DIY Projects

As we wind down the second half of the year, we eagerly anticipate the moment we can enjoy the crisp, cool outdoor weather. Nothing goes with a fall breeze better than a cup of spiced cider and some inviting patio string lights. Like a teaser before the Christmas season, LED string lights create a warm, cheery ambiance for your porch...[...]

We’ve all heard the saying before: “That holiday was invented by the Hallmark Channel to sell products.” So if you’ve stumbled across the term “Christmas in July” and thought it was just a marketing gimmick, we’re here to make a case for the contrary. A halfway-through-the-year holiday that captures the essence of Christmas? Think of it as an exciting, surprising...[...]

These days people expect more from their Christmas lights than simple on/off functionality. They want more control, more colors, and more customization. They don't want a light set that is only capable of a single color, but rather a light that is able to achieve any color combination imaginable. And that is where Twinkly comes in. Twinkly Christmas lights true...[...]

Hang a Wreath on Brick, Concrete, or Stone in Less Than 30 Minutes When it comes to installing Christmas decorations, one of the most often asked questions we receive is how to go about hanging a wreath on brick, concrete, or stone. Fortunately, the process is easier than most people think, but it does require drilling a hole for the...[...]

Christmas Designers 3D Foldable Stars are a great way to easily decorate for Christmas or other holidays throughout the year. The fold-flat design allows for easy storage when not in use. Once unfolded, the stars offer an impressive 3-dimensional design that is not only versatile but also looks great. Available in either metallic or fibermesh finishes and in six sizes...[...]

The holidays are an exciting and nostalgic time, reminding us of when we were young and bringing out a sense of childlike wonder. People decorate for the holiday season for all kinds of reasons. Some people simply enjoy holiday cheer, while others want to spread the contagious holiday spirit to their family members, friends, and passers-by. Additionally, some Christmas enthusiasts...[...]

It's hard to go wrong with Fairy Lights. You'd be hard-pressed to find another type of decorative light set that is more diverse and has such a wide appeal when it comes to home decorating and accent lighting applications. Those tiny little fairy bulbs pack a lot of punch. At less than 1/8" in size, these seemingly delicate micro lights...[...]

If you’re a Christmas enthusiast looking to up the ante on your annual light display, it can be difficult to know where to start. Maybe you’ve done a little digging, and have discovered the open industry secret that is empty socket light line. You know that the key to clean a display with no trailing lines is measuring out the...[...]

Some would say that there are two types of people in the world, crazy Christmas people and crazy Halloween people, so maybe this just makes us crazy people but we love both! A fully decked out holiday home is just as important as a super spooky one in our book. Plus, decorating your home for Halloween is a great way...[...]

Fairy lights may arguably be the most versatile lighting style for decorating any time of the year. Their bendable wires allow them to be twisted and turned into any shape around anything and they have a perfect soft twinkling glow. However, their time to shine brightest is definitely during autumn! Fall brings back the romantic feeling of a crisp breeze and...[...]

You might mistakenly believe you can only use LED Christmas lights during the holiday season. However, one of the best aspects of Christmas LED lights is their versatility. Due to their durability, ease of use, and unmatched performance, there are many uses for LED lights to brighten up your home throughout the entire year. This blog discusses the many year-round...[...]

A statement lighting fixture can really step up the style of a room, but it's hard to come by a light that's both bold and inexpensive. When it comes to making a decision to splurge or save on statement lighting, you should always consider a high-end do-it-yourself option. Using everyday items such as string lights in innovative ways can produce results that look as...[...]

From pool parties to Christmas cocktail parties, a glowing garland is a perfect solution for any event's decor. It can be hard to find a string of lights for every theme, but the good news is you can make one yourself for just about any occasion! You just need a simple string of lights and a little imagination—it's easy! Here are some...[...]

The European café culture has tremendous appeal among American homeowners. Why wouldn’t it? Outdoor bistro lights are beautiful ways to adorn your outdoor recreation space and entertain guests. The importance of lighting for patios can’t be underestimated. Outdoor lighting sets the mood for your patio. Picture strings of glowing bulbs swaying back and forth to create a ceiling of light...[...]

