@illustriousandy changing all my ornaments without spending a bunch of money! #christmasdecor #diy #christmasdiy #christmas #ornaments #christmashack #christmastree Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms

Change Ornaments with Balloons

I love exploring new trends and color schemes every Christmas, but buying all new ornaments every year is not budget-friendly. This hack from @illustriousandy allows you to change the color of every tree ornament for just a couple of bucks! Buy a bag of balloons in the colors you want, snip off the end of each one, then insert the ornaments inside. The best part is that, unlike paint, the balloon covers aren’t permanent, so you can switch colors as much as you want.

The post 10 Hacks To Make Holiday Decorating Cheaper and Easier appeared first on Family Handyman.

Christmas Tree Safety

Having a real Christmas tree is an exciting part of the holiday season. It makes your home smell like fresh pine, and there’s a magic to picking out and bringing home your perfect tree. But live trees can also pose some safety risks. The best way to keep your tree fresh is to water it regularly. This slows down the drying-out process and helps to reduce the chances of the tree catching fire.

The problem is that the tree’s water bowl is at the bottom of the tree, buried underneath branches, lights, ornaments, and presents. Trying to water it can be a mess at best and potentially dangerous at worst. And the fuller the tree is at the bottom, the harder this process can be. On

Christmas Tree Watering Hack

In order to simplify the watering process, Richards suggests finding an old cardboard tube that is long enough to reach the bowl in which your tree is mounted. Try to find a thick one, ideally from old wrapping paper. If it’s thin, like the kind that comes inside paper towel rolls, you’ll only be able to use it a couple of times before it gets too soggy and loses all structural integrity. You’ll also want one that’s on the longer side, so you don’t have to bend down. If you can find one long enough to stand upright while it’s in the bowl, that’s the best option.

Once you’ve got your tube, simply stick it between the branches and into the water bowl. Then, you can pour water down the tube and into the bowl. This way, you don’t have to get down on your hands and knees under the tree and risk knocking it over. Nor do you have to risk spilling water on presents, ornaments or even worse, lights. Be sure to keep tabs on the amount of water in the tree bowl, and also check to see how dry your tree is feeling so that you can stay on top of the watering schedule.

The post Struggling to Water Your Christmas Tree? Try This Simple Trick appeared first on Family Handyman.

Inflatables, inflatables, inflatables! Have you noticed how inflatables seem to be a part of holiday decor every season? Big ones, small ones. Halloween, Christmas, cartoon characters, fantastical! They are not cheap, and truth be told, the biggest challenge to having inflatables in your front yard is they are fragile. Some inflatables are even delicate. The question is, after investing in decorative inflatables, how do you take care of them to ensure your investment lasts for more than one season?

Most inflatable yard decorations are made from durable, waterproof nylon or other synthetic materials so they can resist rain. However, the true secret to having your inflatable around for more than one season is how you take care of it when it is up and how you store it during the off-season.

Here are a few tips to protect your inflatable investment and ensure the fun lasts more than one season.

Before you use your inflatable

• Read the directions and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for exposure to extreme temperatures and moisture, such as snow, ice or rain.
• Location, location! Choose a flat, clean area far away from Christmas trees and other sharp objects to display your inflatable.
• Check for tears and rips at the start of each new season. Small holes will prevent the inflatable from properly filling, and over time, small holes will become bigger holes.
• Everything has a limit. Follow recommended weight limits, restrictions and recommendations.

The post Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Holiday Inflatables Looking Festive for Years appeared first on Family Handyman.

Colorful Decor

Christmas decorations in the ’90s were all about color! Traditional Christmas colors like red, green and gold were abundant, but all the other colors of the rainbow were included as well. Recreate the look by living by the more is more code: colorful lights, gaudy wrapping paper, and tree ornaments that didn’t follow a strict color scheme.

What Makes It ’90s: Before we started limiting our Christmas decor to white, metallics and neutrals, color was king in the ’90s.

The post 8 Ways to Nail ’90s Holiday Decor This Christmas appeared first on Family Handyman.

Before ordering your Christmas tree this year, heres everything you need to know, especially if you want to create extra holiday magic with an app-controlled, smart Christmas tree.

What is the Twinkly Christmas Tree?

The Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree is a pre-lit artificial Christmas treean Aspen Pine, to be exactwith multicolor RGB lights. The Twinkly app controls the lights and lets you choose and design lighting effects through your phone. The preset lighting effects include options like rainbow, snow and fireworks light patterns.

There are literally dozens upon dozens of preset customization optionsdifferent color combinations, patterns and animations, says Product Testing Manager Annamarie Higley. It might be a little overwhelming when you open the app to all the flashing colors and lights. But it’s also kind of fun to go through all the options.

With so many lighting options available, you can select a preset pattern and then, beyond that, adjust its speed and brightness, combine patterns and animations, or completely start from scratch and layer a bunch of different colors and patterns over each other. The possibilities for unlocking peak Christmas magic are endless.

Heres a breakdown of the Twinkly Smart Christmas Trees specific product features.

EMIKO FRANZEN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$839.93 at Amazon

We Tried It

Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree

$839.93 at Amazon

Twinkly Christmas Tree Product Features

Size

The 7 -foot Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree is 90 inches tall and 51 inches in diameter. Our product testing team measured the tree at 90 inches and found it to weigh more than 50 pounds despite the product description indicating it weighs just 33 pounds. About 15 inches stand between the floor and the bottom of the first branchplenty of room for presents from Santa.

Setup

According to our testers, setup is conveniently a one-person job. Even moving the box (before opening) is easy. The entire tree took only 15 minutes to fluff! The lighting process is easy, toojust plug in and go.

The Twinkly Christmas Trees quick-set power pole makes assembling each pre-wired section of the tree a breeze, no hassling with extra wiring or messy cords.

Lights

The Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree is pre-lit with 390 smart RGB LED lights. RGB lights combine red, green and blue hues to create millions of color options. So, no color is off-limits when it comes to your holiday tree experience. You can choose classic warm white options with a subtle twinkle or bright rainbow colors with a flashing effect and just about everything in between. You can even sync the lighting display with music. The lights also turn on and off with a convenient foot petal, so Christmas magic is literally just one step away.

Appearance

Our testers described the needles on the tree as a combination of plasticky and papery.

Product Tester Sheri Kaz says, Its a darker green color, which is nice but solid and uniform, so the tree loses a few points for realism there.

The tree is pretty full, Sheri adds. The lights are nice and bright, but it feels like there could be some more spread throughout the middle and bottom sections.

Our team noticed minimal drooping with this tree and very little shedding. They suggest the Twinkly Christmas Tree should hold up for many holiday seasons to come.

Smart Control

The Twinkly app lets you customize lighting effects, sync your display with music, set timers for automatic lighting and more. Let your Christmas creativity shine by designing a custom light show. Build your own animations from scratch or use pre-set templates throughout the season. Using the playlist feature, you can even set up multiple scenes and switch between them.

Take your Christmas party to the next level by syncing your Twinkly lights with music. With the addition of the Twinkly Music USB dongle, the Twinkly app can make your tree lights dance to your favorite holiday tunes.

With the Twinkly app, you can set timers to turn your smart lights on and off automatically. Schedule your Christmas tree lights to turn on with your house lights at dusk or program them to only light up on certain days. Whatever you decide, you wont have to think or worry about manually turning on your tree lights.

