How to Use Christmas Lights Year Round

Use Christmas lights for more than illuminating the tree.

When the holidays are over and January rolls around, many people wrap their Christmas lights and store them for next Christmas. Instead, you can use the lights to decorate things other than the Christmas tree, and add a sparkle to your home all year long.

Things You'll Need

• Christmas lights

Instructions

1. Use the lights in one room only. Adding twinkling lights will make that room seem like a special and magical place. Consider the den, your bedroom, or a child's room.

2. Use the lights in places where dim lighting is preferable. Use them as an alternative to switching on a bright light bulb, such as in the corridors at night.

3. Add romantic lighting to an outdoor setting, like a porch or patio. String lights along the banisters or along fence posts. Because the lights wont be accompanied by Christmas decor, they won't look like you forgot to take down your Christmas decorations. Instead, they'll freshen up the space.

4. Use the lights for another holiday. Blue lights are nice for the Fourth of July and Memorial Day. Yellow ones go well for Halloween and Thanksgiving. White lights go with everything.

Tips & Warnings

• Always test lights before stringing them to make sure they work.