This trick for hanging outdoor Christmas lights without gutters is so simple and it works for virtually any surface
Brighten up your neighborhood this holiday season with this simple technique
One of the best parts of the holidays is when your neighborhood comes alive with twinkling Christmas lights. The simple addition of some string lights can completely transform your home into a winter wonderland, however, as beautiful as they might look, they can be a challenge to put up.
When it comes to Christmas decorating, lights are one of the easiest ways to make your home look Christmassy, but when you're dealing with them outdoors it becomes much harder. Without gutters to hang them from it can be difficult to know what to attach your lights to. There are, however, alternative ways to make your home look festive with lights without causing permanent damage, and I've done some digging to find one specific technique that's super simple and affordable.
Lights are an integral part of outdoor Christmas decorating but, for a long time I struggled to know how best to put mine up without gutters to fix them to. I was completely lost trying to figure out how my neighbor's lights looked so good and - knowing I couldn't be alone in this confusion - I vowed to find a solution. With the help of some DIY experts what I found was the easiest way to put up Christmas lights on any home, and you can easily do it for under $20.
When I came across this TikTok hack it seemed too good to be true, but it turns out this one item is the key to many light displays. As it turns out, the humble hot glue gun, (like this one from Amazon), that you may already own, is the secret behind perfect lights.
No need to mess around with tricky clips or hooks for your Christmas lights with this technique - simply place a small dot of glue where you want the light to sit and hold on the base of your LED bulb for a few seconds. We would recommend planning when you want the lights to line up before you start to ensure you have the right length for your desired look.
All that's left to do is switch them on and let the magic happen. It's by far the simplest way to deck out your home with lights without causing any damage to your home, and anyone can give it a try. The best part is, at the end of the holiday season, you can simply pull them off with no damage at all. It's Christmas decorating made simple.
@sydneyeileenm ♬ original sound - Sydney Eileen
You will need
Price: $17.99
Quantity: 30 glue sticks
Price: $30
Quantity: 100 bulbs
Price: $17.50
Quantity: 27 bulbs
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Amy recently completed an MA in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London, with experience writing for Women’s lifestyle publications across arts, culture, and beauty. She has a particular love for the minimalist aesthetic mixed with mid-century furniture, especially combining unique vintage finds with more modern pieces. Her previous work in luxury jewellery has given her a keen eye for beautiful things and clever design, that plays into her love of interiors. As a result, Amy will often be heard justifying homeware purchases as 'an investment', wise words to live by.
-
What are the Most Comfortable Pillowcases? From Temperature Regulating to the Best for Your Skin
When you're looking for comfort in your pillowcases, material matters. These are the best you can buy
By Faaizah Shah Published
-
5 Simple, but Genius Bathroom Layout Tricks That Will Make Your Space Work so Much Harder
Small switches to how you lay out your bathroom that help make the most of a small space
By Luke Arthur Wells Published
-
How to Replant a Live Christmas Tree for Flourishing Evergreen Foliage All Through the Year
Extend the magic of Christmas into the new year by planting your tree in your yard
By Lilith Hudson Published
-
5 Tips to Tackle a Deep Clean in the Post-Christmas Slump – 'They're Fast and Effective!'
Professional organizers reveal their expert advice on how to tackle the Christmas clear up
By Amy McArdle Published
-
This is How Professional Organizers Take Down Christmas Decorations – 'It's the Most Effective Method Out There!'
Store your Christmas decorations in the most efficient way possible with this 5-step guide from the experts
By Amy McArdle Published
-
Tradition Says You Should Take Your Christmas Tree Down on This Specific Date if You Want Good Luck
To avoid bad fortune in 2024, this centuries-old practice says you might want to wait a while longer before you dismantle the Christmas tree
By Lilith Hudson Published
-
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Christmas Ornaments – 'It Makes Next Year's Decorating so Much Easier!'
These professional organizers reveal the common Christmas storage mistakes that you'll grow to regret
By Amy McArdle Published
-
How to Care for a Christmas Rose to Keep it Blooming All Season – 'It's the Ultimate Winter Plant!'
These experts reveal how to get the most out of your festive flower through Christmas and beyond
By Amy McArdle Published
-
More Guests Than Matching Dinnerware? How Tablescaping Pros Make Sure Tables Still Look Beautiful
If you're hosting a dinner party and are struggling to cobble together enough dinnerware, these tips from the tablescaping pros are bound to help you out
By Oonagh Turner Published
-
12 Days of Decluttering - Tackle One of These Areas Each Day for a Clutter-Free Home Come Christmas Day
Experts suggest prioritizing these 12 spaces ahead of the 25th
By Amy McArdle Published