How We Tested It

Our product testing team unboxed, assembled and measured the Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree in the studio, where they fluffed it until it was full and presentable. That process was timed. Our testers ensured the product was easy to set up while also noting minor discrepancies regarding size between the product listing and real-life measurements.

Our testers also lit the tree, which involved downloading, registering and pairing the tree with the Twinkly mobile app. From there, they tested all the settings and functions to evaluate the apps user-friendliness, compatibility and capabilities. Despite initially being a little overwhelming due to the sheer volume of lighting options, our product testers found the Twinkly app user-friendly and intuitive. If youre looking to set up more than one tree model in the Twinkly app, you may first spend some time setting up the app. Our team did. However, once they got through the initial troubleshooting, the app could easily manage more than one unit.

Our team outfitted the tree with a collar and ornaments to ensure that the branches could withstand standard-size ornaments. They also swept and collected any needles that were shed during the assembly and disassembly process. The Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree shed virtually no needles and was easy to put up and take down.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our Product Testing Lab put the Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree through rigorous testing and collected approximately 275 data points testing Christmas trees ahead of the holiday season this year. In total, they spent an estimated 60 collective hours testing Christmas trees, including researching, sourcing, intaking and testing. They also spent time photographing the Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree so you can see how it looks under real, natural lighting without any photoshopping tricks.

FAQ

How does the Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree work?

The tree worksby using the Twinkly app to control the lights. From your phone, you can map the location of each LED light on the tree for custom lighting effects, choose from pre-programmed modes and create your own lighting effects. You can also set timers for your lights, group multiple Twinkly products together so they act as a single display and use voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

How much is the Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree?

The Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree retails for $840 on Amazon.

What Other Reviewers Have to Say

With more than 600 reviews on Amazon, the Twinkly Pre-Lit Aspen Pine Smart Christmas Tree earns a 4.5-star rating.

This is my first ever artificial tree and I have to admit it was a tough choice. Like most, I’ve enjoyed the ritual of going and getting a tree, the smell of fresh pine, and having the feels over a good pick at the tree lot, says verified purchaser Ty Carriere. This year was different. I’m an empty nester now and it didn’t feel the same getting a tree by myself, plus though I love the smell of pine throughout the house, I hate the clean up after. So this year I decided to get an artificial tree and I’m really pleased with this purchase!

[The] light patterns are controlled through presets on the connected box or a phone app and are extremely customizable (no literally, I can draw what patterns I want on the tree and how they are animated on my phone, it’s brilliant), Ty adds. Scheduling when you want the lights to come on and off through the app and even which patterns at what time. Looks great!

I was skeptical getting this tree online at first because of some of the reviews on the lights not working properly when connected, says five-star reviewer Elicia, The app was a bit frustrating to work with at first but once we found the directions everything was a breeze. Im so happy with how you can change the lighting colors and effects from glow to twinkle

Final Verdict

While it is a sizable investment, our testing proves the Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree is worth the splurge if you want to up your Christmas game this holiday season with a smart Christmas tree. Our team made positive remarks about the Twinkly app, too. In fact, many smart Christmas tree brandslike the coveted Balsam Hill Blue Spruceuse Twinkly for pre-lit, smart options.

Where to Buy the Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree

EMIKO FRANZEN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

$839.93 at Amazon

We Tried It

Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree

$839.93 at Amazon

The Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree retails for $840 on Amazon.

The post Twinkly Smart Christmas Tree Review: We Tried It, and Here’s What Happened appeared first on Family Handyman.

There’s no right way or wrong way to decorate a tree… right? Well, it turns out that there may be a smarter way to decorate a tree at least when it comes to Christmas lights.

Anyone who’s wrapped a tree in lights will tell you it can be a struggle to weave the strands between those prickly branches. But TikTok user @lizlovery claims to have discovered a method she finds much easier, and it involves going up and down instead of side-to-side.

@lizlovery Wow what a difference this made! Thank you @mrsclarehoops ! #HolidayVibes #christmas #holidaydecor #homedecor #decortips #IntroVideo #hometips O, Christmas Tree – Christmas

“When you’re putting lights on your Christmas tree, instead of wrapping around the tree actually put them up and down,” says Lovery.

The technique is simple: hang the lights up and down your tree, moving in a slight zig-zag pattern as you go. The benefits are clear and obvious enough that we think Lovery is definitely onto something. For one thing, it’s simply easier to work up and down as opposed to wrapping around the whole tree. Plus, hanging lights vertically makes it easier to change out an individual strand if a bulb goes bad and requires fewer lights overall.

Other Christmas Tree Decor Tips

As we head toward the holiday season, here are a few other Christmas tree decoration tips to keep in mind:

• Plug your lights into a timer or smart outlet to control how long they stay on and prevent the bulbs from burning out.
• Incorporate different textures of decorations to give your tree a homey, classic look.
• If you’ve got a fake tree, take your time fluffing out the branches. The tree will look much better (and more real) if you do.
• Don’t have a ton of ornaments? Flocking a tree is a fun, unique look that will transform your living room into a winter wonderland.
• Got a bad strand of bulbs? Here’s how to fix a faulty fuse:

The post Here’s Why You Should Hang Your Christmas Tree Lights Vertically appeared first on Family Handyman.

Whether you’re picking out a pair of hiking shoes to gift, splurging on a new reading chair for the living room, or using the Black Friday price slashes as a chance to upgrade your washer/dryer, we’ve got deals for you. Below is a list of our favorite sales that are live now, so don’t wait to shop.

Editors Note:Prices and promotions are subject to change, and deals are valid while supplies last. Well update this page throughout the holiday shopping season, but we strongly suggest shopping early for the best selection!

The Best Cyber Monday Deals

Big Box Stores

VIA MERCHANT

$79 at Lowe's

Top Deal

Kobalt Cordless Drill

Hanging Christmas lights and tackling other home projects just got a lot easier with this 24-volt cordless drill. It's on sale for $79, saving you 60 bucks.

$79 at Lowe's

• Amazon: Find deals on everything from tools to furniture to apparel and more. Savings drop every hour, so you’re never far from a good deal. Act fast, though, as top products tend to sell out.
• Ace Hardware: Theres no shortage of discounts at Ace this holiday season. Save over $100 on Weber grills, take 30% off select Milwaukee gear and score savings on more top brands. Use codeHOLIDAY24for 15% off at checkout.
• Lowe’s: Cyber Monday deals are live, with savings of up to 60% on select products. Shop deals on your favorite brands likeDeWalt,KobaltandCraftsman. You can even scoretwo free tools with thepurchase of select items.
• The Home Depot: Now through December 4, take up to 50% off appliances, tools and accessories, furniture and so much more.
• Walmart: From tech to toys, Walmart has it all on sale this Cyber Monday and new deals just dropped on their website. We have our eyes on this 55′ Roku Smart TV, marked down just under $180.
• Wayfair: Don’t miss the best prices of the year. Take up to 80% off area rugs, 55% off seasonal decor, 65% off mattresses and more. You dont want to miss it!

Appliances, Housewares and Tools

VIA MERCHANT

$1399 at Amazon

Top Deal

Husqvarna Automower 415X Robotic Lawn Mower

Give the gift of less yard work! We've seen the Husqvarna Automower in action and can confirm it's up for most cutting jobs. Pick one up for 30% off on Cyber Monday.

