they continue working year after year.
Cluster Lights
While string lights are a classic for Christmas trees, cluster lights offer a fuller look with a higher number of bulbs per string. This allows for a much brighter glow and can be ideal for larger trees or for anyone looking for a more dramatic effect. Our 'The Winter Workshop' cluster light set features 6 different colours and multiple size options so you can find the perfect set for your tree.
Regardless of which type of lights you choose, it's important to start at the base of your tree and work your way up. This ensures that the power cord and any extensions remain hidden while also allowing for an even distribution of light throughout your tree.
As you string your lights, make sure to stop every five or ten minutes and step back to check how they're looking from different angles. This will help you to identify any dark spots and address them as you go. It's also a good idea to leave your tree lights on while you finish decorating it so that you can see how they look in the dark.
Once your lights are in place, it's time to add the ornaments and tree topper. Adding these elements will add depth and richness to your tree's lighting display, further drawing the eye into its beauty. To get the most out of your tree's lighting, try to mix things up a bit by placing some of your larger ornaments deeper into the branches and some closer to the front of your tree.
When it comes to hanging Christmas tree lights, practice makes perfect! Once you've mastered the art of lighting your tree, it will become as easy as pie to create a gorgeous and festive holiday display.
Vertical Lights
Christmas tree lights can transform a tree into a magical, wintery display that takes your breath away. But stringing those lights can be a chore, especially if you’re not sure how to approach the task. Whether you’re going for a minimalist look or an organic feel, mastering the art of lighting your tree can help you get the results you desire.
The first step in becoming a pro at decorating your tree is to invest in high-quality, durable holiday lights. The best varieties are energy-efficient and offer multiple colours and brightness levels to choose from. Using the right type of lights helps minimise dead spots on your tree and creates an even, vibrant glow.
Start at the base of your tree and work your way up or down, depending on your preference. Work in sections, focusing on one branch at a time to avoid overlapping and creating an unsightly wire net. It’s also important to periodically step back and check your progress, as well as to view the tree from all angles, to ensure that the lights are evenly distributed.
Rather than following a linear pattern, try stringing the lights a little randomly to give your tree a more natural look. You can also experiment with pushing some lights deeper into the branches and pulling others closer to the front to enhance depth and richness. Finally, remember to wrap each strand of lights tightly and securely to prevent loose bulbs from popping off the branches. And once the holidays are over, it’s essential to properly store your lights in airtight containers and in a comfortable environment to keep them functioning from year to year.