Keeping your home or office glowing throughout the holiday isn’t that difficult. In fact, there are many simple and creative indoor string lights ideas that can stay in place during and between the holidays. These looks can be permanent fixtures of your interior décor that keep your home illuminated, warm, and stylish throughout the entire year. Who ever said that...[...]

Halloween offers the potential to go about as crazy with décor as any holiday could. For as much as we know that there are Christmas enthusiasts, we know the die-hard Halloween folks are out there, too. The tough part about it is, it’s truly only one night. While Christmas seems to have its own entire season, Halloween comes and goes...[...]

It can be so difficult to find winter decorations that don't shout Christmas. Here are a few ideas around the house for tasteful after-Christmas winter decorations. Winter Home Decor Winter Decorations from The House of Smiths   Winter Mantle Decorations   Winter Tablescape   Winter Mudroom Winter Vases Vases make fantastic decor items because they can be placed anywhere around the...[...]

No holiday is as fun and exciting for kids as Christmas. And a big part of the Yuletide excitement comes when it’s time to put up the Christmas tree. Christmas trees symbolize the magic of Christmas, and for kids, breaking out the Christmas tree ornaments means that the Christmas season has officially begun. You can make it even more exciting...[...]

How to Take Pictures with Christmas Lights in the Foreground or Background Christmas comes but only once each year. And each passing holiday season offers you the opportunity to add to your stash of precious Christmas memories. But there's no better way to supplement those memories than through the magic of photography. The Christmas season provides many photographic opportunities. But...[...]

Christmas time is fast approaching and with it comes the time to start decorating!  For those full of the holiday spirit, decorating is a fun and creative time, and for those who are not quite in the holiday spirit, this time of year can be full of stress and hair-pulling. Regardless of which category you fall into, these 17 ways...[...]

Many people wonder how, as professional installers, we're able to quickly attach Christmas lights to brick, concrete or stucco. These surfaces can be difficult to work with and time-consuming to install. This is where hot glue comes in. Using hot glue to attach lights to solid, non painted surfaces is quick, easy and very effective. This type of installation application...[...]

Pretty globe string lights are no longer used just for decorating the house and yard for Christmas. Many designs for outdoor areas, and a few insides, have come together using globe string lights, hung in an array of patterns to fit any area or event. Canopy Patterns When designing the canopy for any space, the first thing to decide is...[...]

When deciding the main use of a pergola, people tend to focus on furniture needs, such as dining tables, outdoor patio chairs, and couches, or barbecues and fire pits. And at times, lighting is not decided until the furniture is picked out, and must then fit in with the rest of the décor. Whether looking for something simple, elegant, or...[...]

Christmas is fast approaching, and for those still engulfed in decorating, the last couple weeks left may be more panicked than usual, especially for those trying to think outside the box for this year’s holiday décor. But all one really needs is an idea, one tiny detail, that just may bring together an entire room, or in this case, a porch...[...]

Long chains of leaves or flowers, known as garlands, have been around for centuries. They were originally used in religious ceremonies, but over time were more commonly used as decorations in homes and other buildings at times of celebration. They were worn during weddings, festivals, and placed on adorned statues. Today, the garland is most commonly used to decorate homes...[...]

Christmas is almost here again, which means it’s time to start thinking about decorations. But what to do? There are dozens of decoration types, including wreaths, lights, garland, and of course, stockings. And there are almost as many themes to organize those pretty props to make a mantel shine as brightly as the ever-popular Christmas tree. So, here’s a simple...[...]

First impressions are important. A wise old saying tells us that's true. And modern-day scientific research supports the wisdom of the old saying. That's why many homeowners associations spend a considerable chunk of change on making entryways appear elegant and stately. They understand that first impressions really are important. They understand that the entryway to their HOA can quickly plant...[...]

The kids are back in school, there's a nip in the night air, and football season is underway. That means that Halloween is right around the corner. And that's good news for most Americans. Everyone knows that the most popular holiday is Christmas. But did you know that the annual Fall Festival of Fright ranks third in popularity, just behind...[...]

