Light up your street this Christmas

At the end of a challenging year, many homeowners will be looking forward to kicking back and enjoying this Christmas and the summer holidays.

One of the great ways to celebrate the festive season is to hang lights in your front yard, brightening the summer evenings not just for yourself but neighbours and passers-by, too.

And if the enormous stock of lights in hardware stores is any indication, we're in for some fantastic light shows this year.

If you've never really bothered with Christmas lights but feel like breaking the habit of a lifetime, then we've put together some tips on how to create a wonderful display at the front of your home. We hope you find it fun and helpful.

Stay safe

Your priority must be to purchase lights that meet Australian safety standards. Resist the temptation to purchase cheap decorations on the internet. Additionally, use a good ladder when hanging lights. Ensure it's on a sturdy ground and perhaps ask someone to hold it steady for you.

Use the sun at night

Solar-powered lights are the norm now, and they lessen the chance of any accidents with the electrics. So, consider a solar strategy this Christmas. If you're using the mains, always double-check you're not going to overload your circuit board. And keep live wires away from metal gutters and downpipes.

Burn-out

If you're using old lights, check they've not been damaged or have burned-out bulbs before you go to the trouble of hanging them. If your lights aren't in perfect shape, throw them out and get new ones.

All things in moderation

You don't have to buy half the stock in a shop to complete a successful Christmas display. If you're a first-timer at this caper, you might want to start small. Identify key areas or plants that you'd like to dress and apply the “more is less” rule.

Research the lights

There's a light for every possible scenario. Blinking ropes are great for trees while blankets of lights are designed to drape over bushes. The list goes on and on! If you need inspiration, check out Pinterest or Instagram.

Hanging technique

It's best and safest to begin hanging your lights at the bottom of a tree or hedge and work your way up. Doing the opposite can be dangerous if you're on a ladder. You shouldn't work below eye-height when on a ladder.

Touch of the ornamental

You can find frames of lights for reindeers, unicorns and snowmen to display on your lawn. And why not line your garden path with lights shaped as candy-canes, mushrooms or mini Christmas trees?

Behalf of everyone at our real estate agency, we'd like to wish you and your family a happy and safe festive season. And if you're thinking of selling your home in the New Year, we'll be here for you.