Christmas Lights Etc

Top 5 Wedding Lighting Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:40:00 +0000

Wedding Lighting with Christmas Lights

Unique wedding lighting ideas add personal touches of elegance and romance to ceremonies and receptions. Choose the romantic, traditional glow of incandescent bulbs, or the vibrant hues of LEDs and get fun with different colors, shapes, and uses. Here are 5 great ideas for wedding lights that can be used indoors and outdoors to enjoy a magical, star-filled celebration:

1 - White Wire Icicle Lights

Icicle Lights on a Table

Easily one of the most popular wedding lights, icicle lights are mini light strings with drops of lights that hang down, making these ideal for use on reception tables. Light the head table and guest tables by draping icicle lights along the sides of the table and placing a sheer tulle overlay over the lights to obscure strings and soften the glow.

Icicle Lights in Mason Jars

Icicle lights are big in outdoor weddings, and allow for several unique ideas in DIY wedding lighting. Using mason jars with wire handles, icicle light drops can be tucked into the glasses, resembling fireflies from a distance, and creating romantic evening lighting. Since mason jars are inexpensive, this is a great trick in wedding lighting that creates a beautiful decoration while keeping costs minimal.

2 - Curtain of Mini Lights

Mini Light Ceiling Curtain

Mini lights are the most popular wedding light. Possibilities with mini lights are endless, including hanging from ceilings, wrapping trees and columns, illuminating tables and platforms, and accenting walls, furniture, and tables.
To achieve a curtain of mini lights effect, hang strings of mini lights from the ceiling in one location and string to another to create a beautiful curtain of mini lights above the dance floor or on the ceiling of the reception hall. An arc of light with a warm white glow creates a romantic ambiance.

3 - Net Light Backdrops

Net Light Wall

Create a wall of beautiful lights by hanging net lights and connecting end to end. Hang nets from the ceiling and line against the wall for photography backdrops. White lights create the perfect atmosphere for exchanging vows or capturing the moment of the first dance.

4 - Rope Light Party Shapes

Rope Light Shaped for Love

Rope light offers a unique ability to add personalized touches. Fun ideas are to use red or white rope light and spell out promises such as "love," or the first initials of the couple, or even the couple’s married name. Rope lights also look great around the dance floor and grooms cake table.

5 - Lighting Wedding Arbors

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Wedding Arbor with Lights

Wedding arbors are used in almost every outdoor wedding, and serve as the setting for the exchanging of vows. Unity candles are traditionally placed under the arbors, and mini lights can be weaved through lattices and pergolas. Make use of wedding arbors as well as looking for additional opportunities to hang lights, such as branches, overhangs, and fence lines.
Using our Top 5 wedding lighting ideas can help to ensure that your event is picture perfect. Plan in detail with our Wedding Lights Guide, full of great tips and tricks for illuminating your big event. Get coupons, sales, and special deals sent right to your inbox by signing up with email.

Incandescent Light Bulb Ban - Funding Prohibited, but How Long?

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:44:00 +0000

Incandescent Light Bulb Ban?

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 is an Act of Congress that includes an incandescent bulb phase out. The act has since been termed by many as the "Incandescent Light Bulb Ban," resulting in heated debates and raising fears in consumers who are not ready to make the switch from traditional lighting to energy saving lighting technologies such as LED bulbs.

What is the Incandescent Light Bulb Ban?

While some claim the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 aims to ban incandescent light bulbs, that is not exactly the case. The act sets standards for energy efficiency, including incandescent bulbs, with a goal to find more energy efficient lighting and alternate forms of energy. Incandescent bulb standards were to improve efficiency 25-30% by 2012-2014.

Incandescent Bulb Phase Out Timeline

The plan was to phase out incandescent bulbs by 2012. 100 watt bulbs were removed from retail shelves almost immediately, with 60 watt bulbs next on the list. Lighting manufacturers began offering alternate forms of lighting instead of re-working the traditional incandescent bulbs to save on energy, and stores such as IKEA removed incandescent lighting completely from their product offering.

Bulbs that are exempt from the act include specialty bulbs such as plant and 3-way bulbs, as well as any bulbs less than 40 watts or more than 150 watts. Additionally, patio light bulbs, decorative globe lights, and low watt standard household lights would be in the clear. Since Christmas lights fall well beneath the 40 watt range, consumers who are attached to their retro painted glass Christmas lights have no need to buy in bulk... at least not anytime soon.

Title IV of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires Federal buildings to use only Energy Star qualified lighting products by 2015. Energy Star products must meet strict standards in energy and cost savings, ensuring consumers get products that are durable enough and save energy at a rate fast enough to become a savings within a specific period of time.

Incandescent Phase Out: Administration Prohibited

In December 2011, the funding was revoked for the enforcement, and all incandescent bulbs and their sales were permitted to continue. This may only be a temporary reprieve, with the bill not amended, but rather administration prohibited from using funds to carry out the ban. Politics is being considered a factor in the Democratic bill and the prohibition of its enforcement, with some parties pushing hard on the belief that household lighting should be a personal choice and not government mandated. It would not be illegal to use incandescent bulbs, but the act would make it illegal to sell specific light bulbs.

Christmas Light Bulbs: Still Safe from Legislation

Many fear legislation will eventually effect Christmas lights, with a belief that once the incandescent bulb phase out begins, all household and decorative lighting will follow. While some homeowners and decorators have enthusiastically seized LED household and Christmas lights and the benefits they offer, others are very resistant to being forced to change their lighting.

If the prohibition on funding the phase out is lifted, how soon do you think it will be before Christmas light strings and bulbs are affected as well? Do you believe that household lighting should be influenced by the government?

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Green LED Lights: a Spin on St. Patrick’s Day CupCake Wars

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanette) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 21:43:00 +0000

St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes

St. Patrick’s Day offers yet another opportunity for the team at Christmas Lights, Etc to celebrate a holiday in style. How can we let a holiday go by without illuminating the offices and common areas with bright LED lights, ball ornaments, and lighted tabletop decor? Each holiday offers its own unique opportunity to help the company with improving employee morale and maintain a fun work environment, and St. Patrick’s Day is no different.

Green LED lights - battery operated LED lights to be exact - are the highlighted product in this season’s decorating. The theme? CupCake Wars! The team at Christmas Lights, Etc put their heads together and the result was a St. Patrick’s Day themed CupCake Wars.

Cupcake Wars is a Food Network reality show where two chefs create a unique cupcake that is judged on presentation and taste. The team that wins continues on in the Cupcake Wars. We love the television show and we love St Patricks Day, so it seemed natural that it was time to combine the two into a St. Patrick’s Day cupcake bake-off and all-day event.

Christmas Lights, Etc has already held several cook-offs in the past few years, including a recent chili cook-off, a Brunswick Stew cook-off, and what some hope will be an annual tradition: the rib cook-off that occurred in the last annual company Memorial Day picnic. This latest bake-off is the first to incorporate product in presentation. With an office backdrop that includes dancing leprechauns, St. Patrick’s Day decorations of green balls amid green LED lights, and rainbow ribbon hanging from the ceiling, this is a company that truly finds reward in watching its team members laugh, engage and let loose. Lucky contestants are now adding battery operated LED lights to the cupcakes, with a maximum of 2 battery powered lights permitted per presentation.

