Creative Ways to Decorate with Holiday Lights

There is nothing quite like the glow of holiday lights to get your home ready for the season. Whether you prefer white lights or bright colors, they’re a must-have when it comes to this time of year. However, many people limit their use of these to their tree or outdoor area but this means missing out on many alluring decor ideas that jive with the holiday spirit and beyond. Learn more below about how to creatively decorate with holiday lights in ways you might not have thought of.

Spell It Out

Since holiday lights are so easily flexible, you can easily shape them into actual words. Spelling out holiday sentiments such as “joy”, “jolly”, “peace” or any other festive word makes for a nice display. This can be done easily with colored and white lights alike, and especially with white lights, this decor idea can be used even outside of the holiday season with a word of your choosing.

Light Up Your Plant

Don’t have the space for a full on Christmas tree? You can still use festive lights to give your home that warm glow! Instead of stringing lights around a tree, string a smaller strand around house plants to really get in the spirit.

Highlight Holiday Cards

Most people receive an abundance of holiday cards this time of year, so use lights to add to their display! Use a cork board to hang cards and drape lights over them, drawing attention to the display and making it beautiful.

Make a Holiday Backdrop

Hosting for the holidays? Using lights to create a festive backdrop for photos is simple and fun. Use a plain colored sheet against a wall then string lights along it to make this DIY photo booth really pop. You can even make some of your own holiday-themed props for guests to use in their photos to be even more festive and fun.

Create a Photo Garland

The holidays are the perfect time to remember past holiday memories. Use lights, string, and mini clothespins to create a garland that highlights those treasured memories by hanging past holiday photos and displaying them to enjoy all season long.

Line Your Banister

Your stairway banister is the perfect place to wrap holiday lights to add some extra glow to your home during this time of year. It’s easy to do and will make a big difference in your decor.

Line an Accent with Lights

Take holiday lights and use it to emphasize a holiday decor accent that might otherwise be drab. For instance, take an antique sled and use vintage-style, big-bulb holiday lights to really make it pop, either inside or outside your home.

Fill an Outdoor Lantern

Many of us love using lanterns in our outdoor space to provide additional light or a more pleasing aesthetic. During the holiday time, trade in the lights or candles that usually sit in these glass orbs and fill them with holiday lights for a fun and festive appearance.

Do Something Rustic

If the vibe of your home is more rustic, you can easily incorporate holiday lights into that theme. Start by grabbing a large basket or hurricane vase. Next, gather enough pine cones to just about fill the vase. Then, take holiday lights - white lights look best for this idea - and weave them randomly into the pine cones. This looks great on the hearth of a fireplace or surrounding a beautiful Christmas tree as an added accent. Best of all, this is festive for the holiday, yet is neutral enough to stay out all winter long. If your home decor isn’t so rustic, consider applying the same idea but instead filling a vase with dollar store bulb ornaments with lights weaved in for a cheap yet pretty decoration.

These ideas are easy to execute and all contribute to a picture perfect home during the happiest time of the year!