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!