St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes are the pot of gold in creative and delicious looking morsels this side of the St. Patty’s Day rainbow. The biggest question is, whose is the tastiest? Will the winner hail from the Web Content, IT, Sales, Customer Service, or Purchasing departments? Will it be the daughter of one of the most decorated cook-off contenders to date?

On Friday, March 15, the Cupcake War will begin. Many will spend all night sculpting cupcake hills of Emerald green with dreams of winning the gold at the end of the rainbow: 1st place.

There are many original ideas for St. Patrick’s Day treats, ranging from leprechauns to gold at the end of rainbows and shamrocks.

Update: Pictures of our St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes!

1st Place Winner!!

Chocolate Stout Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

2nd Place Winner!!

Legends of St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes

Legends of St. Patrick's Day

More St. Patrick's Day Cupcake War Entries:

Key Lime Coconut Cupcakes

Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes

Luck o' the Irish Mojito Cupcakes

Grasshopper Mint Brownie Cupcakes

Decadent Chocolate Cupcake Balls

St. Patrick's Day Decorations

St. Patrick's Day Cupcake Wars,
Christmas Lights, Etc

St. Patrick's Day Party Decor
Green LED Lights, Glass Ornaments

Questions for You

Like lights? Save 10% at Christmas Lights, Etc and use coupon code LIKELIGHTS10 at checkout, and join our email list for Savings all year!.

Want recipes? Just leave a comment asking!

What ideas does your company offer for using holidays to help in boosting employee morale? Have you tried a cook-off yet?

Patio Lighting Ideas and Light Up Palm Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanette) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:45:00 +0000

Eclectic Patio Light Design
by LA Photographer Chris Armstrong

Patio lighting ideas that help to increase the appeal of backyard and poolside areas include hanging outdoor string lighting, adding rope light to outdoor architecture, and creating a warm tropical atmosphere with light up palm trees. With summer coming, patios will become the preferred living space for relaxing on sunny days while socializing and enjoying cool evenings. Luckily, there are plenty of outdoor lighting ideas using deck lights to keep up with the summer heat.

Outdoor Patio Lights Hang Like Stars

Patio Lighting Ideas bring stars closer
by Vancouver General Contractor kbcdevelopments

Use outdoor patio lights to brighten the yard and deck areas, creating a celestial summer night sky above, or use vivid colors for festive party lights. Illuminate the deck and garden all year with commercial grade patio strings, or delight in patio lighting ideas in the Spring and Summer for celebrating weddings, graduations, and summer holidays using traditional Christmas light strings. Swag outdoor party lights along decks and overhangs, and hang between trees, bushes, and other natural landscape greenery.

Patio Light Strings

Choose from outdoor patio lights strings with long or short drops depending on where you are hanging the strings. Patio light bulbs vary in both base size and color, and are often globes or shaped like home light bulbs. Look for energy efficient bulbs that use 25 watts or less, resulting in a low-energy, low-cost way to decorate your patio and create a star filled evening. Increase energy savings even more by choosing LED patio lighting.

Rope Lights Illuminate Walkways

Highlight walkways and paths by stringing rope light along the ground. Lighting from the ground up creates a beautiful glowing effect and is especially impressive near pools and along raised deck areas and gardens. Rope light is also popular in recessed areas to create cove lighting. Cut and install this durable PVC tube lighting quickly and easily with minimal effort for great impact.

Rope Light Outdoor Patio design
by Metro Interior Designer YOGESH WADHWANA

LED Rope Light Palm Trees

Rope light can also be used in motifs and can be styled in the form of artificial palm trees, flamingos and red crabs. These creative lawn decorations are all the rage from hotels and casinos to backyards. Fake palm trees look great by the pool and create a tropical light theme. Why visit Hawaii when you can have it the backyard with patio lighting?

With a spiraled rope light trunk and holographic deluxe fronds edged with green rope light, rope light palm trees illuminate the backyard, patio, pool, and porch. Place these light up palm trees anywhere and enjoy the brightness they add to the yard.

Summer is great for spending hours with friends and family by the pool, so grab a cocktail and enjoy patio lighting ideas that pull guests to your backyard with gasps of pleasure.

LED Rope Light Palm Trees

Like lights? Save 10% at Christmas Lights, Etc and use coupon code LIKELIGHTS10 at checkout.

How do you light your pool or patio?

Valentine's Day Treats and Decorations

noreply@blogger.com (Jeanette) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Valentine's Day treats and decorations are romantic gestures guaranteed to set the heart a-flutter. Make use of simple Valentine decorations by adding lighting, and use Pinterest to get ideas on delicious Valentine's Day treats and drinks.

Four Easy Ideas for Valentine Decorations:

Idea 1: String Mini Lights in Paper Heart Doily Garlands

Lighted Paper Hearts

A simple craft - red and white doilies are available at any grocery store, near the Valentine's cards, bags and candy. String them in a random pattern, and drape white wire clear or white mini lights behind them. Great idea for the home - hang in white door frames and across windows.

Idea 2: Green Wire Lights with Felt Hearts for a Country Valentine style

Rustic Valentine Craft Ideas

Using green wire mini lights like these G12 LED lights offers a more rustic, country decoration. This pinner used fishing line to dangle red felt hearts, and draped green wire lights around. Ideal for hanging over dining or end tables.

Idea 3: Romantic Lighting Gestures

Romantic Dinner Lighting

Perhaps this idea is a bit over the top, but if you are the romantic sort, or planning to pop the question, this romantic lighting style will suit any day of the year. Find a serene outdoor location and wrap trees in mini lights or warm white LEDs. Hang lanterns from branches and place along the ground. Woo her with a romantic gesture and create a memory she'll never forget.

Idea 4: Homemade romantic lighting

Red Mini Light Heart

Charming and easier than wrapping trees and hanging lanterns, this cute heart is easy to make by taking red mini lights and shaping a heart. Heart shaped motifs can be placed within the lights, or use a paper heart decoration - it will work just as well.

Valentine's Day Desserts!

Valentine's Day treats complement crafts and indulge the taste buds. Here are a few teasers from Pinterest - surely you want them as much as we do:

Mini Strawberry and Chocolate Party Cakes

Pink and Red Strawberry Jello Parfaits

For Him: Guinness Cupcakes

Valentine's Day Drinks

Chocolate Kiss Martini - Ooh La La

How to Make:

3/4 oz. Pallini Raspicello
2 oz. Boru Vodka
1/2 oz. Godiva Liqueur
Chocolate shavings to rim martini glass

Shake with ice and strain into martini glass. Garnish with strawberry slices.

Forbidden Love Martini,
Courtesy of the Venetian, Las Vegas

Sold! I'll be your Valentine

How to Make:

2 oz. gin
1 oz. Blood Orange Juice
Dash simple syrup, 2 strawberries, 4 slices cucumber - muddle together

Add gin and juice to syrup fruit mixture. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with strawberry and orange slices.

For the big day this year, take the time to hang a few Valentine decorations, and don't skip out on the lights. It's easy to melt a girls heart with a small effort and a delicious treat.