As we wind down the second half of the year, we eagerly anticipate the moment we can enjoy the crisp, cool outdoor weather. Nothing goes with a fall breeze better than a cup of spiced cider and some inviting patio string lights. Like a teaser before the Christmas season, LED string lights create a warm, cheery ambiance for your porch...[...]

We’ve all heard the saying before: “That holiday was invented by the Hallmark Channel to sell products.” So if you’ve stumbled across the term “Christmas in July” and thought it was just a marketing gimmick, we’re here to make a case for the contrary. A halfway-through-the-year holiday that captures the essence of Christmas? Think of it as an exciting, surprising...[...]

These days people expect more from their Christmas lights than simple on/off functionality. They want more control, more colors, and more customization. They don't want a light set that is only capable of a single color, but rather a light that is able to achieve any color combination imaginable. And that is where Twinkly comes in. Twinkly Christmas lights true...[...]

Hang a Wreath on Brick, Concrete, or Stone in Less Than 30 Minutes When it comes to installing Christmas decorations, one of the most often asked questions we receive is how to go about hanging a wreath on brick, concrete, or stone. Fortunately, the process is easier than most people think, but it does require drilling a hole for the...[...]

Christmas Designers 3D Foldable Stars are a great way to easily decorate for Christmas or other holidays throughout the year. The fold-flat design allows for easy storage when not in use. Once unfolded, the stars offer an impressive 3-dimensional design that is not only versatile but also looks great. Available in either metallic or fibermesh finishes and in six sizes...[...]

The holidays are an exciting and nostalgic time, reminding us of when we were young and bringing out a sense of childlike wonder. People decorate for the holiday season for all kinds of reasons. Some people simply enjoy holiday cheer, while others want to spread the contagious holiday spirit to their family members, friends, and passers-by. Additionally, some Christmas enthusiasts...[...]

It's hard to go wrong with Fairy Lights. You'd be hard-pressed to find another type of decorative light set that is more diverse and has such a wide appeal when it comes to home decorating and accent lighting applications. Those tiny little fairy bulbs pack a lot of punch. At less than 1/8" in size, these seemingly delicate micro lights...[...]

If you’re a Christmas enthusiast looking to up the ante on your annual light display, it can be difficult to know where to start. Maybe you’ve done a little digging, and have discovered the open industry secret that is empty socket light line. You know that the key to clean a display with no trailing lines is measuring out the...[...]

Some would say that there are two types of people in the world, crazy Christmas people and crazy Halloween people, so maybe this just makes us crazy people but we love both! A fully decked out holiday home is just as important as a super spooky one in our book. Plus, decorating your home for Halloween is a great way...[...]

Fairy lights may arguably be the most versatile lighting style for decorating any time of the year. Their bendable wires allow them to be twisted and turned into any shape around anything and they have a perfect soft twinkling glow. However, their time to shine brightest is definitely during autumn! Fall brings back the romantic feeling of a crisp breeze and...[...]

You might mistakenly believe you can only use LED Christmas lights during the holiday season. However, one of the best aspects of Christmas LED lights is their versatility. Due to their durability, ease of use, and unmatched performance, there are many uses for LED lights to brighten up your home throughout the entire year. This blog discusses the many year-round...[...]

A statement lighting fixture can really step up the style of a room, but it's hard to come by a light that's both bold and inexpensive. When it comes to making a decision to splurge or save on statement lighting, you should always consider a high-end do-it-yourself option. Using everyday items such as string lights in innovative ways can produce results that look as...[...]

From pool parties to Christmas cocktail parties, a glowing garland is a perfect solution for any event's decor. It can be hard to find a string of lights for every theme, but the good news is you can make one yourself for just about any occasion! You just need a simple string of lights and a little imagination—it's easy! Here are some...[...]

The European café culture has tremendous appeal among American homeowners. Why wouldn’t it? Outdoor bistro lights are beautiful ways to adorn your outdoor recreation space and entertain guests. The importance of lighting for patios can’t be underestimated. Outdoor lighting sets the mood for your patio. Picture strings of glowing bulbs swaying back and forth to create a ceiling of light...[...]

