How to Put Christmas Lights on Your Tree Like a Pro
The job of stringing lights on your tree is no joke, and unless you have a team of elves to help you out, you're likely all on your own to figure out an easy way to put lights on a Christmas tree. And even though this tedious task can be a headache, oh, the rewards! That glow of a real Christmas tree (or an artificial Christmas tree!) can downright take your breath away!
Chances are you've been hanging lights on your tree the way your parents did. But believe it or not, there are a few different ways to light a Christmas tree. Online and off, questions abound: Do you hang Christmas tree lights horizontally or vertically? Do you go top-to-bottom, or bottom-to-top? Do you put lights on a Christmas tree first? (For the record, we say definitely yes to this!)
Before you start doubting (or changing) your stringing technique, we've got some good news: There really is no right or wrong way to light your tree. If your method of outfitting your tree suits you, stick with it—you've got no reason to change! But if you're new to decorating and wonder, "What is the easiest way to put lights on a Christmas tree?" we have the suggestions for you.
Still, it never hurts to try something new, which is one reason we're sharing these tried-and-true Christmas lighting methods. Who knows? Maybe you'll find a more efficient way to tackle the annual task before you add your Christmas tree ornaments and your Christmas tree topper. Now get glowing!
Tip: Generally, plan for about 100 Christmas lights per foot; a 6-foot tree would get 600 lights.
How to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree Vertically
The vertical approach to hanging Christmas tree lights is a trend that started circulating a few years ago. This method ensures that the tree shines brightly, because the lights are more visible, as they are less likely to be covered up by branches. Bonus: It's a whole lot easier to take them down once the holiday's over! Try this for outdoor Christmas light displays too.
Plug in each strand of lights to make sure all the bulbs are in working order.
Start with the plugless end of your lights at the top or bottom of the tree and let the lights lay vertically like a seam.
Each time you reach the top or bottom, turn the lights back the other way until you have a sideways "S" pattern around the whole tree.
Tip: Hang shiny ornaments in the middle to help reflect the light for more depth.
How to Hang Christmas Tree Lights Horizontally
Hanging Christmas lights horizontally is the most widely used technique when it comes to decorating the tree. It's pretty self-explanatory, but if this is your first time hanging lights, you'll want to follow these directions:
First, plug in each set of lights to make sure all the bulbs are working. (This will save you a lot of stress later.)
Starting at the top or bottom of your tree (depending solely on preference), wrap the lights over and under the branches of the tree.
You can mix things up by placing some lights "deeper" into the tree than others, and by alternating the patterns so that it looks more organic. Get creative with it, and have fun!
Tip: When you have to connect plugs, hide the eyesore by fastening the area to a branch with floral wire.
How to Hang Christmas Lights Top to Bottom
"I string my lights from top to bottom because your plug is at the end of the strand and closer to the bottom of the tree and outlet," says The Home Depot's director of trend and design Sarah Fishburne, making a solid case for this method. Plus, she says, if you run out of lights, it's easier to spread them out this way—and it's easier to add more lights to the bottom versus the top of the tree.
Plug in the lights to make sure all the bulbs are working.
Starting at the top of the tree, intertwine the lights on top of and under branches.
Work your way down and around the tree, hanging lights in the back as well.
When you reach the bottom, hide any extra lights behind the tree.
If you want to add more lights, simply do another pass, starting again at the top and working your way down.
Tip: Make sure you wrap the lights loosely on each branch for the best overall affect.
How to Hang Christmas Lights Bottom to Top
The Home Depot's Senior Merchandising Director Kelie Charles goes bottom to top because she can plug the lights in first. "It makes it easier to see what the lit tree will look like as I'm stringing the lights," she says. Got extras? Just wind them back down. And if you run out, simply start a new string and run an extension cord down the back of the tree.
Plug in the lights to make sure all the bulbs are working.
Start at the bottom, zig zag Christmas tree lights through the tree in quadrants, section by section, versus around the tree.
Place some lights deeper into the branches and place some closer to the front to create depth.
Hide the lights' connectors by pushing it deep into the tree branches near the trunk.
Once you reach the top, you can either tuck the extra lights into the back of the tree or run an extension cord down the back to the outlet.
Tip: Try to avoid any obvious pattern or spiral; you want the lights to look natural.
Happy decorating!
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