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Christmas Ball Ornaments: Reuse for Valentines and Mardi Gras

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 17:49:00 +0000

Valentine's Day Ornaments

Holiday decorating with colored glass ornaments offers versatile holiday home decor ideas. To make your home look straight out of a designer magazine all year, consider the multiple uses of Christmas ball ornaments. Hang red, blue, and green ornaments from trees in the winter, then recycle and reuse with creative decorating ideas for all occasions.

Valentines Day Decoration Ideas

Valentines Day decor is fun for kids and the whole family. Theme colors are red, pink, and white.

Ideas to reuse holiday ornaments:

Place red Christmas ornaments in a clear glass bowl in the middle of a table.
Hang balls using hot glue and ribbon and beads. Stagger lengths.
Create a Valentines Day wreath. Hot glue different size ball ornaments into the shape of a heart with beads and ribbon for a Victorian flair, or add sequins and glitter.
Add flair to wine glasses: use a ribbon and small ornament and tie to the top of the stem. This is also a great party idea for decorative “name tags” on glasses.

Festive Holiday Glasses

Valentines Day Wreath

Mardi Gras Party Decorations

Mardi Gras is a French Catholic tradition also known as Fat Tuesday, and is celebrated the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The carnival celebration centers around overturning social conventions, eating fatty foods before Lent, dancing, masks and costumes. Popular in New Orleans and cities with French heritage, colors include green, blue, and gold. Mardi Gras party decorations can be anything carnival related, from masquerade masks and feathers to body paints.

Like with the Valentines Day decoration ideas, reuse Christmas ball ornaments to create centerpieces or elaborate wreaths. Go above and beyond with the decorating: giant gold ribbons, bird feathers, glitter - anything large and bright is perfect to go in your Mardi Gras decor.

Mardi Gras Holiday Wreath

Aqua & Green Ornaments in Bowl

St. Patrick’s Day Decorations

St. Patrick’s Day decorations have to be green to symbolize luck. After all, the tradition of the holiday is to pinch anyone who forgets to wear green. Decorate with green Christmas ornaments and hints of gold by securing balls to a wreath or placing in a glass bowl. Decorate a small tabletop tree in green Christmas ball ornaments to create a St Patricks Day tree.

Green Ornaments in Glass Bowl

St Patricks Day Wreath

Holidays offer a great opportunity to reuse holiday decorations. Trees and wreaths make the ideal canvas for hanging colored lights, fun decorative ornaments, themes colors, ribbon and more. Keep the excitement for the holidays alive all year, while finding multiple uses for seasonal items.

Patriotic 4th of July Ornament Wreath

Christmas Tree Lights Up Holiday Dreams on Ice

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:23:00 +0000

Holiday Dreams on Ice Tree

A prelit Christmas tree lit up the night on 12/16 in Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn, NY. Olympic figure skating fans witnessed a magical night as Johnny Weir, a three time US National Champion and two time Olympian, joined Holiday Dreams on Ice to create an unforgettable Olympic figure skating event.

Johnny Weir and Christmas Tree

Holiday Dreams on Ice 2012

Holiday Dreams on Ice is produced by Fireworks Sports Marketing, an event and sports talent company. Young skaters of various skill sets participate with older role models in a spectacular skating event surrounded by holiday decorations. Holiday Dreams on Ice is considered an Olympic figure skating show, and this year the star of the show was Olympian Johnny Weir.

Holiday Dreams on Ice also featured Emily Hughes, a 1 time Olympian and 2007 US National Silver Medalist. She is the sister of 2002 Olympic Gold Medalist Sarah Hughes.

Olympic Skater and Christmas Decorations

Lighting of the Christmas Tree

While Johnny Weir was the star of the show with his unique routine and skating style, the finale featured a less traditional star: a 14' Douglas Fir Christmas tree. The grand finale culminated with the lighting of the Douglas Fir tree, its bright, clear lights welcoming the Christmas season and delighting the audience.

Christmas Lights Etc is proud that Holiday Dreams on Ice chose from our premium artificial tree line to be featured in the show. We're even more proud that a celebrity like Johnny Weir loved it! With the bright Douglas Fir tree shining as Olympic figure skating took place, it truly was a holiday dream.

Johnny Weir will skate in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, alongside fierce competition, and we can’t wait to see him. Give it a watch and cheer on your US 2014 Olympic team! For your own 14’ Douglas tree - or any other lifelike artificial Christmas tree - browse our selection of artificial trees and find which tree you like best!

Day After Christmas Sale Features Artificial Christmas Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 21:00:00 +0000

After Christmas Sale

You've waited all year, and now it's here! It's time for Christmas Lights Etc's Day After Christmas Sale where prices are lowered even more. The biggest sale of the year features artificial Christmas trees and outdoor decor. LED lights, C7s and C9s, even the beautiful LED Cascades and Snowfall Lights are all discounted. From nets to icicle lights, garland to wreaths, Christmas is on sale online at Christmas Lights Etc.

Aspen Fir Christmas Tree

Beautiful Artificial Christmas Trees

While everyone loves the look of a real tree, not everyone can keep up with its many needs. Whether it's due to allergies or the lifespan of a real tree, customers are switching to artificial Christmas trees. Now with the after Christmas sale, artificial Christmas trees are more affordable than ever. Even the realistic patented TruTipTM trees are on sale, boasting of molded tips, mixed dye colors, and bright lights. With a range of artificial Christmas trees available, the Day After Christmas Sale is the time to buy.

Hunter Christmas Tree

Make sure to protect your investment with storage systems. Tree bags are available for all artificial Christmas trees, and wreath and ornament storage protects delicate decorations.

Christmas Clearance Site-Wide

This Christmas clearance won't last, so make sure you shop before midnight on 12/31/2012. You can save up to 60% throughout the site on discounted items just by shopping with Christmas Lights Etc. Decorate big next year by stocking up this year. With savings like these, you can't afford to miss the after Christmas sale.

Day After Christmas Sale

Christmas Lights Etc Sets Up Disaster Relief Fund

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:37:00 +0000

Superstorm Sandy Hits East Coast

Christmas Lights Etc is proud to announce that with every sale, they are donating to the Red Cross to help disaster victims like those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Hurricane Sandy, known as the Superstorm or even Frankenstorm by some media outlets, created floods and dangerous conditions all throughout the Northeast Coast as one of the worst disasters to ever hit that area.

Even after a week, some neighborhoods still do not have power. Many homes and businesses were completely destroyed, and many more damaged by water. Luckily, the American Red Cross is targeting this area for relief aid, and Christmas Lights Etc is supporting them by providing monetary assistance with a disaster relief fund.

Humanitarian Aid for Natural Disaster Relief

Residents in need of Disaster Relief

Natural disaster relief is an important part of helping any community get back on its feet, so from now until November 11th, Christmas Lights Etc will be donating 10% of every retail purchase to the American Red Cross as part of their disaster relief fund. To do your part, all you have to do is enter the coupon code SANDY at checkout, and the donation will be sent to the Red Cross.

All items that are for sale benefit from the coupon. Artificial Christmas trees, Christmas greenery, and Christmas lights will all have 10% of their sales dedicated to the Red Cross with use of the coupon. So please, when shopping this year, keep the victims of Hurricane Sandy in mind and enter the code SANDY at checkout.

