Yes, Christmas is coming, no need to fight it.
There’s no time to waste to make sure we’re delighted.
But what of the lights…and who’ll hang the holly?
There’s lots to be done to make sure all are jolly.
And then there’s the tree, the wreath with its bows…
They’ll need to be placed, all neatly in rows.
It’s time to get started, to hang all with care,
But this year, this time, without pulling your hair!
Okay, okay…it’s no Dr. Seuss…but we’ll still need to hang those beautiful decorations! Only this time, minus the drama!
Use the following Christmas decoration hacks to make decorating your home go more smoothly.
1. Hang lights using binder clips
While it’s tempting to use brightly colored binder clips for this job, don’t.
Use a color that will blend into your roof, to make them less noticeable.
2. Curtain rods work well for hanging greenery
Greenery hung above your curtains really frames them well and serves as a good place to hang a bit of mistletoe too!
Attach the greenery to a tension curtain rod with green or black craft wire then place over the windows.
3. Use self-stick hooks (e.g. Command brand)to hang decorations on glass or mirrors
To avoid any mishaps, pay close attention to weight limits and before installing make sure the surface is squeaky clean.
4. Coat hangers work well for stockings and/or cards
Don’t mar your walls or mantle with nail holes.
Use a coat hanger to hang your Christmas stockings (remove them before filling with goodies on Christmas Eve) or for Christmas cards (use clothespins to secure more cards).
5. Keep lights secure, even on hard surfaces such as brick
Hot glue can be used to temporarily stick lights to the outside of a home.
Of course, this method shouldn’t be used with every material…it can cause paint to peel off so test it first in an inconspicuous place.
And if the glue is too hot it could cause a problem with the wiring, so use caution.
6. Painter’s tape
For areas where the back side of something won’t be seen, blue painter’s tape has just enough stick to help hold something light in place without causing damage to surfaces.
7. Use “gear ties”
While they’re normally meant to contain electrical cords, gear ties come in many colors and work well to secure Christmas decorations such as garland.
8. String lights on the front of the tree only
If your Christmas tree gets placed in a corner, why bother stringing lights all around it?
Save time and loop the lights in a zig-zag pattern from side to side. It will look just as good and because you’re “doubling up” on the lights, it will make your tree even brighter.
9. Thicken up your greenery
Fluff up your synthetic garland with real, natural greenery from your yard.
10. Fill out your tree
If your Christmas tree seems a little bare, wrap some artificial pine garland around the trunk and in the branches to hide any bare spots.
11. Spritz up your lights with spray paint
The green cords work well to blend into your tree.
But using them elsewhere? Not so much.
If you want to hang Christmas lights elsewhere in your home (e.g. on your mantle or balcony) spray paint them a metallic color such as gold or silver to add a bit more sparkle to your decor’.
12. Tomato cages are great tree forms
An inexpensive way to put Christmas trees around the outside of your home is with tomato cages and garland.
Snip them into different sizes to add variety, then using the cages as a form, wrap garland around each of them, and add a weather-proof bow to the top.
13. Speedy – and easy – cookie decorating
Finally, while not exactly “holiday decorating”, this tip is too good not to share.
Making Christmas cookies with the kids can be lots of fun, but it can also get a bit messy.
This year, use condiment containers to make decorating the cookies faster, and easier. Not only are they easy to squeeze, but they’re also easier to control than traditional icing bags.
