Journal
The bright ideas journal.
Plain-English guides on planning, bulbs, cost, safety, care and storage, written for homeowners, business owners and HOA boards.
Design and BulbsPermanent Holiday Lighting: Pros and ConsA track that stays on your house all year and lights in any color. What it costs, what it does well and who should consider it.
Planning and BookingChristmas Lights for HOAs and Businesses: Planning GuideBoards and property managers: how to scope a display, collect proposals, handle approvals and keep installs from disrupting tenants.
Design and BulbsLED or Incandescent Christmas Lights?LEDs use far less power, run cool and last longer, while incandescents have a traditional warm glow. How to choose, and what really differs.
Care, Safety and StorageHow to Store Christmas Lights So They LastCoil, label, protect and test: a simple method for storing lights so they come out of the box ready to hang next year.
Care, Safety and StorageWhen to Take Down Christmas LightsEarly January is common, but weather and schedules matter more than the calendar. How to pick a takedown week and avoid the winter rush.
Care, Safety and StorageHow to Keep Christmas Lights Working All SeasonDead sections, tripped breakers and sagging runs are all fixable. Here is a simple routine for keeping a display perfect until January.
Care, Safety and StorageChristmas Light Safety for HomeownersLadders, cords, outlets and weather: a plain-English safety checklist for holiday lighting, and why many people leave the roof to a crew.Planning and BookingWhat a Professional Christmas Light Install IncludesFrom the first design visit to takedown in January, here is what to expect when a professional crew handles your holiday lighting.
Design and BulbsHow to Plan a Christmas Light Design for Your HouseStart with the roofline, add trees and the entry, then finish with extras. A simple way to plan a design that looks balanced and complete.
Design and BulbsWarm White or Multicolor Christmas Lights?Warm white looks elegant and classic, multicolor is playful and nostalgic. Here is how to choose for your style, your house and your street.
Cost and SizingHow Many Feet of Christmas Lights Do I Need?A quick way to estimate the lights for your roofline: measure the eaves, add gables and peaks and know how bulb spacing affects the count.
Design and BulbsC9 Bulbs or Mini Lights: Which Is Right for Your House?C9s give the classic big-bulb glow and read from far away, minis add delicate sparkle. Here is how to choose for your roof, trees and taste.
Cost and SizingHow Much Does Christmas Light Installation Cost?Roofline length, height and extras set the price. Here is how to read a quote and compare professional installs fairly.
Planning and BookingWhen to Book Christmas Light InstallationEarly fall is the sweet spot. Here is how to pick your lights-on date, work backward to a booking date and keep your preferred install window.