More Information About Disaster Relief Funds

To read more about the announcement from Christmas Lights Etc, read their press release on PR web. To learn more about relief efforts and humanitarian aid for Hurricane Sandy victims, visit RedCross.org.

How to Make: Unique Outdoor Christmas Decorations

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 21:58:00 +0000

Chicago Botanical Gardens Outdoor Christmas Decor

The more unique a decoration for Christmas, the more sought after it is, and in recent years outdoor Christmas decor has become a contest of bigger and brighter. Lightshows, government buildings, and botanical gardens are filled with bright lights and brand new designs whether they be lights, motifs, or even hand made crafts. Some of the best shows, in fact, are the ones that make some of their outdoor Christmas decor.

Chicago Botanical Gardens' Original Style

Bright 5mm LED Strings

The Chicago Botanical Gardens is well noted for its light show, which draws in thousands of people each year. One of their most popular display items is their Christmas ball lights, created by installers to look like perfectly spherical lighted bushes. Large outdoor Christmas decorations are a staple to the Chicago Botanical Gardens light display each year.

These lighted LED Christmas balls are very popular decorations and are relatively easy to construct. Making crafts with Christmas lights can bring families together during the holiday season, and creating these lighted Christmas balls would make for a great family project. By coupling Christmas lights with chicken wire, you can make an outdoor yard decoration that exudes an elegant look for any yardscape. The supplies are simple: Chicken wire and some great 5MM LED light strings!

How to Make a Christmas Ball with Chicken Wire

Christmas Ball Lights

Once you purchase your chicken wire, cut it into the size you would like and shape it into a cylinder. Smaller cuts will make smaller Christmas lighted balls, while larger cuts of chicken wire will make larger one. Take the cylinder and form it into a sphere. Chicken wire is easy to bend and very flexible, so creating the circle will be no trouble at all.

Once the sphere is created, wrap lights throughout it, securing them by weaving them in and out of the chicken wire. Make sure the end plugs are available so that you can run power to the Christmas lights ball. Christmas ball lights usually need one string per foot diameter if using LED lights, and two strings per foot if using incandescent. LED lights are highly recommended for larger balls, since the low wattage allows many more strings to be connected, and energy savings are significant.

Once the sphere is bright, hang smaller balls from trees with clips or zip ties, and place large lighted balls on the ground. These homemade outdoor Christmas decorations look great anywhere, so create many to brighten up the entire yard.

Outdoor Christmas Decor with LEDs

Christmas Ball Decoration: Chicken Wire with LEDs

Many have asked, and now you know: Chicken wire balls coupled with LEDs create imaginative round Christmas lights for the yard.

If you'd like to use our images, feel free to do so. We love seeing our pictures used, but please link back to ChristmasLightsEtc.com when sharing. Have fun while you work with these chicken wire balls, and good luck!

Planning for Christmas Lights 2013? Shop Sale!

Outdoor Christmas Decoration Ideas Page

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 21:12:00 +0000

Outdoor Christmas Decoration Ideas

If you've ever wanted to decorate your entire yard but didn't know where to start, check out a great new page from Christmas Lights Etc, filled of a ton of tips on sprucing up every inch of your front lawn with outdoor Christmas decorating ideas. Get ready for the season with outdoor Christmas lighting and prepare your house for family visitors and friends.

Christmas Yard Decoration Ideas

Outdoor Christmas Decorating Ideas

While there are plenty of decorating ideas for Christmas strewn about the internet, this page has a comprehensive list of areas and products that would make your property a stunning example of Christmas cheer. The page offers information on the following areas:

Near the Road Decorating
In the Yard Decorating
Near the House Decorating

The products described range from hanging lights to lighted motifs, topiary animals, and Christmas greenery. The page offers in depth tutorials on how to line walkways with stake lights and how to wrap lights around outdoor trees and on bushes. The decorating tips are on par with the expert instructions provided, allowing readers to not only see what type of products they enjoy through pictures, but also to learn how to install them with ease.

Wrapping Trees with Christmas Lights

Pictures are provided to accompany each item and instructional passage. Clicking on any of the smaller images brings up a larger picture to show off the decorated house's details. A shopping list is found to the right of the picture, detailing items used to decorate the home so that readers can best imitate what they see.

If you're truly looking for a comprehensive how to on outdoor Christmas decorating ideas, make sure you read this page thoroughly. Enjoy the pictures and really find out what inspires you as a decorator!

More Informational Reads

For more outdoor decorating tips, check out the guide to Christmas Light Ideas for the Roof page.

Ideas for Decorating Your Roof This Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Ingram ) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 21:16:00 +0000

Outdoor Christmas lights have gone through a great transformation from what many of us remember as children. Whereas our fathers struggled to illuminate a garage door or front window seal, we can now choose beautiful LED Christmas lights that can serve to outline our roof or to create an inviting path that welcome guests and family to our front door. Today's advanced outdoor Christmas decorations allow for us to light up the outdoors in a fashion we remember being able to do with only our living rooms as a youth.

Draw Attention To Your Roof Line
This Christmas With LED Lights

There is no greater way to make your house stand out this Christmas season than with a professional appearing, spectacularly lit roof line. With LED Christmas lights, bulbs that are bright enough to be seen individually from the street, creating an impressive visual impact has never been easier. You may choose to outline your roof with white or colored C9 bulbs, Icicle lights, or even animated lights. Regardless of your selection of bulb, individual color choice, or style of presentation, the ability to create a unique atmosphere with holiday lights is literally at your fingertips.

Christmas Light Clips
Ensure A Great Look

We are only limited by our own creativity as to what type of Christmas lights display we want to create; you can virtually execute almost any of your holiday lighting ideas. Best of all, there is no great skill needed to make your house the envy of the neighborhood. I would suggest the use of two very easy how to guides. The first is this Christmas light clip reference chart. If you are going to invest in the very best Christmas lights, you need to make sure you have the proper tools to protect and display them. The second is a guide for you, or your significant other, to follow to ensure a safe and productive holiday light hanging process. With the use of these two guides and the previously referenced lights, you are well underway to creating your own Christmas decorations masterpiece that will be remembered by generations to come.

I hope that this short piece has been helpful to you as you prepare for the holidays. Please let us know how your preparations and outdoor Christmas decorations come to fruition. We would love to see some photos or videos of what you do with your house this Christmas.

Best of luck and Merry Christmas,
Ingram

How to Make Decorating Easter Eggs Fun for Everyone

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:15:00 +0000

Decorating Easter eggs is a tradition with most families, from basic coloring of eggs to 3D crafts and Easter projects. While dipping eggs in dye is fun for toddlers, engaging older kids and other adults decorating Easter eggs can be challenging. Imagination and fun is key to retaining the interest of an older crowd, so the idea is to present Easter egg ideas that allow for personalization and entertainment.

Creating egg people using a variety of themes and materials is a lively way to attract an entire household. Go the extra step and invite guests and neighbors, or turn into a party with a few beverages and snacks to inspire revelry. Create egg people that are more than dyed Easter eggs with faces drawn in marker - master how to make Easter eggs transform into personalities on a platform.