$1399 at Amazon

• Coway: Selected as our top pick for a HEPA air purifier, you won’t want to miss Coway’s deals on Airmega models. Get up to 50% off select air purifiers.
• HOTO Tools: Bestselling products are up to 64% off through December 2, including a handy pocket tire pump for 40% off. The perfect stocking stuffer!
• Husqvarna: Take up to 40% off select Husqvarna lawn care tools, including some of the brands most in-demand smart mower units, battery-powered tools, blowers, chainsaws and trimmers.
• Leatherman: Select multitools can be purchased for up to 40% off during Leatherman’s sales event. Plus, orders over $100 will receive a free blade sharpener.
• LG: Update old appliances with new gear from LG. Their Black Friday sale includes up to 25% off refrigerators, 30% off laundry and more. Even the new WashTower is on sale.
• Mila: Save up to 43% on Mila air units and up to 37% on Mila mini-units now through December 2. Check out our Mila air purifier review here
• Samsung: Save over $1000 on Bespoke laundry and refrigerators, among other significant savings on home appliances.

Outdoor Living

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Solo Stove

Top Deal

Solo Stove Fire Pit Backyard Bundle

S'mores? Coming right up. This backyard bundle comes with a Bonfire fire pit, shelter and accessories. Originally priced at $600, this set is on sale for $300. That's a 50% savings! Plus, you'll qualify for a free gift at checkout with code MEGADEAL.

Shop on Solo Stove

• EcoFlow: Take up to 56% off portable power stations, accessories and bundles. Unsure if you need a generator? We reviewed the EcoFlow Delta to help you decide.
• Helinox: From November 29-December 8, save up to 50% sitewide on camping chairs, tables and cots.
• Lawnbright: Get 25% off all new subscriptions on natural lawncare products with code FRIDAY25 through December 2
• Rumpl: Through December 3, get up to 40% off blankets and cult-favorite camping gear. We tested the Original Puffy Blanket and highly recommend it for the perfect holiday gift.
• Rocky Talkie: Through December 5, take 20% off sitewide. Read our Rocky Talkie radio review.
• Sea to Summit: Ttake 40% off synthetic sleeping bags, self-inflating mats, Ether light series and water sports. Plus, all tents are 50%.
• Solo Stove: Our favorite smokeless fire pit brand offers up to 50% off and free gifts with code MEGADEAL when you spend $250+, $500+ or $1000+.
• TerraFlame: Save up to $50 on tabletop fire pits across the site through December 3.
• Traeger Grills: If you’re dreaming of smoked ham for Christmas, you won’t want to miss this. Take up to $300 off pellet grills through Christmas Eve.

Furniture and Decor

VIA MERCHANT

$2699 at Frontgate

Top Deal

Frontgate Classic Fraser Fir

When testing the best artificial Christmas trees, our team was stunned by the lifelike branches on this Frontgate tree. Save up to $1400 (depending on the size) during the brand's Cyber Monday sale.

$2699 at Frontgate

• Albany Park: Take up to 40% off furniture. We tried the Kova pit sectional and fell in love.
• Burrow: Save on sectionals, kitchen tables and more during the Burrow Black Friday sale. Score 30% off sitewide.
• Chasing Paper Save 25% sitewide on orders less than $1,000 for wallpaper, tile decals and more.
• Frontgate: Get up to 75% off sitewide and free shipping on everythingincluding furniture.
• Lovesac: We’ll never stop talking about how much we love Lovesac, especially the brand’s iconic Sactional sectional. Take 30% off almost everything on the site.
• Plufl: Get the viral dog bed for humans with a $200 savings, plus a free gift with purchase.
• TwoPages: Spend $1,000+ to get $200 off sitewide on curtains and more with code TP200 through December 2.
• Ublockout: Through December 6, take up to 30% off blackout shades.

Bedding and Mattresses

VIA MERCHANT

$2710 at Saatva

Top Deal

Saatva Classic Mattress

Settle down for a long winter's nap on a new mattress. The Saatva Classic, which we tested, is available for $400 off.

$2710 at Saatva

• Brooklinen: Get 25% off sitewide and up to 50% off bedding bundles through December 4.
• Cariloha: From now until December 3, take 40% off sitewide and buy-one-get-one on resort sheets.
• Helix: Take 25% off sitewide with code BF25. One of our editors loves the Midnight Elite mattress.
• Layla Sleep: Through December 9, get $300 off plus two free memory foam pillows with code EXTRA150OFF and up to 76% off all other products with the purchase of a mattress.
• Saatva: Take $400 off orders of $1000 or more on editor-approved luxury mattresses, bedding and more.
• Silk and Snow: Through December 3, get up to 25% off sitewide.

Cleaning and Organizing

VIA MERCHANT

$81.49 at Bissell

Top Deal

BISSELL Little Green Machine Carpet Cleaner

Did someone spill red wine at Thanksgiving? Don't sweat. This portable carpet cleaner removes stains like a champ. Pick one up for $81.49, which brings a savings of 34%

$81.49 at Bissell

• BISSELL: Take 30% off orders over $150, 20% off orders $50 to $149.99 and 15% off orders up to $49.99.
• Dyson: The Dyson Black Friday sale offers savings of up to $300 on cordless vacuums, air purifiers and more. Save $250 on the Gen5outsize Absolute cordless vacuum.
• Dropps: Get 30% off everything sitewide for the ultimate clean laundry upgrade.
• Yamazaki Home: From November 27 to December 2, take 15% off sitewide, with select items discounted up to 50%.

Pets

VIA MERCHANT

$18.60 at Amazon

Top Deal

Rocco & Roxie Stain and Odor Eliminator

Our pet parents always have a bottle of this stain remover on hand. It's the best option we've tried! Stock up during the brand's Black Friday sale when it's on sale for 25% off.

$18.60 at Amazon

• Chewy: Fido deserves presents, too! Take up to 60% off thousands of pet products. They’ll be drooling over these tasty treat deals.
• Diggs: Through December 2, take 25% off sitewide and get a free collar and leash set on orders $250+.
• Ollie: Through December 6, new members take 70% off and get a free bowl of dog food made with human-grade ingredients.
• Petco: Take up to 25% off sitewide during Cyber Monday using code CYBER25at checkout.
• Rocco and Roxie: Through December 2, take 25% off popular products like the Stain and Odor Eliminator and Gourmet Jerky Sticks.
• SpotOn GPS Fence: From November 29-December 6, get 15% off the GPS fence.

FAQ

When is Black Friday 2024?

This year, Black Friday landed on November 29, 2024. However, this seasonal shopping holiday officially evolved into a month-long savings extravaganza. Most retailers continue to have their best deals live, so now is the time to fill up your shopping cart with the best savings on big-ticket items.

How long does Black Friday last?

Black Friday sales launch throughout November and sometimes run all the way through Christmas. However, they may also only last for a few days, and the deals are only active while items are in stock. Act fast if you see something you love on markdownyou may not get another chance to snag it on discount before the holidays.

Who has the Best Black Friday Deals?

Most retailers, likeWalmart,Wayfair,AmazonandAce Hardware, offer the best discounts online as they clear their warehouses for spring stock. But its hard to keep track of which sales are happening and when. As sales and deals experts, we report on all the best Black Friday deals, from tools and appliances to housewares and mattresses.

The post Cyber Monday Is Here—Shop the Best Home and DIY Deals Now appeared first on Family Handyman.

Joanna Gaines Post-Holiday Decor Hack

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A post shared by Joanna Gaines (@joannagaines)

Gaines posted a video of herself putting a large tree branch in a vase to add some decor to the walls. It’s a cheap and easy way to create a statement piece along a wall and prevent your home from feeling bare while you wait for the next decoration-heavy holiday to roll around.

