Quick Summary: Transforming your outdoor columns with Christmas lights is a joyous endeavor. This guide offers simple steps for choosing the right lights, securing them safely, and creating a dazzling display. Discover easy techniques for a festive, column-adorned home that welcomes the holiday spirit.
Welcome, fellow green thumbs and holiday enthusiasts! As the crisp air signals the start of the festive season, many of us dream of a home that sparkles and shines. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to add that magic is by adorning our outdoor columns. But where do you even begin? Choosing the right lights, figuring out how to attach them without damaging your columns or creating an electrical hazard, can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re new to outdoor decorating. Don’t worry, I’m here to help! We’ll walk through everything you need to know, step-by-step, so you can create a truly stunning visual welcome for friends, family, and everyone passing by. Get ready to light up your holiday season!
Why Decorate Outdoor Columns for Christmas?
Outdoor columns, often flanking doorways or lining driveways, are like the welcoming arms of your home. Dressing them up for the holidays instantly elevates your home’s curb appeal and creates a spectacular first impression. It’s a relatively simple way to add significant festive flair without needing a huge decorating budget or extensive DIY skills. Think of them as the perfect canvas for a touch of holiday cheer. They can guide guests towards your entrance with a warm glow, or stand proud as beacons of seasonal joy.
Decorating columns not only makes your home look more inviting but can also contribute to the overall festive atmosphere of your neighborhood. It’s a way to share your holiday spirit and participate in the community’s celebration. Plus, it’s a fantastic beginner-friendly project that delivers impressive results. You don’t need to be a professional decorator to make your columns look like they belong on a holiday card!
Choosing the Right Christmas Lights for Your Columns
The first step in your column decorating adventure is selecting the perfect lights. This isn’t just about picking the prettiest string; it’s about functionality, durability, and aesthetics. Let’s break down the key considerations:
Types of Lights
You’ll find a variety of Christmas lights available, each with its own charm and best use:
- Mini Lights: These are the classic, small bulbs we often associate with Christmas trees. They are versatile, come in countless colors, and are great for wrapping around columns.
- LED Lights: Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are a fantastic eco-friendly and budget-conscious choice. They use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, last much longer, and are more resistant to breakage. They also run cooler, which is a safety benefit.
- Icicle Lights: These lights mimic icicles with varying lengths of drooping strands. They can add a beautiful, cascading effect to the top of columns or a more dramatic look if you have tall, slender columns.
- Net Lights: These come in a mesh pattern, making them easy to drape over bushes or, in some cases, wrap around wider columns. They offer a quick and even distribution of light.
- Novelty Lights: These come in various shapes like stars, snowflakes, or characters. While fun, they are often best used as accents rather than for full column coverage unless you have a specific theme in mind.
Considerations for Outdoor Use
When decorating outdoors, durability is key. Look for these features:
- “Outdoor Rated” or “Weather Resistant”: This is paramount. Ensure the lights are specifically designed for outdoor use. They should be able to withstand rain, snow, and varying temperatures.
- Bulb Type: As mentioned, LEDs are a great choice for longevity and energy efficiency. Traditional incandescent bulbs can be more prone to breaking, especially in harsh weather.
- Wire Color: Choose wire colors that blend with your columns or your other decorations. Green or brown wires can disappear against natural materials, while white or clear wires are versatile for most applications.
- Bulb Spacing: Closer bulb spacing creates a denser, more brilliant effect. Wider spacing can be more economical and is suitable for larger areas or a more subtle look.
Color and Style
This is where you can get creative! Think about the overall aesthetic you want to achieve:
- Warm White: Offers a classic, cozy, and inviting glow. It’s a timeless choice that complements most home exteriors.
- Cool White/Blue: Provides a more modern, crisp, and icy look, perfect for a winter wonderland theme.
- Multicolor: A fun and festive option, especially if you want a traditional, vibrant Christmas feel.
- Themed Colors: Consider colors that match your house trim or other outdoor decor (e.g., red and green, gold, silver).
Length and Quantity
Measure your columns! You’ll want to know the height and circumference to estimate how many strands you’ll need. It’s always better to have a little extra than to run short mid-project. A good rule of thumb is to have enough lights to wrap around the column with a slight overlap for a seamless look.
How to Attach Christmas Lights to Outdoor Columns: Step-by-Step
Now for the fun part – attaching the lights! Safety and protecting your columns are the top priorities here. Here’s a breakdown of common methods, from simple to slightly more involved.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need on hand. This will save you trips back and forth and keep your momentum going.