To make Easter egg people, a hot glue gun (or several) and colorful hard boiled dyed Easter eggs are a must. Gather a large supply of craft materials with various themes. Use pipe cleaners, googly eyes, stickers, pompoms, foam pieces, popsicle sticks, and anything else you have lying around the house. Small toys, wigs, and doll clothes all work well. Anything you can incorporate into the scenery becomes part of the fun with this Easter project. Set the table with bowl of various supplies, and hot glue guns within arm's reach.

When everyone is finished, line up the different Easter eggs and enjoy the enthusiastic commenting. Let each person pose with his or her egg person. Don't forget a very important fact: boiled eggs do go bad, and these are not a decoration to save for next year!

Easter Egg pictures: past, present, and...holiday?

Cute Cheerleader Egg

Blonde Egg Playing Golf

Festive Luau Egg
Egg Farmer in the Dell
Ski Bunny...Egg
Preacher Egg
Halloween Scary Pumpkin Egg
Silly Turkey Egg
Merry Christmas Elf Egg

Pass these Easter egg ideas along and share with family and friends!

These Easter egg pictures were brought to you by the families at Christmas Lights Etc. Read more about Easter decorations with Easter Lights and Easter Decorating Ideas.

Festive Easter Lights and Easter Decorating Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:22:00 +0000

Easter Decorating Ideas using Icicle Lights

Celebrate Easter this year with simple Easter decorating ideas to impress the family and set the perfect atmosphere for a gathering. Decorating for Easter has several benefits, including making for good picture backdrops when the little ones hunt eggs and increasing the excitement of visitors. Choosing Easter colors and decorating with centerpieces, wreaths, and Easter lights is key to achieving a theme that the whole family will remember.

Choosing Easter Colors

Because Easter is celebrated when the excitement of Spring is at its peak, Easter decorating ideas can also be used as Spring decorations. Choose bright colors such as purple, green, blue, yellow, and pink to represent new life in the blooming flowers. Pastels of these colors work well in decorating to add brightness, and white represents purity. All of these colors and more can be combined or singled out to create a palette for your unique design.

Allowing children to decorate eggs in any color will also inspire kids. They'll be thrilled when you show off their work and place the eggs in your Easter decorations.

DIY Easter String Lights

Easter Lights

Easter lights can be used in many different places throughout the home and yard, whether complementing other decorations, lining staircases, or hanging from trees and porches. While pastel Easter lights are traditional, a nifty idea for displaying Easter lights is by combining them with plastic eggs. Cut a small hole at the bottom of the plastic egg and insert the bulb. If placing these Easter egg lights in an basket, cover the wires with fake grass so that they remain hidden; otherwise, hang Easter lights from trees and overhangs, or drape along tables and mantles.

Easter Wreaths for the Front Door

Welcome friends and family to your home with an Easter wreath on the front door. Creating an Easter wreath is simple. Take any wreath you have and decorate with colorful ribbons, making large bows or long, swooping arcs throughout. Add pastel ornaments and matching plastic eggs to complement Easter lights woven throughout the wreath. This Easter decorating idea can also be left up all Spring.

Easter Table Centerpiece

Easter Centerpieces for the Dinner Table

There are several easy Easter decorating ideas for table centerpieces that draw attention to the table without overpowering the mood:

Take a glass bowl and set it in the middle of the table. Fill it with Easter basket grass and nestle pastel ornaments within to represent eggs.

Place an Easter basket in the midst of the table and fill with Easter lights, giving the table a warm glow.

Whether using a glass bowl or a child's Easter basket, you can fill with a mixture of lights, ornaments, and even painted eggs for the egg hunt. Coupled with a bright tablecloth or place-mats, these centerpieces will give a lively feeling to any meal.

Valentines Party Ideas for Adults

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:34:00 +0000

Valentines Day is not just for school children, and Valentines party ideas for adults can help you create a memorable evening with a cohesive theme. Whether you're in a relationship or single, Valentines Day can be a time of fun with a party that includes the celebration of the love between friends. To really pull off a party that's intended for adults, include Valentines Day decorations and make fun Valentines Day recipes.

When to Take Down Christmas Decorations - Etiquette and Justifications

noreply@blogger.com (Angie Rowe) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:13:00 +0000

Is it Time to Take Down Christmas Decorations?

Christmas decorations get everyone in the holiday spirit, lifting their moods and opening their hearts to share. But sometimes it can be a struggle to find the time to take down Christmas decorations.

Prelit Christmas Trees: 2011 Switch

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:30:00 +0000

The Switch From Live to Artificial

Was this the year you switched from the live tree to an artificial prelit Christmas tree? Several customers opened up on why they chose to switch and cited several common reasons:

Allergies to live trees: Some people are allergic to live trees and require the artificial non-allergenic substance.
Money: Purchasing a live tree year after year can become expensive, and an artificial tree pays itself off over time.
Bugs: Many live trees are infested with bugs if not properly taken care of at tree farms.
Hassle: Many customers did not want to deal with the hassle of setting up a live Christmas tree or simply could not deal with the weight of it. Cleaning up after the tree also became troublesome when it shed and required constant watering.
Falling: Many customers reported that their live tree continually fell even after decorated.
Short lifespan: Live trees died while customers wanted a longer lasting display, thus turning to artificial Christmas trees.

Considering an Artificial

If you've decided that you're ready to move from live tree to prelit Christmas tree, there are several things to keep in mind. There are many artificial trees on the market, but many that are sub-standard in terms of quality. If you enjoy the look of a live tree but not the hassle and other negative factors associated with live, looking for a quality tree is essential. As well as the look, there are seven considerations when buying an artificial Christmas tree. Make sure you know who you're purchasing from when buying an artificial tree.

Lively Artificial Trees

If you want the beneficial features of an artificial tree with the looks of a live tree, there are several options available. The following trees are perfect for live tree enthusiasts:

Hunter Artificial TreeThe Hunter

The Hunter has dramatic downswept branches, mixed green coloring, and small, natural pinecones. It has a full profile for a traditional look and comes in clear incandescent bulbs or warm white LEDs. The Hunter is an extremely realistic artificial tree with a curving arch that bows to the floor, looking much like a fresh tree in the midst of a forest.

Carolina FirThe Carolina Fir

The Carolina Fir is majestic in size and has a blend of light and dark tips resembling fresh growth. The tree has flat sprays and slender tips that branch upward and outward in a staggered appearance. The tree boasts a high tip count and comes in clear or multicolor lights.

Brighton FirThe Brighton Fir

The Brighton Fir is a very traditional looking artificial Christmas tree with a healthy mix of dark and light needles. It comes in several profiles from traditionally full to medium, slender, or even the smallest, pencil profile. Coming in multicolor or clear lights, the Brighton Fir has a high light count and brightens up any space.

Blue Aspen FirThe Blue Aspen Fir

The Blue Aspen Fir has a full profile with a dense interior and soft blue-green colors throughout. It looks very much like a tree in a snowy forest. Available in clear incandescent bulbs or warm white LEDs, the Blue Aspen draws the eye with its powerful height and thick base.

Did You Make the Switch?

