It’s that time of year when the holiday decorations box gets pulled out of the closet so I can start to sort through everything. Because we live in an apartment, our collection is modest, and decorations for all of the upcoming holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) all fit nicely into one box. This year, upon unpacking strands of Christmas lights I realized that I don’t necessarily have to wait until December to use them.
I took to some of my favorite sites and blogs in search of creative ways to incorporate Christmas lights into everyday home decor, and have rounded up my favorites! It’s an inexpensive and super quick way to update any space. They’re an easy way to add soft light and a whimsical feel, and when done right they can be very elegant. White lights are a winter essential, but can really be used at any time of the year to liven up your home.
1. houzz.com 2. apartment therapy 3. pinterest
4. Rock Paper Scissors Events 5. pinterest 6. pinterest
Generally it’s best to concentrate lights in one area or around one focal object (like wrapping them around the propped mirror in #5). Another option is to poke holes in a framed canvas to make a standing light-up art piece. My favorite by far is the light fixture made with clear empty wine bottles and rope lights – it may have to go on my DIY list! If you need to re-stock or replace your lights, now is a great time since it’s before the holidays really kick off. Currently christmaslightsetc.com is having a great September Sale with lights up to forty percent off. I haven’t seen lights out in stores yet (thankfully) so it’s easiest to have them shipped right to you.
For unique holiday decorating ideas with Christmas lights, I’ll refer you to my girl, Martha Stewart. Do you decorate with strings of lights throughout the year?
Pop & Circumstance | Guidebook for Beautiful Living 
Love this! I did a canvas project with lights a few years ago and still have the canvas decorating my bedroom!
So cool! I bet it works well as a “night light.”
Love it! There are some really great ideas. The one with the doilles looks so easy that I think I could get my kids to do it.