warm greetings HIGHLIGHT YOUR HOME
FOR HOLIDAY GUESTS
by julie young, house & home feature writer
When it comes to welcoming your guests this holiday season, your exterior lights can set a beautiful scene that will beckon everyone to your door. No matter if you opt for simple elegance or install an airstrip fit for eight tiny reindeer, we’ve got the tips you need to wrap your home in a seasonal glow! LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
KEEP IT CLASSIC
There are several aesthetic and practical benefits to outdoor lighting throughout the year. It not only helps revitalize exterior spaces so that they can be used beyond sunset, but also adds a measure of security that helps keep you and your loved ones safe. However, during the holiday season, your outdoor lights can help focal points pop and offer some eye-catching details that folks can’t see during the day!
Homeowners need not incorporate every color of the rainbow or create a synchronized light show to emphasize their holiday style. While there is nothing wrong with going all out on a winter wonderland, experts say simpler is better when it comes to outdoor holiday lights. Traditional landscape lighting and a few wellplaced spotlights or filters can showcase your window wreaths as well as a festive front door! For those who are keen to include twinkle lights and other seasonal accoutrements to their landscape, a few simple strands can turn your humble abode into a holiday masterpiece. When planning your overall look, strive for coordinated colors and a definite design rather than something random. Start with the roof and work with your architecture to add an aspect of elegance to your home.
STAY SAFE
Photos: Shutterstock.com
Although it may look like something out of a fairytale, your holiday lighting is not as harmless as a gingerbread house. Live electrical currents are always a concern, so it is important to observe safety measures when installing outdoor
lights. Take care to avoid overloading circuits by linking too many strands together, be mindful of any liquid present when installing lights near the ground, check your outdoor outlets to insure they are functioning properly, and turn off all lights when you are away from the house or sleeping. When in doubt, hire a professional to get the job done. They have the expertise to install a unique holiday look that will complement your home and can even take it away once the season is done! A lighted home can be seen from far away and when done well, can make your residence a showstopper. Your guests will feel as if they are being guided by a star and will want to make your property their holiday home away from home! n
| Michiana House and Home | December 2021 | 5