If you're one of the many consumers who purchased an artificial Christmas tree instead of a live tree, share with us why in the comments. If you're considering a prelit Christmas tree, why not purchase now for this season and many seasons to come? Artificial Christmas trees can look just as realistic as live and last much longer, so enjoy a prelit Christmas tree today. You'll be satisfied with your purchase.

Top 12 Christmas Decoration Light Shows of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:49:00 +0000

The Christmas Light Tradition

Christmas lights weren't always everywhere, and they certainly weren't as ornate as they are today. When Edison first invented the light bulb, he didn't think that Christmas lights would become the standard, though, believe it or not, he was the first to encourage the use of Christmas lights during December, the darkest month of the year. Initially, Edison decorated for Christmas with light bulbs, but because they were so expensive, he encouraged others to rent them as opposed to buying them. Funny how times have changed. Now you can't go a block without seeing a house decorated with Christmas lights, and Christmas light shows have become some of the most ornate traditions in America.

As homage to the twelve days of Christmas, check out our list of top twelve Christmas light shows for 2011.

The Best Christmas Pop Song House

This house takes a traditional Christmas song and brings it to life with dancing Christmas lights. Between the shooting stars on the front of their house and the tree in the yard that appears to be waving back and forth, the movement in this piece is astounding.

The Best Video Game Inspired House

That is an angry, angry house based on the popular game Angry Birds. It has one of the catchiest tunes, and this bright house totally captures the essence of the game.

The Best Christmas Carol House

The pinwheel in the yard and the candles with shooting star tops really bring life to the house and make the whole show unique.

The Best Heavy Metal House

You're not hearing that wrong; that is indeed a Christmas light show playing Slayer. Any metal fan would love to live across from this house (I know I would).

The Best Techno House

Sandstorm by Darude is a great dance song, though I've never before thought to combine it with Christmas lights. The spinning candy canes not only scream Christmas spirit but also pull in the techno feel. I would totally have a dance party at this house.

The Best Movie Inspired House

The Polar Express, a movie that captured real movements of people to bring a popular children's book to life, is actually playing in the window of this house while the light show goes on. The entire house dances as the figures in the movie dance to "Hot Chocolate," a song from the movie.

The Best Sports Inspired House

If you're an MSU fan, this house will bring a tear to your eye. Decorated in MSU colors, green and white, the lights play along to the pregame fight song for the university team.

The Most American House

Decorated in red, white, and blue, this house is dedicated to all American troops and veterans. The song, a mix of American pride songs, plays while the house dances and the American flag stays steady overhead.

The Best Hymn Inspired House

The falling snowflakes have a grace to them that is reminiscent of the song while the white, green, and red colors call attention to the season. The song itself is a new take on an old classic, and the lights fit it well.

The Best Christmas Epic House

Anyone who has ever watched one of the Christmas light show videos knows this song. "Wizards in Winter" by the Trans Siberian Orchestra has come to represent all those who enjoy Christmas to the extreme, and this house with each light blinking as part of the song, certainly is extreme.

The Best Bluegrass House

These Christmas lights are dueling, and not in the traditional sense: they're dueling with banjos. The light show itself uses complementary colors (red and green) to distinguish between the two banjo players as if the lights really are interacting with each other.

Best in Show

This house is huge, and the lights are overwhelming. The spinning trees, the dancing snowflakes, and the glittering house makes this video Best in Show. Let's just say that I'll be sharing this with my friends on Facebook.

More Christmas Light Shows

There are a ton more Christmas light shows on Youtube from years previous. Each year, the light shows seem to grow bigger and more impressive. If you have a light show you'd like to share, connect with us on Facebook.

TruTip Christmas Trees Impress Even Live Tree Enthusiasts

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:40:00 +0000

TruTip^TM Christmas Trees

Realistic Artificial Christmas Trees

Everyone loves the look of a real tree, but not everyone can facilitate a live tree with its many needs. Watering can become a hassle, and shedding needles requires constant cleaning. Realistic artificial Christmas trees offer the look of a live tree but with the life span of an artificial tree, and Red Sleigh trees with TruTip^TM technology are some of the most realistic Christmas trees available.

TruTip^TM artificial Christmas trees have molded PVC and PE tips based on real tree families so that the artificial tree looks as lively as possible. With a mix of pigments and superior craftsmanship, it's hard to tell the difference between TruTip^TM trees and a live tree. Check out a few of the TruTip^TM selection and be surprised at the look.

Carolina Fir Tree

The Carolina Fir

The Carolina Fir is a dense tree with a staggered appearance and outreaching branches. The tips are a beautiful mix of light and dark greens so that overall appearance is that of a powerful tree in the midst of a forest. The tree boats high tip counts for its family and comes in a range of heights from 4.5' to 12' with either clear or multicolor lamps. With its many variations, full appearance, and impressive base width, the Carolina Fir is one of the most recommended TruTip^TM trees.

Blue Aspen Fir Tree

The Blue Aspen

The Blue Aspen Fir is a tree based on the very popular Noble Fir design and is one of the newest members of the TruTip^TM family. It is a lively tree with a full profile and a modest base width so that it fits in a range of spaces. The tree varies from 6.5' to 9' in height in either clear incandescent bulbs or warm white LEDs. The most eye catching part of the Blue Aspen is its beautiful coloring. The tips are a rich mix of green and blue modeled after the real Blue Aspen Fir.

Colorado Pine Tree

The Colorado Pine

The Colorado Pine has one of the largest base widths of the TruTip^TM Christmas trees. It is a powerful tree available in heights from 6.5' to 9' in clear incandescent bulbs or warm white LEDs. While it is a new tree in the TruTip^TM line, it is no less loved. The Colorado Pine has thick foliage but enough space to showcase many ornaments and has additional pine cones for a touch of the forest in each branch. The Colorado Pine is a gorgeous way to start a Christmas tradition.

TruTips^TM Comparable to Live Trees

These three Christmas trees are only a small selection of what TruTip^TM has to offer. All of the artificial Trutip^TM trees have the same gorgeous PE / PVC mixed tips for the most realistic appearance possible. With different styles, base widths, colors, and tip styles, there is an artificial Christmas tree for even the most live tree enthusiast.

12 Days of Christmas Sale Offers Discounts as Thanks to Customers

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:54:00 +0000

12 Days of Christmas Sale: Day 7

The 12 Days of Christmas

While they're not giving out Partridges in Pear Trees, Christmas Lights Etc. is having a 12 Days of Christmas Sale where discounted prices are lowered another 12% to help you decorate your winter wonderland. Every day, a new item goes on sale across the site, focusing on many different item types for the complete decorating package. To find the sale of the day, browse the site and click on the banner at the top of the page labeled "12 Days of Christmas." The banner will take you to the page with the corresponding day's sale.

Snowflake Motif

Day 7: Snowflakes and Stars

Today, the 12 Days of Christmas sale focuses on Snowflakes and Stars. With the code 12DAYS2011, you can take an additional 12% off already reduced prices on the many lighted motifs. With a wide selection of snowflakes in warm white, cool white, light blue, and bright blue LEDs or incandescent bulbs, no two snowflakes are the same. Decorating with multiple different snowflakes gives a true snowy feel to any house. The stars come in many shapes as well, including those that are reminiscent of the Bethlehem star that led the wise men to the manger in the traditional Christmas story. With sizes between 20" all the way up to 4', you can decorate with stars and snowflakes outdoors as well as indoors.