Gaines elaborated a bit on the hack in her caption, including some advice on what NOT to do: “If your home feels a little naked after the holidays, cut a branch and stick it in a vase. Don’t screw it in the wall like I did though. That’s a little too far.”

This hack is perfect if you gravitate toward nature-inspired decor and flowers. It essentially takes that idea one step further and elevates it from some florals in a small vase to an eye-catching statement piece that fills up an otherwise empty wall.

Recreate the Hack at Home

If it’s legal and safe to do so, you can cut and collect a branch from outside. Ideally, you’ve got your own trees that you can pull from, but if you don’t, you can try asking one of your neighbors for a branch instead. This is the cheapest and easiest way to achieve the look.

Gaines picked a branch that still had plenty of leaves on it to really make the piece feel as full as possible. Depending on your climate, you might have to go for an evergreen tree branch or a similar type of tree that still carries its leaves in colder weather. If you live somewhere warm, you’ve probably got many more options available to you.

Either way, ensure the branch you pick fits into your choice of vase. Gaines uses a wide-necked metallic vase in her video. It’s shaped almost like a wine decanter, but it’s still open enough to accommodate the branch she selected. Be sure that your branch isn’t too top-heavy; Gaines screwed hers into the wall but says that you likely won’t need to do that for yours; just keep weight and proportions in mind as you recreate her hack.

The post If Your Walls Feel Naked After the Holidays, Try This Easy Joanna Gaines Hack appeared first on Family Handyman.

Tighten Bolts the Easy Way

Tightening the bolts on most Christmas tree stands is a pain, literally, and it takes forever. To save time and your hands, get a little help from your electric drill. Start by using a hacksaw to cut off the little ‘L’ at the end of the tree stand bolts. Chuck the ends of the bolts into your drill and tighten them. You’ll have your tree locked down in minutes.

The post 13 Christmas Tree Hacks That Will Make the Holidays Less Stressful appeared first on Family Handyman.

Window Spirits

High-tech gadgets can make a big impact on your outdoor display. A Halloween projector kit creates the illusion that ghosts are inside your house! It comes with a screen, projector, and a scary DVD that plays on loop. The results are disturbingly realistic, as seen here in this example from @historicholmanhouse. You can choose from other DVD options like spiders, skeletons and zombies.

The post 10 Eerie Decoration Ideas That’ll Bring Your Haunted House to Life appeared first on Family Handyman.

Luckily, Lumary has solved the age-old problem of spending multiple hours putting up and taking down holiday lights. The brand recently released permanent outdoor lights, which only have to be installed once and can be left up year-round (yes, really!).

What are the permanent outdoor lights from Lumary?

The permanent outdoor lights from Lumary come in a long string of outdoor LED lights that can be left up indefinitely. Choose from three different lengths: 53 feet, 105 feet or 158 feet. Each set ranges in price from $300 to $650 (depending on size).

Once you’ve installed your lights, control their color, brightness, and mode from the Lumary app, using Alexa or Google Assistant or from the included control box. Easily switch the colors from orange and purple for Halloween to red and green for Christmas without breaking out the ladder.

And if a singular light ends up broken or no longer works, don’t worry about throwing the entire strand away. Lumary makes each light with a detachable base so you can easily change one out.

Plus, these lights can withstand a wide range of temperatures (between -4 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the brand), so you don’t have to worry about extreme weather damaging them.

Where to Buy the permanent outdoor lights

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Lumary

Lumary Permanent Outdoor Lights Max

Shop on Lumary

Purchase the Lumary permanent outdoor lights on the Lumary website or Amazon. Prices start at $300, and you can choose from three sizes. Now, who’s ready for some holiday decorating?

The post Go from Halloween to Christmas Instantly with These All-New Permanent Outdoor Lights appeared first on Family Handyman.

Mastering the art of gift wrapping is a great way to make a big impression! When you learn how to wrap a present properly, you can avoid wasting a lot of wrapping paper and time. The type of tape you use can make a difference there are tapes available that blend in with the wrapping paper to make them less visible, and double-sided tape can be used to avoid the appearance of any tape. Although this is optional, if you want to go the extra mile, this is how you do it.

Tape the box shut

Secure the box to prevent the gift from spilling out, then flip the box upside down in the center of the wrapping paper area.

The post Wrap Presents Like a Pro This Holiday Season With This Foolproof Guide appeared first on Family Handyman.

How to Carve a Pumpkin the Right Way

If you’ve carved jack-o-lanterns before, you know that once you set them out on the porch, it’s a race between wildlife and rot to see who eats away at your pumpkins first. Carving your decorations the right way may not prevent your local rodents from getting a fun snack, but it can help to stave off the rot and give you a few extra days of Halloween magic.

Donaldson Farms published their tips and tricks guide to pumpkin carving, and their first tip involves the placement of the first hole.

While it’s common to start with a hole in the top, making it easy to remove the stem and scoop out the innards, this is not the best method. Instead, cut a hole in the back or the bottom of the pumpkin. Or, if you’re using a power washer to carve it, simply let the mouth serve as the hole. You should still save the piece you cut out, just like you would save the stem!

Why Should You Leave the Stem Attached to Your Pumpkin?

According to the folks at Donaldson Farms, the stem holds onto important nutrients your pumpkin needs to last as long as possible during the Halloween season. Without that stem, your pumpkin will fade and begin to rot much quicker, leaving you with the option of repeating the entire process to replenish your front porch decor or only getting to enjoy the jack-o-lanterns for a couple of days.

Professional pumpkin carver and co-founder of Maniac Pumpkin Chris Soria told Wirecutter he agreed with this approach, adding that “[the stem is] almost like the top of an umbrella holding the pumpkin together. If you cut through the top, after a day or two, that lid tends to fall right through the hole youve made. Then its only a matter of time before the pumpkin is completely gone.

Sources

• Donaldson Farms: “Pumpkin Carving Tips & Tricks”
• Wirecutter: “Want Your Jack-o-lantern to Last Longer? Stop Cutting a Hole in the Top!”2024

The post Stop! You’ve Been Carving Your Pumpkin Wrong This Whole Time appeared first on Family Handyman.

Pressure Washer Safety

As always, before you use your pressure washer to carve a pumpkin, be sure that you know how to safely operate it. Always wear proper safety equipment (e.g., close-toed shoes, goggles, etc.). Never run your gas-powered pressure washer indoors. And make sure you’ve picked the right nozzle and set the pressure correctly.

Pumpkin Carving Techniques

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1. Start with a plan: Sketch out your design first so that you’re happy with the template. Once you’ve decided what kind of face your jack-o’-lantern will have, you can start carving.
2. Prepare the area: Pick a spot to use the pressure washer that’s clear of fragile items. Make sure your pumpkin is propped up on a sturdy base that won’t be damaged.
3. Get calibrated: We recommend standing about four feet back, using a 0-degree nozzle, and setting your pressure to between 1,700 and 2,000 PSI. This should allow you to carve safely and precisely.
4. Start carving: You don’t have to scrape and empty the pumpkin ahead of time if you don’t want to. You can move straight into carving out your design. Start in the middle of the first section and slowly trace the desired shape as you go. Then repeat for the rest of the pieces. We suggest doing the mouth last as it’s usually the most intricate shape, and it’ll be easier if you’ve already gotten a feel for the process.
5. Finish strong: Once you’ve cut out all the pieces, take a closer look and make sure you’re happy with the look and that all the innards have made it out through the holes. Do any clean-up work or refining with the pressure washer or a knife if you feel more comfortable.

