Page 2Q.
What should I look for in Christmas lights?
The lights you use should be UL rated for your purpose (outside or inside). LED (Light Emitting Diode) holiday lights are the newest type, offering superior energy efficiency and over 100,000 hours of bulb life. Next, the main considerations are color and spacing. White or multi-colored lights are traditional, but many other colors are available. Be aware that some red lights can look pink when lit. Also, blue or purple lights may look a bit muted on a tree. Finally, when you're in the store, compare the length of the cord (spacing) between each light bulb. Choose the sets that have shortest spacing between each bulb, since more lights (and less cord) will show on your tree. See our Top Picks for Holiday Lighting.
Q.
How can I keep lights from tangling during storage?
Keep light strings wound around cardboard tubes (such as paper towel rolls). Or wind each string onto a flat piece of sturdy cardboard about 12" x 15" with the plug end secured into a slit. You can also "stack" every other bulb into one hand, making loops. Near the end, wind the final foot or two of cord around the middle of this bundle, securing the plug under the last loop of cord.
Q.
How should I store my ornaments?
Fragile glass ornaments should be stored in their divided cardboard containers or in specialized ornament storage boxes that come with divided sections. Special, one-of-a-kind ornaments can be wrapped in acid-free tissue paper then into envelopes of bubble wrap. Set them into small crush-proof boxes (such as plastic shoe bins available in housewares stores). If you hang ornaments from thread or ribbon loops you can pile any non-fragile ornaments into a box without protecting them from one another. However, if you use metal ornament hooks (which can sometimes rust), either remove the hooks for storage, or try to keep the hooks from touching other ornaments to avoid rust marks. See more regarding Christmas storage tips on this page.
Q.
Are there any handy gadgets to make holiday decorating easier?
See our top picks for holiday decorating here. Our favorite may be the "step on switch" for tree lights. Simply plug your lights into this extension cord and position the button where you can easily press it to turn lights on and off. Another handy device is a regular household security light timer. Use these to assist in turning window and exterior lights on and off and predetermined times. There are also remote control on/off devices, remote controls, light timers, and green extension cords made especially for holiday lights.
Q.
I'd like to do something different on my tree this year, but what?
Try this easy idea for creating decorative "bunches", or nosegays, for your tree. Gather the materials at a craft store or in the woods, and make pretty handfuls to place into the tree. They are quick, easy and fun and will personalize your tree.
Q.How can I decorate a tree on a budget? You'll find lots of frugal ornament ideas on this page. Make some decorations, ask your kids to contribute homemade items, or use items you already have. Also, try using items that are not thought of as traditional "ornaments" -- such as toys, bears, hobby items, baskets, teacups, laminated photos or cards, etc. Get creative -- even a paper clip garland might be just the thing for an office holiday tree, and it's practically free.
Q.
My tree looks boring -- what can I do?
First, learn a bit more about some Decorating Basics, then apply these principles to your tree. For example, many people cover their tree in decorations that are basically the same size and shape. Learn how to create more interest by varying the sizes and shapes, using garlands and nosegays, and creating a theme for your tree.
Q.
How do I create a theme tree when I don't have enough "theme" ornaments?
Theme trees are lots of fun. To stretch a growing collection of themed ornaments you might try putting them all on a smaller tree for a bedroom, kitchen, or entry, so your ornaments will have a bigger impact. Otherwise, stretch them out by using "filler" ornaments (inexpensive gold or red glass balls for example) and placing your themed ornaments in the front section of the tree. Also, see what other items you might use to expand on your theme. For example, a Western theme tree might use knotted ropes for "garland" as well a pine cones and other natural touches that are free or inexpensive. See more holiday theme ideas on these pages.
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