Holiday Outdoor Lighting & Decorating Tips

Holiday Outdoor Lighting & Decorating Tips

Tackling outdoor holiday decor can be an overwhelming task, especially if you've never done it before. So how can you achieve a look that will be the envy of the neighborhood without going into debt?

Before you impulsively raid the holiday lights display section at the store nearest you, take a step back and make a plan.

Experts recommend starting small if you've never decorated your outdoors for the holidays. You don't need to create a winter wonderland on your first try.

Ann Blevins, Better Homes and Gardens' Christmas ideas editor, suggests you pick a focal point, such as a bush or tree and then add to it throughout the years.

Don't know the difference between net lights and rope lights? Do your holiday homework before purchasing anything. Figure out what works best with your plan so you won't spend extra money on decorations that don't go with your design.

And to save energy and money on outdoor Christmas lights, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends you consider switching to light-emitting diode or LED lights, which offer a quality alternative to incandescent lamps. LED lights, according to DOE, can last up to 40 holiday seasons or about 20,000 hours.

- Nancy Flores