The post Put Down the Pumpkin Carving Knives and Turn On… the Pressure Washer? appeared first on Family Handyman.

So, what’s the best way to get the problem fixed promptly? Here are some steps you can try.

Confirm the Rules and Regulations

Just because your neighbor’s decorations are inconvenient doesn’t necessarily mean they’re against the rules or breaking any laws. Go to your city’s website and check out the rules and regulations regarding quiet hours and bright lighting late at night. If you are part of a homeowner’s association, you’ll also want to check its rules and regulations.

Confirm You Aren’t the Problem

Before you complain about your neighbor’s decor, confirm that your own holiday decorations aren’t causing issues.

• Make sure your lights and sounds turn off at or before city quiet hours.
• Ensure your decorations don’t creep onto the sidewalk or your neighbors’ yards.

If your decorations are also out of control, it’ll damper any requests you make. You can’t ask your neighbor to tone down their decorations if you’ve also gone over the top.

You should also take a beat and consider whether your request is reasonable. Sit with it for a moment, and then go to a trusted friend who you know will be honest with you. Holiday decorations aren’t generally up for more than a few weeks, so if your neighbor isn’t in violation of any ordinances and the people around you don’t share your opinion about the extent of the problem, you may want to consider letting your neighbor’s annoying decorations slide to avoid creating tensions that could last year-round.

Have a Friendly Conversation

There’s no reason to rapidly escalate immediately, especially if your neighbor isn’t actually breaking any rules. They’re your neighbor, after all, and you don’t want to foster animosity that outlasts the holiday season.

Start by conversing with them without mentioning city rules or the HOA regulations. Explain that the lights are too bright late at night or their music is too loud, and it’s impacting your sleep schedule. If you’ve got a unique need (e.g., a new baby who isn’t sleeping well, a family member with epilepsy who can’t be near flashing lights, etc.), then gently explain that to your neighbor. If they see that your request is not a personal attack on them, they’re more likely to make the requested change.

Chances are, if your request is reasonable, your neighbor will be amenable to addressing it. This way, you’ve salvaged a decent, or at least amicable, relationship with them instead of starting an unpleasant conflict.

Inform Your Neighbor You’ll File a Complaint

If your neighbor is actually breaking the city or your HOA’s rules and they refuse to stop the violation, inform them of your intention to file a complaint. Just the threat of taking action may convince them to meet you in the middle.

File a Complaint

If all else fails, it’s time to take action. If you live in an HOA, the board will likely enforce decoration rules. Speak to them, and keep everything in writing so you have documentation just in case. Alternatively, you can call the city’s code enforcement to resolve the issue (find the number on your city’s official website).

Ideally, it wont come to this, and you and your neighbor can find common ground in the holiday spirit!

The post Help! My Neighbor’s Holiday Decorations Are Out of Control appeared first on Family Handyman.

Nature already makes the perfect decoration for Halloween and Fall in general. Pumpkins. And they’re the perfect ingredient for tasteful seasonal decor. Even if you don’t grow your own pumpkins (though, maybe you should consider it, because they’re pretty easy to grow), the nice thing about them is that you can get them at the grocery store for a few bucks.

Martha Stewart recently posted a photo of her stoop, artfully adorned with a variety of pumpkins and other gourds. Check it out:

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I like the way she has them lining the path to the door, with the little, softball-sized pumpkins marking each edge of the steps. Leading up the steps, notice the variety of colors, shapes and sizes that give the whole presentation some visual interest. It draws your eyes to the display, following the line of vegetables up the pathway to the house.

It’s a pretty simple concept to borrow for your own porch, stoop or other outdoor area. If you want to do something similar, be sure to consider some kind of pattern or outline like this and use a variety of pumpkins to add visual interest. Depending on the size of the spot you want to decorate this way, you could probably scoop up a cart full of pumpkins for well south of $50 too.

Whole pumpkins last as long as three months, versus carved pumpkins which will only last for a few days before they begin to rot.

You don’t have to limit yourself to pumpkins either. You could mix in some other natural elements like mums, cornstalks, fall leaves or even wreath made with natural elements.

And, of course, if you still want some giant inflatable ghosts and ghouls for the kids, that’s totally fine too. At the end of the day, it’s your house and you can decorate it however you like.

The post Martha Stewart Has the Perfect Answer to Tacky Halloween Decorations appeared first on Family Handyman.

Bring the Outside Inside

One of Malina’s first tips to keep your seasonal decor timeless is to draw inspiration from nature. “Organic elements from your outdoor environment make for beautiful natural decor that can cross over from Thanksgiving all the way through the winter,” Malina explains.

If you’re struggling for inspiration, take some time to go for a walk or to a local park. Take note of the leaves, pine cones, and other pieces of nature. If it’s safe and legal to do so, Malina urges you to “gather some pine cones from the park into a decorative bowl on your coffee table, or pick up a shapely bare twig and place it in a ceramic vessel on your dresser.” If you want to make your decor holiday-specific, “you can even line up a couple of pine branches over a mantle or along a credenza.”

The post How To Make Your Seasonal Decor Timeless appeared first on Family Handyman.

LED Lights Cost More Money Upfront

LED Christmas lights will cost you more money upfront because components are often assembled by hand. But you’ll save money in the long run on your Christmas lights electric bill since LED lights use 75% less energy than incandescents.

And because LED lights use less energy, you’ll reduce greenhouse gas emissions, giving the environment a little help along with your power bill. LED lights also last longer so you don’t have to replace a strand of them as often. And since they need conducting material to dissipate heat and dispense a natural white glow, they’re often coated with yellow phosphor.

Do you know these things about LED lights:

The post 12 Facts About LED Christmas Lights You Should Know appeared first on Family Handyman.

Today, thanks in part to the popularity of easy-to-grow waxed amaryllis bulbs, I doubt that would happen. More people are figuring out how fun and easy it is to grow an amaryllis bulb for beautiful Christmas blooms.

How to Care for Amaryllis

By Thanksgiving or earlier, you can generally find amaryllis bulbs for sale at local garden centers and big box stores. They often come with a plastic pot and a compressed disk of potting soil. Occasionally, you can find just the bulbs for sale.

Always buy the biggest bulb you can find and inspect it to make sure there are no soft spots or signs of rot. You may notice green shoots emerging from the top, which means it’s ready to grow.

Plant your amaryllis bulb in a sturdy, heavy pot about one inch wider around than the widest part of your bulb. Fill the pot with well-draining potting soil and make sure it has a drainage hole. The pot should be deep enough to allow roots to grow. When planting, leave the top one-third of the bulb exposed.

Place your amaryllis bulb in a sunny location and water whenever the top one to two inches of soil feels dry. Like many tropical plants, amaryllis prefers moist soil and should never be left in standing water. Once flower buds form, move the plant out of direct sunlight to a location on the cooler side, which will help the flowers last longer.

Amaryllis Care After Blooming

After your amaryllis has bloomed, cut off the bloom stalk but leave the foliage so it continues to grow. Once a month, fertilize it with a general houseplant fertilizer.

In spring, once the possibility of frost has past, you can move your amaryllis plants outside and keep them growing in the same container. Bring them back inside well before any threat of frost in the fall.

How to Get an Amaryllis to Rebloom

If you want your amaryllis to rebloom for Christmas, plan for it to go dormant in early September. To do that, move it to a cool, dark location and stop watering it. As the foliage turns yellow, cut it off. Generally, amaryllis needs to be dormant for eight to 12 weeks before it begins to grow and flower again.

