A string of fairy lights has long been one of the essential Christmas tree decorations, but there’s more to Christmas lights than that. You can also drape them across the mantelpiece or twist them around the banisters, or use a string to frame a window or picture. You can opt for subtle white lights that twinkle gently, or go all out with multicoloured lights with all sorts of flash settings. It really is up to you.
Safety first
When choosing your new set of Christmas lights, do take a moment to check the packaging carefully if you intend to use them outdoors. Some lights are for indoor use only, as they could easily be damaged by heavy rain or strong winds.
Christmas lighting types
String lights
These are very simple, and just as versatile. You can wind then around a tree trunk outside or run them in front of a roller blind in the kitchen – the possibilities are endless. Many string lights are plain, but you can also buy those with shaped shades covering the bulbs, such as snowflake or star-shaped string lights.
Cluster lights
As the name suggests, strings of cluster lights feature many lights grouped close together, for a more dramatic festive display. Use to highlight a doorway or window, inside or out, or attach to fencing or the front of your home.
Icicle lights
You can often use these indoors or out, and they comprise a set of lights of varying lengths hung from a string. They are very effective when hung from the eaves outdoors, or inside a window indoors.