Additional Sales

Another promotion that is going on as a bonus to the 12 Days of Christmas sale is the 12CENT2011 coupon, which gives 12 cent shipping to any order over $100. This coupon cannot be combined with 12DAYS2011, so choose which one would save you the most money.

It's important to visit the site each and every day since the sales change. So far, items like Starlight Spheres and Pre-decorated Centerpieces have been on sale. Even the Colorado Pine and Blue Aspen Fir artificial Christmas trees were an additional 12% off! If you've missed one of the days, however, don't worry. The 12th day of Christmas promises to be the best sale yet. On December 12th, all items that went on sale during previous days go on sale once more for a grand blowout.

Cyber Monday for Massive Discounts on Christmas Decorations

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:01:00 +0000

Cyber Monday Sale

It happens only once a year, and it's here: Cyber Monday. It doesn't matter what type of Christmas decorations you want, Cyber Monday is discounting them all. Everyone needs decorations, and the holidays are here. There's no use putting off purchasing your Christmas decor any longer, so check out Christmas Lights Etc.'s Cyber Monday Sale.

Tons of Savings

Cyber Monday has great savings on everything from artificial Christmas trees to LED lights. Decorations such as wreaths, outdoor topiary animals, rope light motifs, and even hanging clips are on sale. On Cyber Monday, you can save $60 to $260 dollars on top selling Christmas trees. With purchase on Cyber Monday, you even receive a free storage bag for your tree.

If you order before noon, you can save 25% on your order. From noon to midnight on Cyber Monday, you can still save 20%. These savings are on top of sale price items as well!

Get the Savings for the Holidays

No matter what you're looking for, there are Christmas decorations for all. Check out the savings and the huge selection and decorate with little to no strain on your bank account. Cyber Monday is only one day a year--so shop early!.

Grand Cascades Offer Unique and Beautiful Design Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:15:00 +0000

Grand Cascade Lights on Tree

New Decorations

The Season is upon us. All over town, Christmas decorations are being put up in window fronts and store displays. Trees are being trimmed, lights are being hung, and children are writing their wish lists to Santa.

Like years previous, LED technology is all the rage. Because LEDs are very bright, save a tremendous amount of energy, and maintain spectacular colors, they continue to be popular with decorators. This year, Grand Cascade Lights are quickly becoming the hot new item to decorate with.

Unique Effect

Like graceful snowflakes falling through the sky, Grand Cascade Lights give off a unique snowy effect. Lights start at the top of the tube and gently trickle down like snowflakes through the air. Light speed is variable; light may fall quickly in one instance while it falls slowly another.

Cascades pull the eye and work well on trees and roof lines and fit a standard C9 socket. Because they are LED, they are bright and instantly gather attention. To view an LED Snowfall in action, watch the video:

Different Styles

There are two types of snowfall lights, the Grand Cascade Tubes as mentioned before and the Falling Icicle Lamps. The Grand Cascade Tube, as seen in the video, is a long plastic tube with lights that drip down the center. While the Falling Icicle Lamps have the same light display, they are shaped more like icicles hanging gracefully from the side of a frozen roof line and fit a regular C7 socket.

Icicle Cascade Bulbs

The effects are startling. While the Grand Cascade Tubes look like snowflakes falling to the ground, the Falling Icicle Lights bring forth an image of a melting icicle on a cold winter day. Both types of Cascades, however, are outstandingly unique and beautiful.

Bright Colors and Customizable Lengths

Like other LEDs, Cascades come in several brilliant colors. Cool White, Blue, Red, Green, and Amber lights are all available. For ultimate customization, Cascades come in different sizes ranging from 5" to 36".

If you're looking for a new way to decorate this holidays, try LED Grand Cascades.

Christmas Tree Skirts Are For More Than Decoration

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsey) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:44:00 +0000

Christmas Tree with Skirt and Presents

The Purpose of Christmas Tree Skirts

Christmas tree skirts are festive decorations used beneath the Christmas tree to cover the ground immediately around the tree stand. While tree skirts are beautiful additions to the Christmas tree, their purpose goes beyond mere tradition. Like each piece of the Christmas tree, the tree skirt has a purpose behind its usage.

A History of Tree Skirts

The first Christmas trees were actually lit with candles as opposed to bulbs. This meant that while lit, the candles would drip wax onto the floor. Christmas tree skirts were created to gather the wax as well as the fallen needles from the live trees to make clean up easier.

Traditional tree skirts were not very decorative and were simple pieces of circular fabric that could be placed beneath the tree and taken out for cleaning without hassle. As technology advanced, tree skirts became more decorative. Since wax was not going to drip on the tree skirt and ruin it, the skirt became more ornate with new fabrics and designs.

Traditionally Plain Christmas Tree Skirt

The Present Day Use of Tree Skirts

Now, the tree skirt is used primarily to hide the tree stand and add interest to the bottom of the tree. Placing presents beneath the tree on the tree skirt has become common practice, while placing presents that were light enough to be hung in the tree had been standard before bulbs became widely used. Tree skirts are still helpful for hiding the tree stand and gathering fallen needles even now that skirts have become more about decoration than function.

Types of Tree Skirts

All sorts of materials go into the making of tree skirts. No longer are simple fabrics used but every type of fabric from cotton to upholstery grade. Velvet and silks are most used, and many skirts have tassel trim in complementary colors. While traditional tree skirts had little to no decoration on them, modern day tree skirts are very decorative. Tree skirts usually depict scenes from the nativity or a Christmas village, though many tree skirts take a non-traditional approach and depict reindeer, birds, and snowmen, or purely decorative items like holly and swirls.

Modern tree skirts come in multiple sizes since Christmas trees are so varied. They still hold to the traditional shape, encircling a tree stand and coming to rest beneath the tree over the ground. Many tree skirts continue the round shape, though some are scalloped or star-shaped to depict the star of Bethlehem.

Whatever the tree skirt, the tradition is set. A tree looks best with a skirt whether to gather needles or hold presents. With the multiple sizes, fabrics, and scenes depicted on tree skirts, they have become a varied and popular Christmas decoration item.

LED Christmas Lights for State of the Art Decorating

noreply@blogger.com (Angie Rowe) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:20:00 +0000

LED technology has improved drastically since its invention, making LEDs the best source in decorating. At first, only red and yellow lights were available; now, LEDs come in all colors of the rainbow, with their colors more intense and pure than ever. Over the past five years, LEDs have become increasingly popular because of their reliability and energy-saving abilities. The advanced technology of LEDs allows them to perform in unique ways, like morphing, flashing and color-changing. Their bulbs can be molded into custom shapes. LED Christmas lights offer features that allow for state-of-the-art decorating for holidays and events.
LEDs are able to dim, adding an elegant touch to any event. LEDs are made of a semiconductor diode that emits light when current is given. LEDs have the ability to control the amount of power being sent to the diodes, making the dimming effect a readily available feature. Less power is sent for the dim light effect, and more power is sent to make the color shine at the brightest level. Color fading in and out is spectacular for elegant, romantic spaces. Use the dimming effect to make a Valentine's dinner at home more special. Dimming lights add romance to the slow songs in a wedding.