After it has been dormant, you may see green shoots again. At that point, move it back to a sunny location. Start watering it and it should bloom in four to six weeks, just as it did when you first bought it.

Can an Amaryllis Be Planted Outside?

Amaryllis bulbs, which are actually in the plant genus Hippeastrum, are usually grown as indoor plants. But they can survive outside where winter temperatures stay above freezing.

What About Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs?

Waxed amaryllis bulbs are one of the easiest ways to enjoy amaryllis blooms for the holidays. Set the bulb on a table and watch it grow. You don’t need to water them or do anything special to get them to produce flowers.

To prepare the waxed bulbs, growers cut off the bottom roots and insert a wire frame to allow the bulb to stand upright. Then the bulb is dipped in wax. When buying waxed bulbs, look for ones just beginning to show the flower buds. Once the amaryllis flowers have faded, you can throw the bulb away.

In some cases, it’s possible to get a waxed flower bulb to continue to grow after it has bloomed. To do this, carefully remove the wire base and all the wax, then plant the bulb as you would any other amaryllis bulb. Water it when dry. If it forms roots, it will likely grow and produce leaves. The following year, you can try to get it to bloom again.

Are Amaryllis Poisonous To Cats?

Yes. Amaryllis leaves and bulbs are poisonous to cats, dogs and humans if eaten. It’s generally a good practice to keep your pets away from all houseplants.

The post How to Keep an Amaryllis Plant Alive After Christmas appeared first on Family Handyman.

Weaving Ribbon

This tree by @bowsbybarth proves you can never have too much ribbon on your tree! Especially when the ribbon is as beautiful as these gold and white ribbon styles.

Here’s how Barth describes her technique: “I make a few loops and use the branches of the tree to secure them, then I go down [the tree] and let the ribbon flow naturally. I find the next connection point and secure the ribbon again to make it look like the ribbon is weaving in and out of the tree.”

The post 10 Christmas Tree Ribbon Ideas appeared first on Family Handyman.

Whether you dread it or embrace it, the holiday season involves many projects, large and small.

The large projects, like scaling your roofline to hang Christmas lights, can feel daunting, and even the small ones take more time than we imagined. How you prepare and approach all those holiday to-dos can make you want to sing along to those Christmas carols or simply scream, Bah, humbug!

Decorating a Christmas tree can be high on the list of daunting tasks, and full of pressure. We all have grand visions of yards and yards of ribbons dancing gracefully around our well-appointed tree.

Unfortunately, the reality is that those yards and yards of beautiful ribbon can easily tangle, and the ladder seems to get heavier and heavier as you move it around. It’s no wonder the whole ribbon process becomes a mess and certainly not fun.

When hanging beautifully billowing ribbons on a Christmas tree, the secret lies in breaking it down into smaller pieces. Cutting that 100-foot spool of ribbon into manageable proportions may seem wasteful or counterintuitive. However, the goal is to create the effect of each billow wrapping around the tree within an arms length without constantly repositioning your ladder.

With a few suggestions and tips, you can hang ribbons on a Christmas tree without getting all wrapped up.

Prepare your tree

If using an artificial Christmas tree, fluff and pull apart the branches to ensure they’re balanced before you attach the ribbon.Secure your topper, star and ribbon on the top of your tree before you join that section to the rest of the body.

If it’s a natural tree, trim overhanging branches that seem out of place to create a balanced look. Secure the ribbon/star/topper before you stand up the tree. It’s also easier to hang the lights on the tree before stringing the ribbon.

The post How To Put Ribbon On a Christmas Tree appeared first on Family Handyman.

• Hold your wreath at different heights on the window.
• Decide the height where your wreath looks best.
• Determine what style of window you have, because this affects how you’ll hang your wreath. Most windows are crank-open casement or horizontal or vertical sliders. Double-hung windows are a type of vertical slider.
  • For vertical slider and crank-open windows that open on the top or either side, hang your wreath with decorative ribbon.
  • For horizontal slider windows, you’ll need a hook and double-sided tape.

The post How To Hang a Wreath From a Window appeared first on Family Handyman.

• Remove the plug from the wall.
• Check both ends of the light strand. Remove other lights attached to the strand.
• Examine the strand for broken bulbs or a frayed cord. If these are present, the fuse may not be the problem.

The post How To Change a Fuse in Christmas Lights appeared first on Family Handyman.

The following expert-approved tips will help you select, set up and care for your Christmas tree so it stays fresh throughout the holidays.

Real Christmas Tree Prep Tips

O’Connor says the right location for your Christmas tree is crucial. “Keep your tree away from heat vents or a fireplace, which can dry out the tree excessively,” he says. Lucas Dull, co-owner of Dull’s Tree Farm, recommends avoiding a spot in front of a south-facing window for the same reason.

Some other planning pointers include:

• Measure the space: Check the width and height to avoid broken branches. “Don’t forget to account for your Christmas tree topper (star, angel, etc.),” Dull says.

• Purchase a stand: Get your tree in water as soon as you bring it home. “We recommend a minimum of one gallon to 1.5 gallons of capacity,” Dull says. But the larger the tree, the more it will drink. If you don’t want to buy one, then you can build your own Christmas tree stand.

• Do some species research: If you’ve got a lot of heavy decorations, pick a strong species, like a white spruce or noble fir, instead of a weaker white pine. For the real Christmas tree aroma, a popular Douglas or Fraser fir is ideal.

• Pick a healthy tree: Avoid specimens with lots of dropping brown needles or brittle branches. “The tree should be green and pliable rather than dry,” O’Connor says.

• Purchase a tree removal bag: “They really help keep the needles contained when it comes time to remove the tree,” Dull says. “Even if you don’t have a tree removal bag, an old sheet or tarp can be wrapped around the tree to help reduce the mess.”

When Do Tree Farms and Tree Lots Open?

“Most tree farms and lots open sometime around Thanksgiving,” Dull says. Don’t buy a tree before then. If you do, it won’t be as fresh when the holidays arrive, and you might have to take it downearlier than you would like.

But shopping too late comes with risks. “Most trees are sold in those first two weekends after Thanksgiving,” O’Connor says. “The longer you wait, the more picked over the inventory becomes.”

The closer it gets to Christmas, the greater the chances of local farms and lots selling out. You might have to travel further afield, pay a premium, or make do with a scrubby-looking specimen.

How to Transport a Real Christmas Tree

“While pickup trucks are the most user-friendly vehicles for collecting your tree, any vehicle with a roof will do,” Dull says. These transport tips will minimize busted branches, dropped needles and sore backs:

• Ask about netting: Most farms where you can cut your own Christmas tree will net it afterward to make it easier to handle and transport.

• Tying tactics: “If tying your tree to the top of your vehicle, put the bottom of the trunk facing the front of your vehicle,” Dull says. This reduces wind damage while driving.

• Bring a blanket or tarp: If you can fit the tree in your car, this prevents needles from getting everywhere.

How To Prep a Real Tree Before Bringing It Inside

“Often, the place you buy your tree has a tree shaker, where you put it on the device, and it shakes it to get loose needles off,” O’Connor says. If not, simply shake the tree yourself before heading indoors; wear gloves so any sap gets on them and not your skin. While bothersome bugs are rare on Christmas trees, this also helps remove clinging critters.