- Christmas lights (chosen in Step 1)
- Appropriate attachments (see options below)
- Measuring tape
- Ladder (ensure it’s stable and safe for use)
- Extension cords (outdoor rated)
- Timer (optional, for easy on/off)
- Zip ties or wire ties (UV resistant recommended)
- Gloves (for grip and protecting your hands)
- Safety glasses
Step 2: Plan Your Design and Route
Decide how you want the lights to look. Will you wrap them in a spiral, go vertically, or create a simple outline? Visualize the path of your extension cords to ensure they reach an outdoor outlet safely, avoiding high-traffic areas. Consider how you’ll hide or secure the cords to prevent tripping hazards.
Step 3: Choose Your Attachment Method
The best method will depend on your column’s material and how permanent you want the attachment to be. Here are some popular options:
Method A: Wire Ties and Zip Ties (Versatile & Gentle)
This is often the easiest and most beginner-friendly method, as it requires no drilling or permanent alteration.
Best for: Most column types, including brick, stucco, wood, and even some metal or vinyl columns. These work by gently securing the light strands without puncturing the surface.
How to do it:
- Start at the top or bottom of the column.
- Wrap the light strand around the column, keeping it snug but not overly tight.
- Use UV-resistant zip ties or flexible wire ties to secure the strand at intervals along the column’s height. You can either go around the entire column or use smaller ties to secure the wire to existing features if available (like decorative bands).
- For spiral designs, you can sometimes thread zip ties through small holes drilled in a temporary or unobtrusive guide strip that you then attach to the column.
- Ensure the ties are not so tight that they pinch the wires or bulbs.
Method B: Clothespins or S-Hooks (Temporary & Easy)
These are excellent for very temporary decorations or when you want the absolute easiest removal.
Best for: Columns with ledges, eaves, or specific architectural features where you can clip or hook the lights. Also great for columns wrapped in fabric or garland over which you are attaching lights.
How to do it:
- Use sturdy, weather-resistant clothespins to clip the light wire to the edge of a column cap, a decorative ledge, or a gutter if it’s directly above the column.
- Alternatively, small, rust-proof S-hooks can be hung from ledges or decorative elements to hold the light strands.
- For truly smooth columns, you can purchase magnetic clips (ensure they are strong enough for your lights and column material) or suction cup clips if the surface is very smooth and clean.
Method C: Adhesive Clips or Hooks (Careful Application Needed)
These can be very effective, but it’s crucial to choose products designed for outdoor use and to follow instructions carefully to avoid damaging paint or finishes.
Best for: Smooth, clean column surfaces like painted wood, vinyl, or some types of metal where a strong adhesive will hold but can be removed cleanly. Always test in an inconspicuous area first!
How to do it:
- Clean the column surface thoroughly with soap and water, and let it dry completely.
- Apply outdoor-rated adhesive clips or temporary adhesive hooks at regular intervals as recommended by the product instructions.
- Allow the adhesive to cure according to the manufacturer’s directions before hanging the lights.
- Drape and secure the light strands to the clips or hooks.
- Removal usually involves gently prying the clip off or using a specific removal technique recommended by the manufacturer to avoid paint damage, especially in cold weather.
Method D: Staple Gun with Light Clips (For Wood Columns Only)
This method requires a bit more caution and is only suitable for solid wood columns.
Best for: Unpainted or painted solid wood columns where minimal, discreet fasteners are acceptable.
How to do it:
- Use a staple gun with plastic light clips (available at hardware stores) that are designed to hold the light wire without damaging it.
- Carefully staple the clips at regular intervals along the column, securing the light strand. Be mindful of the depth of the staple to avoid damaging the column’s integrity or pushing through to the other side.
- This method is more permanent and can leave small holes, so consider this carefully.
Step 4: Stringing and Securing the Lights
Based on your chosen method and design:
- Start at one end. If spiraling, begin at the base or top. For vertical lines, start at the top.
- Wrap or hang the lights consistently. Aim for even spacing between the light strands for a professional look.
- Secure as you go. Don’t wait until you’ve hung all the lights to start securing them. Attach your zip ties, clips, or hooks every few feet to keep the lights in place and prevent sagging.
- Connect strands carefully. If you need to connect multiple strands, ensure they are designed to be connected end-to-end and that the connection is secure and weather-proof.
- Manage the cords. Tuck excess cord neatly. Use zip ties to bundle any extra length and secure it discreetly to the column or along the base.
