Light up your home this Christmas

Getting creative with Christmas lights is a big thing. Often many months in the planning, the best of these lightfests become destinations in their own right – somewhere to visit when you have ticked Santa’s grotto off the list.

Whether you plan to light up the neighbourhood with a sleigh across your roof or are just planning to add a twinkle to your front door, outdoor lights are one of the brightest (and most fun) parts of the Christmas decorating kit.

Most modern outdoor lighting uses LED bulbs which are super efficient and long-lasting. Strings and ropes of outdoor lights come supplied with a transformer that plugs into an indoor socket so you can safely use them indoors and out. Smaller decorations such as a wreath or this mini tree and wreath set are perfect for adding a little twinkle and festive cheer to a porch or doorway.

Christmas favours the bold, and one or two stand-out pieces in the front garden or on the lawn can have huge impact, especially if you can build a bit of a narrative around them. This year’s selection of 3D models runs from reindeer to snowmen with a few LED gonks for good measure. Short on space? Simple 2D neon lights can still shine brightly on walls and fences.

When braving the elements, a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine usually helps. Outdoor lights will add a warm welcome glow to any space but also work well in rooms with big windows or glass doors.

Large expanses of glass tend to turn into black holes by night, losing that wonderful sense of space enjoyed during the day. Lighting up the garden extends that view with a little extra magic from the sparkle. Especially if there’s a dusting of snow too…