It’s OK if your tree has been sitting in a frozen lot, but Dull says it’s helpful to let a snow or ice-covered tree thaw in the garage. “Any ice or snow chunks that melt off the tree make a puddle in the garage instead of the house,” he says.

Ensuring your tree can absorb water effectively is vital. “If it has been more than a couple of hours since your tree received a fresh cut on the base, go ahead and give it another,” Dull says. This opens up the trunk veins, which can quickly callus over. “One-half inch off the bottom is sufficient,” he says.

Cut it with a handsawand be sure to remove any sap from the blade right away. “We use ammonia water to remove sap from tools, such as saws or clippers,” Dull says. “For hands, use hand sanitizer or some other alcohol-based hand cleaner.”

Keep your tree hydrated if you aren’t bringing it in immediately. O’Connor recommends putting it in a bucket of water in your garage in the interim. “You can also just store it without water, as long as it is given a fresh cut again before it is put into water,” Dull says.

How To Set Up Your Real Tree

O’Connor says to treat your tree like a vase of fresh-cut flowers. “If you let the vase run dry, the flowers are going to dry out very quickly, and a tree is going to be the same,” he says.

Never let the water level in the Christmas tree stand drop below the bottom of the trunk. If the base seals over and needs a new cut, do it before you’ve decorated your Christmas tree.

How much and when your Christmas tree needs watering depends on its size, species and the environment. However, Dull recommends filling your stand all the way up to start, then checking your tree twice a day, morning and evening, for the first few days or week. After that, a daily water check should be fine because the tree won’t be as thirsty.

If you’re concerned you might spill water while filling the stand, put a waterproof cover under it to deal with any wayward drips. “There are watering sticks that can help with making filling the tree stand easier and reduce the risk of spilling or overfilling,” Dull says.

Dull suggests waiting a day or two before decorating your tree. “This allows the branches to open up and fall into place, which helps make decorating easier,” he says.

How Long Do Real Trees Last?

“A well-cared-for fresh tree should last five to six weeks without a problem,” Dull says. Your watering schedule, the type of tree and the warmth of your home all affect how long a Christmas tree lasts.

About the Experts

• Lucas Dull co-owns Dull’s Tree Farm in Thorntown, Indiana, which has been been selling real Christmas trees since 1993.

• Tim O’Connor is executive director of the National Christmas Tree Association.

The post How To Prepare Your Home For a Real Christmas Tree appeared first on Family Handyman.

As an interior designer and former professional holiday decorator, I know lighting can make or break a space. Ive been a fan of multi-colored lighting used in set design and commercial settings since the early days of light-emitting diode (LED) innovation. Back then, smart apps didn’t exist to control the diodes, and set-up was too expensive for the average homeowner. Luckily, this isn’t the case anymore.

The next generation of Christmas cheer is here with Twinkly smart lights. These smart Christmas lights offer millions of color and pattern options for endless customization. Twinkly is a game changer, not just for holidays, but for adding atmosphere to home theaters, gaming rooms, outdoor parties or any place you have a strong Wi-Fi signal. Do these lights take indoor and outdoor holiday decorating to the next level? Find out if they live up to the hype in our review.

What are the Twinkly smart Christmas lights?

These certainly aren’t your grandmas Christmas lights. The Twinkly Generation II string lights set the scene for a fully customizable light show controlled by a robust app (with the help of a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection).

Multiple strings can be controlled by the app, but they cant be daisy-chained like traditional lights. These lights work in indoor or outdoor settings, so they can be strung on just about anything and plugged into a standard two-prong electric outlet. The connecting wires are thin and pliable, with a bulb placed every 3 inches on the dark green cord. Shockingly, these tiny lights are surprisingly bright! And the app has a brightness control to tone it down for indoor use.

VIA MERCHANT

$44.99 at Amazon

$89 at Walmart

$126.39 at Home Depot

Shop on Target

We Tried It

Twinkly Smart Christmas Lights

Create customized holiday magic with the app-controlled Twinkly Strings smart lights. These Indoor/outdoor LED lights make Christmas that much more festive.

$44.99 at Amazon

$89 at Walmart

$126.39 at Home Depot

Shop on Target

Twinkly Smart Christmas Lights Features

For starters, Twinkly smart Christmas lights power on and off with or without the app. However, the free app provides dozens of patterns and millions of color options with slide bars to control the speed and brightness of the effect. You can even control the angle of motion for some of the patterns. It’s easy to dim the lights for a gaming session or movie night. Plus, the Twinkly app has a built-in timer.

Its a modern-day wonder how these little LED lights got to be so smart. Once youre connected and your lights are hung on your Christmas tree, deck or gazebo, the app asks you to map them so it knows how to apply the patterns to your lighting display. To map the lights, youll need to allow access to the camera on your device. The app even allows you to draw a design or upload a gif. How cool is that?

Twinkly smart Christmas lights are compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple Home Kit for convenient voice control. And if thats not smart enough for you, grab the Twinkly Music device to sync your lights to your favorite tunes for the ultimate dance party or ambient vibe.

How We Brightened Up the Holidays with Twinkly Lights

When the lights first arrived, I plugged them in just to make sure they worked. Next, I downloaded the app and connected it via Wi-Fi using the 2.4 GHz network. I played with the effects, but wasnt ready to place or map the string yet. I took them to our office for our artificial Christmas tree testing days and had to connect them to a new Wi-Fi for them to work. This was a bit of a hassle, because they wouldnt connect for me without creating a new account.

Back home, I reconnected to the original network and ended up resetting my password to connect. I expected some frustration with it, but it quickly performed. I tested a 100-light strand on my 7.5-foot slim-profiled Christmas tree, which wasn’t enough to adorn the entire tree, just the front half. For this slim tree, I would use a minimum 250-light string while a 400-light or 600-light strand would be best for a full tree with a wider profile. For context, Balsam Hill recommends the 400-light string for a 6-foot tree. The 100-foot string I tested would be ideal for decorating a window, archway, mantle or tabletop tree.

Mapping Twinkly Lights

Once connected, I started the mapping process in the 2D mode. I watched the app magically detect every bulb, and actually sat on the floor and pointed the camera to get a wide shot of the entire tree. Since the lights were only in the front, I didnt need to move around the tree in 3D mode to capture different angles in order to map all of the lights.

Customizing the Light Show

Now, I was ready to try out the effects, patterns, colors, brightness and speed. I saved some effects to my favorites. It is worth noting that the app limits your saved effects to 15 and gives you an error message if you try to save more than that. However, it lets you single out a particular bulb to customize your look even further.

I was mainly interested in a warm-white effect and tried the snow effect, which was cold and blue. I adjusted the color to achieve a warm palette. I named it yellow snow (LOL). However, as the pattern changes, the lights emit red, green and blue rather than a consistent yellow light.

With so many fun effects and options to customize the animations, I had a blast playing with the looks. The lights are overall very bright and cool. Some effects allowed me to turn down the brightness and control the speed of the moving patterns. I downloaded a few other effects in search of the perfect peaceful holiday vibe and discovered another library of options.

Pros

• Multi-colored LED lights
• Lots of fun customizable effects and patterns
• Easy mapping process
• Convenient timer
• Works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple Home Kit
• One app controls multiple strings
• Easy pairing and connectivity
• Indoor and outdoor use
• Uses less energy than incandescent lights

Cons

• No daisy chain connectivity
• White is cold and bright

FAQ

Are smart Christmas lights worth it?

