The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the opportunity to celebrate. Whether you’re preparing for Diwali, Christmas, Hanukkah or any other special occasion, you’ll want to deck your home with lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These are some of our top tips and creative ideas to make your home dazzle this season.
Plan Ahead
It may be tempting to dive right in, but planning your decorative lighting scheme in advance will help avoid unnecessary stress and overspending. Think of the look you’re after, which areas you want to focus on and what budget you’re comfortable with.
Embrace Variety
The beauty of festive lighting lies in its diversity. Consider using a variety of different fixtures, such as string lights, LED candles, lanterns, and strip lights. This diversity can add depth and texture to your decorations, making your home feel extra special during this time of year.
Get Creative with String Lights
String lights, also known as fairy lights, are a classic choice for festive decorating. Often associated with placement on the Christmas tree, they can also be wrapped around pillars and hand railings, strung across the patio or draped over tree branches and shrubs to bring festive cheer to your outdoor space. To reduce your electricity consumption, opt for LED or solar designs that come in a variety of colours and styles.
Create Ambiance With LED Candlelight
Candles bring a sense of warmth and intimacy to any space. LED candles are a convenient option that mimic the glow of traditional wax candles without the mess and safety concerns that come with an open flame. Group them to make a statement or place them individually for a more subtle effect.
Extend Your Outdoor Lighting
Extend the holiday cheer throughout your garden by creating a welcoming entrance for any guests who may be visiting. Pathway lights to guide guests up to the front door or fairy lights strung across shrubs near your driveway lend themselves to a festive feeling.
Look for Energy-efficient Options
Don’t allow load shedding to put a damper on your celebrations. Solar-powered or rechargeable LED fixtures will ensure you aren’t left in the dark when entertaining guests this festive season. It will also save you money in the long run by reducing your electricity consumption - a win for your pocket and the environment.
Light Up Centerpieces
Fairy lights, LED candles and rechargeable portable fixtures all make for eye-catching centrepieces. Get creative with lighting as part of your tablescapes to make mealtimes magical.
Invest in Timers
Invest in timers to automate your lighting. This not only saves energy but also ensures your home is beautifully illuminated even if you're not around to switch the lights on.
Safety First
Always prioritise safety when decorating with lights. Inspect your electrical connections, avoid overloading circuits, and keep your lights away from flammable materials. If you're unsure, consult an electrician to ensure everything is properly set up.