Keeping your home or office glowing throughout the holiday isn’t that difficult. In fact, there are many simple and creative indoor string lights ideas that can stay in place during and between the holidays. These looks can be permanent fixtures of your interior décor that keep your home illuminated, warm, and stylish throughout the entire year. Who ever said that...[...]

Halloween offers the potential to go about as crazy with décor as any holiday could. For as much as we know that there are Christmas enthusiasts, we know the die-hard Halloween folks are out there, too. The tough part about it is, it’s truly only one night. While Christmas seems to have its own entire season, Halloween comes and goes...[...]

It can be so difficult to find winter decorations that don't shout Christmas. Here are a few ideas around the house for tasteful after-Christmas winter decorations. Winter Home Decor Winter Decorations from The House of Smiths   Winter Mantle Decorations   Winter Tablescape   Winter Mudroom Winter Vases Vases make fantastic decor items because they can be placed anywhere around the...[...]

No holiday is as fun and exciting for kids as Christmas. And a big part of the Yuletide excitement comes when it’s time to put up the Christmas tree. Christmas trees symbolize the magic of Christmas, and for kids, breaking out the Christmas tree ornaments means that the Christmas season has officially begun. You can make it even more exciting...[...]

How to Take Pictures with Christmas Lights in the Foreground or Background Christmas comes but only once each year. And each passing holiday season offers you the opportunity to add to your stash of precious Christmas memories. But there's no better way to supplement those memories than through the magic of photography. The Christmas season provides many photographic opportunities. But...[...]

Christmas time is fast approaching and with it comes the time to start decorating!  For those full of the holiday spirit, decorating is a fun and creative time, and for those who are not quite in the holiday spirit, this time of year can be full of stress and hair-pulling. Regardless of which category you fall into, these 17 ways...[...]

Many people wonder how, as professional installers, we're able to quickly attach Christmas lights to brick, concrete or stucco. These surfaces can be difficult to work with and time-consuming to install. This is where hot glue comes in. Using hot glue to attach lights to solid, non painted surfaces is quick, easy and very effective. This type of installation application...[...]

Pretty globe string lights are no longer used just for decorating the house and yard for Christmas. Many designs for outdoor areas, and a few insides, have come together using globe string lights, hung in an array of patterns to fit any area or event. Canopy Patterns When designing the canopy for any space, the first thing to decide is...[...]

When deciding the main use of a pergola, people tend to focus on furniture needs, such as dining tables, outdoor patio chairs, and couches, or barbecues and fire pits. And at times, lighting is not decided until the furniture is picked out, and must then fit in with the rest of the décor. Whether looking for something simple, elegant, or...[...]

Christmas is fast approaching, and for those still engulfed in decorating, the last couple weeks left may be more panicked than usual, especially for those trying to think outside the box for this year’s holiday décor. But all one really needs is an idea, one tiny detail, that just may bring together an entire room, or in this case, a porch...[...]

Long chains of leaves or flowers, known as garlands, have been around for centuries. They were originally used in religious ceremonies, but over time were more commonly used as decorations in homes and other buildings at times of celebration. They were worn during weddings, festivals, and placed on adorned statues. Today, the garland is most commonly used to decorate homes...[...]

Christmas is almost here again, which means it’s time to start thinking about decorations. But what to do? There are dozens of decoration types, including wreaths, lights, garland, and of course, stockings. And there are almost as many themes to organize those pretty props to make a mantel shine as brightly as the ever-popular Christmas tree. So, here’s a simple...[...]

First impressions are important. A wise old saying tells us that's true. And modern-day scientific research supports the wisdom of the old saying. That's why many homeowners associations spend a considerable chunk of change on making entryways appear elegant and stately. They understand that first impressions really are important. They understand that the entryway to their HOA can quickly plant...[...]

The kids are back in school, there's a nip in the night air, and football season is underway. That means that Halloween is right around the corner. And that's good news for most Americans. Everyone knows that the most popular holiday is Christmas. But did you know that the annual Fall Festival of Fright ranks third in popularity, just behind...[...]