{"id":28988,"date":"2023-11-22T10:59:17","date_gmt":"2023-11-22T10:59:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.heals.com\/blog\/?p=28988"},"modified":"2024-04-02T12:16:55","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T11:16:55","slug":"how-to-arrange-lights-on-a-christmas-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.heals.com\/blog\/how-to-arrange-lights-on-a-christmas-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"How to arrange lights on a Christmas tree"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

To many, bringing your cherished box of Christmas tree lights<\/a> down from the loft signals the beginning of Christmas, but it\u2019s not all fun and games once you tear it open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside, a tangled mess of lights may await, while finding the one faulty bulb that\u2019s letting the whole string down can be a nightmare. And that\u2019s before you\u2019ve even started to think about getting the lights on the tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Horizonal? Vertical? Bottom-to-top? Top-to-bottom? Before the decorations or after?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have a glug of mulled wine and relax. We\u2019re here to show you how to put lights on a Christmas tree while demonstrating the best ideas to make yours shine the brightest.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s time for the big switch-on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The basics of Christmas tree lighting<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How many Christmas lights do you need?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, figure out how many lights you need for your specific tree. As a general rule of thumb, 100 lights for every foot of tree, but it\u2019s always a case of the more the merrier \u2013 especially if you want the professional look of a dressed spruce in a department store or boutique hotel. Luckily, we\u2019ve got sets featuring up to 720 LED lights in a single pack<\/a>, so it\u2019s easy to make yours look abundant.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, plug in your lights to check that all the bulbs are working before you go to all the trouble of putting them on your tree only to find something\u2019s wrong (we\u2019ve got a wide range of Christmas lights<\/a> if you need new ones). Leave them on while you\u2019re working so you can see how they\u2019re looking and address any dark spots as you weave the string over and under the branches.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, start from the bottom-up closest to the power outlet so you don\u2019t have to run an extension cord to the top \u2013 the opposite is true when removing them after Christmas \u2013 and always add your lights before your decorations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to install your Christmas tree in a space without a power socket, use multiple sets of battery-powered lights, such as these from Sirius<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Vertical VS horizontal: which method suits you?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019d recommend wrapping your lights around your tree horizontally \u2013 the most traditional and popular way \u2013 by placing lights over and under branches as you work your way around and up. For a professional look, nestle some lights further back into the tree and others closer to the front for depth and interest, alternating so the arrangement looks natural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But how do you put lights on a Christmas tree vertically? Vertical arrangements started as a trend a few years ago as a modern twist on the traditional method. The technique makes the lights shine brighter because more of them are on show as they\u2019re less likely to be covered up by branches. Starting with the end of the strand without the plug, simply cascade lights from the top to the bottom of the tree in an \u2018S\u2019 shape or zig-zag down the front. Certainly, this arrangement is easier to remove once Christmas is over. For best results, choose something with a \u2018loose\u2019 string over a structured wire \u2013\u00a0such as these with weighty sultan-shaped glass lights<\/a> \u2013 as they\u2019ll hang better.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Safety tips for Christmas tree lights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s nothing quite like Christmas lights<\/a> to get you into the festive spirit, but take the time read our list of precautions to keep you safe, ensuring yours bring you nothing but comfort and joy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n