DIY Projects

Every year, Christmas Designers holds a photo op contest that gives holiday decorators the chance to show off their arrangements. Contests are a great opportunity to spread Christmas cheer with your own display designed to amaze—and the spirit of competition is a nice motivator for taking an arrangement to the next level. Our photo op contest gives us a chance...[...]

The biggest, brightest Christmas light displays tend to depend upon two mainstay bulbs that have stood the test of time: C7 holiday lights and C9 holiday lights. Whether you’re a hobbyist just trying to bring a smile to your neighbors’ faces or a passionate enthusiast on an endless quest to dazzle the world with your display, you’ve certainly come across...[...]

The sky isn’t the only place to light up during the Fourth of July. Your outdoor spaces provide excellent opportunities for decorating in the spirit of America’s original holiday, represented by the classic color ensemble of red, white, and blue. The Fourth of July is a special time during the summer to gather with family and friends, and a great...[...]

As the weather warms up, outdoor spaces become more comfortable, offering more hours of enjoyment. And what makes any outdoor space even better? Some outdoor string lights. They’re not just a great source of light at night—but they also make tasteful decorations that bring a touch of magic to your outdoor spaces. Outdoor string lights are lovely fixtures that you...[...]

Every year is full of opportunities to bring joy during holidays that help us come together. And what better way to bring joy during these 2024 holidays than with decorations designed to delight? In this checklist of the best holidays of 2024 for decorating, we’ll go through each major holiday that’s made even better with attractive ornamentation. Get the lowdown...[...]

A well-decorated tree is at the heart of a memorable Christmas. The decorations you use can be lovely odes to cherished Christmas traditions. Likewise, your decorations can demonstrate fresh ideas that will ward off any winter blues. Whichever way you choose to decorate, we’re here to help you with the “how?” in this ultimate guide to Christmas tree decorating. From...[...]

Truly new developments in Christmas light technology are fairly few and far between, which makes it especially exciting when a new product hits the market that brings decorative lighting to the next level. That’s why the Twinkly Plus line of customizable lights has taken the market by storm, offering a uniquely tailored lighting experience for small business owners, hospitality professionals...[...]

It’s almost time to decorate for Christmas! You’re looking for the best way to put up your lights—and the fate of your Christmas display hangs in the balance. Roofline Christmas lighting is an integral part of any Christmas display, and the the Christmas light clips you use can make or break your install. Light Clips—Above the Rest Any great roofline...[...]

For Christmas enthusiasts and professional installers alike, the king of Christmas lights is the C9. Big, bold, and beautiful, C9 lights form the cornerstone of the vast majority of holiday displays across the country. C9s are the large bulbs you see all over the place on Christmas; they’re most people’s favorite, and instantly familiar to anyone. However, not all C9...[...]

Does your neck of the woods become a winter wonderland that’s prettier than the inside of a snow globe? Then you know the magic of a white Christmas, where the land gets a beautiful blanket of snow that can be played in or simply admired—where Christmas embodies the timeless visions of holiday joy. But you also know how living in...[...]

If there’s one thing Christmas enthusiasts go wild for, it’s customization. We understand. After all, being able to tailor the entirety of your Christmas display—both inside the house and out—is one of the great joys of the season. And with the advent of smart home technology like Amazon Alexa and Twinkly smart lights, that experience is now easier than ever...[...]

It wouldn’t be a truly ultimate outdoor lighting checklist if we didn’t cover EVERY area that you can don with the most dazzling of lights and decorations. Before we begin, make sure you’re getting the full benefit from this checklist—check out part one to discover all of the fresh and familiar ways to dive into outdoor Christmas lighting. Now that...[...]

The Wonders of String Lights Anytime is a great time to look at making your space as beautiful as can be. We enjoy being in attractive spaces, and it’s hard to resist staying as long as we can with beauty all around us. Explore the perfect decorations for brightening everyday areas or special occasions in this ultimate guide to string...[...]

Some mistakes are costly—others are dangerous. They make reaching success with your Christmas lighting install a challenge. So rather than deal with mistakes as they happen, why not avoid them altogether? Whether it’s off-season decorating, or you’re putting together a holly jolly holiday masterpiece, you’ll be well on your way to creating your next sparkling spectacle when you take heed...[...]

If you live in an apartment with a balcony, then you have a special space. The balcony is your place to bathe in the sun, take in the moon, and generally relax outside. It’s also a space that you you can decorate to communicate your unique style. A charming balcony is one that has the charm of gorgeous lights. But...[...]

Your backyard is the outdoor spot that you call your own. It’s where you make memories with your kids, share tasty meals with friends and family, or escape to find tranquility. If you’re spending quality time in your backyard, why not turn it into a space that shines evening and night? From glowing branches that reach for the stars to...[...]

When the weather gets warmer, the outdoors become inviting. And the most inviting area on a warm evening? The pool! But don’t let the sunset keep you from enjoying your pool. With some Christmas lighting magic upon your outdoor foliage nearby, your pool area will become a shining summer oasis that’s just as appealing in the dark as it is...[...]

12 Must-Have Tools for any Christmas Lighting Project The time between the upcoming holiday season and the last is a time to prepare. And preparation is a time to gather the tools you need. Your project might seem daunting, but having the right tools makes all the difference. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, whether your next project is...[...]

Around Christmas time, ‘tis the season for cheer and generosity. But also, it’s the season for hectic schedules and mile long to-do lists. Many of us feel a constant strain to get everything done, whether it’s baking cookies, shopping for gifts, enjoying family and friends, and of course… decorating. And while everyone enjoys the splendor of Christmas lights and décor...[...]

Roofline Christmas lights stand literally above the rest of other forms of Christmas lighting. Roofline lighting crowns your house with the beauty of a thoughtful Christmas display that shines brightly in your neighborhood, helping to share the cheer that makes Christmas the best time of year. You too can share the enchanting spirit of the holiday season by lighting the...[...]

The holiday season is approaching, and you know what that means—Santa’s coming to town! Well, not yet. But it is time to start planning how you’ll be decorating your home. Special focus goes toward the cornerstone of Christmas decorating—your indoor Christmas tree. Christmas trees are essential for celebrating the holidays. So bring the cheer by dressing your tree in the...[...]

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...[...]

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...[...]

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...[...]

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...[...]

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...[...]

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...[...]

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...[...]

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...[...]

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...[...]

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...[...]