Morphing LEDs

LEDs can morph, or slowly fade into different colors, adding variety and movement to any Christmas display. Hang strands of morphing lights on a mantle above a fireplace. Even when the fire is not roaring, the morphing lights will captivate eyes. Using this same LED morphing technology, the reflections color changing Moravian star tree topper transitions slowly into new colors, from fuchsia to blue and yellow. Both morphing and dimming effects add variety to a light display, while keeping the space calm and peaceful.

Flashy LEDs for Lively Parties

With LED technology, color changing lights flash suddenly, adding excitement to any environment. Flashing lights in red, purple, or orange add more of a dramatic effect to Halloween decorations. Add spookiness to decorative ghosts and witches with lights flashing behind them. Make trick-or-treaters feel eerie as they cross by a scary skeleton or monster with red lights flashing on the scene. Make Birthday parties livelier with flashy lights streamed along bar areas, beams and balconies. Transform a room into a dance party with a disco ball and flashy lights. Flashy lights have a thrilling effect for Halloween and lively celebrations.

Charming Home with Icicle Lights

LED icicle lights and falling icicle bulbs mimic real icicles, with the plastic bulbs molded into proper shape. Icicle lights, otherwise known as "hanging Christmas lights", dangle at a staggering length from one wire. In contrast, LED falling icicle bulbs are sold individually and have lights flowing down the length of the icicle, simulating the illusion of falling snow. Hang both icicle lights and falling icicle bulbs anywhere where real icicles normally form, such as gutters, trees and the roof. In winter-themed weddings, display these lights along beams in a reception room, outside in the garden, along fences, or in a gazebo.

LED Wide Angel 5MM Lights

LED M5 and 5MM use their unique shapes to shine beautifully. LED M5 lights have been molded to look like mini, crystallized icicles whereas LED wide angle 5MM lights have conical-shaped bulbs with flat heads. Both of these LED lights are energy-saving and shine brightly, but have different looks. Both lights can be intertwined into garlands or wreaths. Strand M5 or 5MM lights along with icicle lights in a contrasting color to create a layered look. No matter where these unique bulbs are displayed, the sturdiness of the plastic bulb makes them less susceptible to breaking and easier to store.
Take advantage of the distinct features offered in LED lights, such as morphing, dimming, color changing, and bulbs shaped in a variety. Incorporating exclusive lighting adds more depth and fun to the decorations. LED Christmas lights can be reused for many events throughout the year, from weddings, to holidays, to romantic dates. Moments of celebration and festivity are sure to be enhanced with the features offered in LED Christmas lights.

Wedding Lights to Create Your Dream Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Angie Rowe) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:46:00 +0000

Reception Room Lighting

With all the planning involved in a wedding, lighting should not be overlooked because of the huge impact it has. Wedding planners advocate budgeting ten percent for decorating and lighting. They realize wedding lights can be a simple, instant solution for bringing life to the special occasion. Lighting creates a beautiful ambiance, allowing special spaces in the wedding to be highlighted. Whether keeping the wedding small and quaint, or large and elaborate, incorporate lighting to add elegance and glow.

Curtain lights for Convenience

Curtain Lights

Curtain lights can be hung easily, without requiring professional help, and are practical in decorating. Curtain lights can be used to divide up spaces for various functions, making guests feel cozy in elegant surroundings. The area reserved for a beach wedding can be marked off by stringed curtain lights to make the wedding seem more intimate and private, and to keep bystanders from popping up in the background of photos. Intricate blue and white beaded light garland, in particular, would look perfect hung for a beach wedding. Tents or reception room roofs can be lined with curtain lights to make a starry canopy to dance under or have a meal. Drape curtain lights as a backdrop behind the head table, where the newly married couple sits, casting an extra glow on the couple. Curtain lights, coming with 150 lights per set, provide convenience in decorating, with their lights naturally falling into place.

Light Strings Galore

Columns Wrapped in Light Strings

Light strings come in a huge variety, making them easy to incorporate in all styles of weddings. Weave white light strings into an archway or gazebo, placed where the bride and groom will stand during the ceremony or at the entryway to a garden area. Place cream rose net lights along shrubs, adding charm and romance to the greenery. Strands of lit triple grape clusters, in purple or red, meshed in vines and lattices or piled high in a bowl, add style in abundance to the bar or food areas. Strings of globe lights offer bulbs in a unique shape different from traditional Christmas lights. They have a satin finish, and come in colors such as pearl white, amber, blue or pink. For wintry or Christmas themed weddings, hang icicle lights along banisters and mantles in the reception room. Consider the theme of the wedding and the architecture of the venue and ideas will blossom. Make sure to prepare with extra extension cords for all the ways you can decorate with light strings.

Wedding Lights to Capture Intimate Moments

Intimate Moments with Lighting

Do not forget to decorate the bride's dressing room as this is where some of the most natural and beautiful photo shots are taken before the wedding. Wrap strands of light around the vanity to get a classic photo of the bride getting her makeup done or putting on a string of pearls. The extra light improves the quality of the photo, giving those captured in the photo more even-toned skin and the background a textured design. Use curtain lights as a way to conceal any areas in the dressing room that may not be as attractive in the photo. Twinkling lights are best avoided so that the photographer can use the perfect amount of exposure for every photo.

Mini Lights and LEDs for Centerpieces

Bride and Groom's Table with Mini Lights

Mini lights add beauty to even the smallest details of the wedding, such as the centerpieces of the tables. Intertwine small strings with flowers or inside transparent vases to make beautiful centerpieces on tables. Battery operated mini lights keep the wiring discreet. Flameless LED candles give elegance to the table for guests to enjoy, without the added risk of fire. Another idea for centerpieces is to use LED branches in a vase, for a nature-inspired, classy look.

Rope Lights in Style

Rope Lights for After-Party

Rope light gives added flexibility for lighting in unique ways. Personalize a wall by writing the groom and bride's names in rope lights or their initials surrounded by a heart. A white doves ribbon motif, premade with rope light, emphasizes love and unity and highlights special areas, such as the gift table or the guest signing book. Use rope light to transform a simple room into an after-party lounge for closest friends and family. Decorate the walls and ceiling in magnificent shades of blue and purple rope light, giving a sheik look to this exclusive room. Line pathways outdoors with rope lights to guide guests safely home.
No matter where the wedding will be, take advantage of the many opportunities to make the areas more beautiful with wedding lights. Observe the architecture and landscape of the venue. Highlight columns, trees, entryways, and fountains with lights. Add that special touch for guests to enjoy by adding lights to the areas where they will be sitting or dining. Allow the bride and groom's happiness to glow with lights surrounding the areas they will be most, such as where the ceremony will occur, and the bride and groom's table. Use lighting as a tool to separate the dance floor and dining area, if they are happening in the same room, or in gardens or on beaches to create intimate spaces. Implementing lighting in a wedding has a stunning effect, adding beauty to the happy memories you will cherish for years to come.