Step 5: Connect Power and Test
This is where safety is your number one priority.
- Use outdoor-rated extension cords. Ensure they are long enough to reach a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet without being stretched too taut.
- Avoid overloading circuits. Check the wattage requirements for your lights and the capacity of your outlet. The National Electrical Code (NEC) recommends specific guidelines for outdoor circuits. For example, the NFPA provides excellent resources on electrical safety.
- Plug everything in. Connect your lights to the extension cord, and the extension cord to the outlet.
- Use a timer! A simple outdoor timer will allow your lights to turn on and off automatically, saving energy and hassle.
- Test your lights. Make sure all bulbs are working and the display looks as you envisioned. Address any issues now before you’ve fully tidied up.
Materials and Durability: What to Look For
When investing in outdoor Christmas lights for columns, consider the long-term. The materials used in both the lights and their securing mechanisms play a big role in their lifespan and how they hold up against the elements.
Light Strand Construction
Bulbs: As mentioned, LEDs are superior for outdoor durability. They are typically sealed more effectively against moisture and are much less prone to impact damage. Incandescent bulbs, while cheaper initially, can fail more easily in wet conditions or if a bulb is loose.
Wire: Look for thick, heavy-duty wire. It should be well-insulated and resistant to cracking, especially in cold weather. The thickness of the wire often indicates its durability and ability to handle more strands connected end-to-end.
Connectors: Ensure the end connectors (where strands plug into each other) are robust and designed for a secure, weather-tight fit. Some higher-quality sets feature screw-on or locking connectors for added security against the elements.
Attachment Accessory Durability
Zip Ties: Opt for UV-resistant outdoor zip ties. Standard indoor zip ties can become brittle and break when exposed to sunlight over time.
Clips/Hooks: If using plastic clips, ensure they are made from outdoor-grade plastic that won’t become brittle in the cold or degrade in UV light. For metal hooks, choose rust-proof or galvanized materials.
Adhesives: Outdoor-specific adhesive products from reputable brands are essential. These are formulated to withstand temperature fluctuations and moisture without losing their bond or leaving residue. Always check the product’s temperature range for application and removal.
Column Material Considerations
The type of material your columns are made from will influence the best way to attach lights:
| Column Material | Recommended Attachment Methods | Methods to Avoid (or Use with Caution) |
|---|---|---|
| Brick/Stone | Zip ties/wire ties (wrap around column), adhesive clips (if smooth mortar joints), S-hooks (if ledges available). | Staple gun, forceful drilling/screwing (can damage material). |
| Wood (Solid) | Staple gun with light clips (carefully), zip ties, adhesive clips, can also be drilled for screw-in hooks. | Over-tightening wires that can dig into wood, using adhesives on painted surfaces without testing. |
| Vinyl/Composite | Adhesive clips (test first!), zip ties (ensure they don’t pinch/damage), S-hooks (if ledges). | Staple gun, drilling (can cause cracking or damage), strong adhesives that could peel siding. |
| Stucco/Plaster | Zip ties/wire ties. Adhesive clips on smoothest areas (test!). | Staple gun, drilling, strong adhesives. |
| Metal | Magnetic clips (if magnetic), zip ties, adhesive clips (on painted surfaces). | Drilling into metal unless intended for permanent fixtures. |
Creative Ideas to Enhance Your Column Lights
Once you’ve mastered the basics of attaching lights, you can explore ways to make your column display even more special.
- Spiral Wrap: This is a classic for a reason. Start at the base and spiral upwards, or vice versa. Varying the tightness of the spiral can create different visual effects.
- Vertical Stripes: Run lights straight up and down. This can make columns appear taller and more stately. For a dramatic effect, use multiple strands run side-by-side.
- Candy Cane Theme: Use red and white lights (or green and white) and wrap them in a spiral to expertly mimic a candy cane.
- Garland Integration: Wrap garland around your columns first, then weave your lights through it. This adds depth and a fuller look. Ensure the garland is also rated for outdoor use and secured well.
- Top Accent: Focus lights only on the top of the column, cascading downwards, or create a festive halo effect.
- Combine Light Colors: Mix warm white with a pop of color, or use two complementary colors for a unique look.
- Themed Finishes: Add a large ornament, a festive bow, or a small, weather-proof holiday figure at the top or base of the column to complete the look.
Maintaining Your Column Lights
A little bit of care can ensure your lights look great throughout the season and are ready for next year.
