The “Dos and Don’ts” of Putting Up Decorations
‘Tis the season to make your home sparkle with lights and other festive decorations. Here are some dos and don’ts for making your home the most impressive in the neighborhood, without overdoing it.
Do: Decorate with Class and Style
Getting ready for the holidays isn’t just about putting your decorations up, though. It’s also about where to put them and the overall feeling you’re seeking. Be tasteful and specific about the decorating mood you want to set, whether it’s an old-timey holiday theme or a sleek modern design that incorporates lights and color to create an icy postmodern feeling.
Don’t: Hurt Yourself
Because we generally only put up decorations extensively during the holiday season, it’s a good time for the unskilled to accidentally hurt themselves by doing something silly. Make sure you have the proper extension cords because overworked or frayed extension cords can be a fire risk. Fortunately, LED lights don’t get hot the way old incandescent tree lights did, so it’s more fun to live in the future. But it’s still important to be careful. Using indoor lights outside can present not only a fire hazard but can also shock people who come in contact with them. Finally, once you have the right lights and safety cords, remember to turn them off before going to bed. It doesn’t take long for the heat from a bunch of holiday lights to catch a tree on fire.
Don’t forget seasonal elements.
“Festive” can mean a lot of things to different people. To switch things up, you can take a more rustic approach by bringing in bits of bark, lanterns and pine cones.
Don’t Expect Perfection
You might not be a DIY enthusiast—and that’s okay! Don’t accept the popular expectation for your home to look professionally decorated. Instead, make it look like you. Plan your holiday décor around what you know, how much you can handle, and holiday fun will be sure to follow.
