The holiday season is quickly approaching and with temperatures in Pennsylvania at record highs, now is the perfect time to get started on your outdoor holiday décor. Whether you’re handling the installation yourself or hiring a company to help, we’ve put together some tips to help you accentuate your existing landscaping with holiday lighting and décor.

Start with a Plan

Everyone has a different style when it comes to holiday décor. Some people prefer a minimalist approach with white lights and greenery, while some like to go all-out with a full display. Decide what is authentic to your style and go from there. If you’re using lighting from previous years, plug them in to ensure they work before going through the process of hanging them. If you’re purchasing new lighting, be mindful of the type of lights you are purchasing. We highly recommend using weather resistant electrical strips and lighting. Make sure you purchase enough electrical strips, so you don’t overload your them leading to fire hazards and electrical issues. Solar lighting is another great option when purchasing outdoor décor.

Think in 3s

When planning out your décor, think of you yard in terms of three levels. Level 1 is the pathway and ground lighting. Level 2 are your shrubs, trees, and smaller bushes. Level 3 is the lighting on your home and any larger trees. Now let’s talk about how to decorate these levels according to your existing landscaping.

Let’s Decorate!

Walkways

Walkway lighting is something many homes have installed for year-round use. Depending on the walkway lighting you have installed, you can change the colors to match the festive theme of your home. This will help guests arrive at your front door safely this holiday season, especially as winter weather hits. If you don’t have walkway lighting, you can easily find solar, or battery powered options at your local hardware or home store.

Trees and Bushes

Existing trees and bushes are perfect focal points for holiday lighting. You can use spotlights and ornaments to create an outdoor Christmas tree, or simply use string lights to give a different look. If you’re planning to add string lights, we recommend using netted lighting. This type of lighting is designed for trees and bushes and will keep the lights from getting tangled and damaging your foliage.

Home Exterior

A good rule of thumb is to accentuate your home’s architecture. Use elements like bay windows, front steps, and window ledges to create a breathtaking holiday display. If you have natural greenery in your landscape, incorporate some of those greens in your décor to tie everything together. Decorating your home’s exterior can help greet your guests with a warm welcome.

Remember, if you are adding lights to your roof or higher areas of your home, please be sure to do so safely. If you struggle every year to install your lights you can hire a professional or invest in permanent outdoor lighting. With so many solutions out there, don’t suffer this holiday season.

If you’re considering adding permanent lighting to your home’s exterior, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ve helped many families install the right lighting for their needs, and we’re eager to help you explore the best options to meet yours.