How to Use Fairy Lights

Fairy lights are the small white or multicolored light strings traditionally used at Christmas on trees and wreaths, but they can also be used all year as accent lighting. They produce a subtle glow that can enliven a child's room or add warmth to a dark corner. Used creatively, they can spice up your decor and add sparkle to your home.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• strings of fairy lights
• staple gun
• adhesive hooks

1. Test the string of lights first by plugging them in. Keep them unplugged in when working with the lights to avoid risk of electrical shock.

2. Choose an area to decorate. String fairy lights around a mirror or under a fireplace mantle to cast a warm glow. Use removable adhesive strip hooks, or a staple gun in inconspicuous places to attach lights.

3. Surround a window frame in a child's room to create the illusion of a starlit night. Make sure there is an electrical outlet nearby to plug the lights in when finished.

4. String lights around edges of a ceiling. You will need several strings for this, depending on the size of the room. Make sure that the lights you purchase can be connected together to extend the length.

5. Run strings of lights in the space between the tops of kitchen cabinets and the ceiling. This will create a soft glow in a typically dark area and add depth to your ceiling.

6. Gather the lights loosely and place them in a decorative basket. Mix in glass ornaments to reflect the light. Alternatively, mix in scented pinecones and dried fruit to create a festive holiday fruit basket.

Tips & Warnings

• When using a staple gun on light strings, be careful not to staple through the wire. Punctured wires can cause electrical fires or shocks. Never cut light strings. They are available in different lengths so be sure to measure the area that you wish to decorate. Cutting light strings will expose the wires and will cause electrical fires or shocks.