Janet Butler
No matter how small your abode, no doubt you’re thinking about putting up Christmas lights once November rolls into December. And if you love that magical look, there’s good news: you don’t have to spend a fortune to give your house a holiday glow. Use normal candles — even electric ones — in groups and you’ve got a bright display in seconds. You can string miniature white lights on anything: trees, both indoors and out; potted plants; mirrors; picture frames; other lampshades or covers, and — of course — a fireplace mantel. Wrap a giant “N” and “L” in lights, and form the “O” from a wreath and the “E” from a sculptural piece for a unique greeting. Colored lights are perfect outdoors: string some on your garage or shed, line a walk, or surround your front door.
If you’re adding to your display this year, you’ve got lots of choice — large round globes, “snowballs,” stars of all sorts, even elves, Santas, or Nativity scenes. For a truly unique setting, group silver balls in a lighted centerpiece with white starfish, trail white “icicle” lights from a mantel or a wreath, or find a word (such as “Peace”) spelled all in lights. You can even dress up a reflecting ball or birdbath with a string of lights and evergreens; lighted “birdcages” and baskets can hang from branches or poles for a stunning effect. No matter what sort of “wonderland” you want to create this year, you can do it with lights — so try a few of these ideas on for size and make your Christmas season bright!
