Decking Your Tree with Lights

There is nothing better than a Christmas tree that sparkles with lights. So how can you make sure that you've got a well lit tree?

For those who own an artificial tree which isn't pre-lit or those that get a real one - putting lights on the tree can be one of the most frustrating parts of decking the halls. It doesn't have to be.

Here's a great way to put lights on a tree (this process can be used for various kinds/types of trees from artificial to the real thing):


We used two kinds of multi-colored standard lights, both are faceted (C7 and small globe style bulbs).


Step One - Decking the Trunk:
A great way to make your tree glow from the inside out is to wrap your trunk with C7 or large lights. I used two strings on the trunk of this tree.

Step Two - Branch by Branch:
This tree has individual branches that you insert in to the trunk. What you want to do is weave your lights on each branch. Start nearest to the trunk and wrap your lights to the end and then come back to the trunk. Move to the next branch until you have the whole layer complete. Repeat this with each layer. Note: Please follow all safety requirements from the manufacture of your lights. The lights I used said not to exceed 3 light strings plugged-in end-to-end.






When finished you'll have a tree full of lights, evenly distributed throughout the tree. You could feasibly add lights using this method to your pre-lit tree too.

Have fun lighting your tree!

Additional tips:
1. Buy at least one extra string of lights. When you have a string that doesn't work replace with the new string. Keep the old string for the bulbs - use as replacements. I've done this over the years and it's worked perfectly!

2. Use LED lights - these lights are more energy efficient and the great thing about them besides that is that you can connect A LOT of strings end-to-end (I believe it's like 30 to 42 - check the instructions on the box for the exact number).
I'll post a photo of an LED lit Christmas tree which I did using the above technique.

3. Use various shapes and styles of lights. This adds depth to your tree. Depending on the styles of lights, it also may create a unique lighting effect.


See our Facebook page for more step-by-step photos from this tree.