If you love customizing your lighting, syncing the lights to music and dazzling your friends and neighbors, smart LED Christmas lights are a must-have. Although smart string lights are more expensive than standard string lights, the features of these app-controlled lights are unsurpassed. When compared to incandescent lighting, LED lights run cooler, last longer and save money on energy consumption. Your investment in smart lights extend well beyond one holiday season, because smart lights are versatile and customizable for every occasion.

How do smart Christmas lights work?

Twinkly smart lights work with your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection, and are controlled by the app on your smart device. Twinkly has pre-programmed effects and many of them are customizable if you’re feeling creative.

How can I make my Christmas lights smarter?

Consider using a smart plug or timer to automate your holiday lighting. Using a a home network, like Alexa, will work to turn lights on or off with voice control, but standard lights wont be able to create a spectacular light show like Twinkly can.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Over 4,600 people have given the Twinkly smart Christmas lights five stars (on Amazon alone!). Here’s what they’re saying about these magical string lights.

Jana von Hehn, a five-star reviewer, writes, I had some angst about buying these lights because they seemed so expensive, but Im over it. The light shows they do are just jaw dropping. Its gorgeous and everyone who sees it even over the phone is so impressed. We are hesitant to decorate the tree because the lights by themselves are so amazing!

I have purchased a bunch of Twinkly lights throughout the years and loved every one of them. I have the first gen lights from when they first started and they are still going. The app that controls these lights is pretty easy to use and you can control all your lights with the single app. I currently have three trees that I control with the app, says verified purchaser, Garrett. I love these lights and get compliments on them all the time. I do not think I could ever go back to the traditional lights. These lights may be on the pricier end, but they are the future. They are very durable, long-lasting and absolutely gorgeous.

Another verified buyer, Robert D., adds, You can program in your own light patterns, use ones that are built in, or download patterns that other Twinkly users have uploaded to the Twinkly servers. The app will let you program a playlist, so you can automatically go through your favorite patterns in the course of the eveningand you can set the lights to turn on and off at specific times.”

Final Verdict

Clark Griswold would have died for these smart Christmas lights. Twinkly Strings smart Christmas lights bring energy and fun to any occasion. I love that I have the ability to control multiple products from the same app, allowing me to decorate the front yard, backyard and indoors from the same app. The timer is a nice feature in the app, although some users report this function is finicky when using multiple strings. But it’s so easy to create the mood I want with the variable features, and decorating for Christmas just became that much more fun!

Where to Buy the Twinkly Smart Christmas Lights

Amazon offers a huge selection of Twinkly lights for indoor and outdoor use. A string of 100 lights costs under $60. You can also grab these brilliant lights at Walmart, The Home Depot, Target, Best Buy and Ace Hardware. You don’t need to be an electrician or lighting pro to create a spectacular light show this holiday season. Twinkly makes it effortlessly merry and bright.

VIA MERCHANT

$44.99 at Amazon

$89 at Walmart

$126.39 at Home Depot

Shop on Target

We Tried It

Twinkly Smart Christmas Lights

Dazzle your neighbors with a custom holiday light show you can use year round. These multi-colored LED lights are safe, cool and save energy.

$44.99 at Amazon

$89 at Walmart

$126.39 at Home Depot

Shop on Target

The post We Tried the Twinkly Smart Christmas Lights, and Now We Create Custom Light Shows appeared first on Family Handyman.

To help you create your own wreath, we spoke to Amy Barene, a florist and founder of Capital Blooms. Here, she walks us through how to make a fall wreath, from sourcing the materials to keeping the wreath looking fresh for weeks.

How to Make a Fall Wreath

Before you can start your fall crafting, you’ll need to gather all the right materials. Barene says nearly all can be found at the dollar store, Amazon, Joann Fabrics or Michael’s.

Materials

• Dried material like pampas grass, bunny tail, or dried ferns;
• Metal wreath frame;
• Floral wire or floral tape;
• Fabric or wooden craft flowers;
• Ribbon;
• Hairspray.

If you can’t find floral wire or tape, Barene says you can substitute zip ties, which are sturdy and super-easy to attach. Simply tie them to the frame as described in the instructions, squeeze them tight, then cut off the excess tails.

Instructions

Here’s how to create a full fall wreath:

• “Essentially, if you’re doing a full wreath, you create a series of small bouquets about the size of your band,” Barene says. Start by making one small bundle of dried material. The diameter of its stem bunch should approximately match the width of the metal wreath frame.
• Secure the first bundle to the wreath frame with your floral tape or wire. “If you’re using a wreath frame that has a curve to it, the bundle sits inside the curve like a cup,” Barene says.
• Repeat the first two steps to cover the entire wreath frame in bundles of dried material. Layer the bundles so the fluffy end of one bundle covers the attached stems of the previous bundle. “The closer together the bundles, the fuller the wreath will be,” Barene says.
• When you reach the last bundle, lift the head of the first bundle you attached, then secure the final bundle underneath it so its seam is covered.
• Add some fun texture to the wreath by weaving in fabric or wooden craft flowers. Attach them using the tape, wire or zip ties, ensuring the dried grasses hide the connection points. Finish it off with a ribbon bow if desired.
• Dried ornamental grasses can shed a lot, so secure your wreath with a generous douse of hairspray before handing it on a door, window or wall.

Enjoy your festive fall decor!

The post How to Make a Fall Wreath appeared first on Family Handyman.

Front Porch Christmas Trees

With Christmas decor, the obvious star of the show is the Christmas tree. So if you have the space, why not add a couple of trees to your front porch?

That’s exactly what @weepingwillow.farmhouse does here. The decorated trees make a big impact flanking the front door. A few smaller trees, red berry wreaths and wrapped presents finish the look.

The post 9 Front Porch Christmas Decor Ideas appeared first on Family Handyman.

• Choose a spot that’s relatively level and away from foot traffic.
  • There are no shortage of options. You can make a smaller tree that sits on a tabletop, or a standalone circular base in the middle of the room.
  • I went with a hybrid approach, where the circle of the base butted up against the wall.

• Clean the floor before starting your first layer.
  • Mopping probably won’t be needed, but you do want to sweep away any debris that could damage the books or knock them out of level.

The post How To Make a Book Christmas Tree appeared first on Family Handyman.

Neutrals and Metallics

According to @theendofthegraveldrive, you can quickly and easily style your coffee table with a mix of neutrals and metallics. Seen here: a gold reindeer, silver angel figurine, black cottages and holiday greenery create a chic display. The simple color scheme ensures your coffee table won’t look over-styled, but the metallic touches add that special festive flair.

What We Like About It: “Holiday figurines can be a fantastic addition to a Christmas coffee table display,” says Bartlett. “They work well as hero pieces to lead the dcor story or as a small, fun touch of whimsy tucked into the scene.”

The post 15 Christmas Coffee Table Decor Ideas appeared first on Family Handyman.

Originally made by @HandmadeByTN, this transforms a few cheap materials and an old strand of outdoor lights into a larger-than-life, adorable and festive decoration. Check out HandmadeByTN’s original video, and learn how to make the light strand yourself.

How to Make the DIY Giant Christmas Lights

We’ve gently adapted the processes from HandmadeByTN and TikToker @GeekRoomGift.

Materials for the DIY giant Christmas lights

Gather the following:

• Several two-liter soda bottles (see below);
• Acrylic paint in various colors;
• A strand of large-bulbed Christmas lights, ideally outdoor-safe;
• Several small green plastic planters (see below);
• Two pieces of green foam piping
• Scissors or a serrated knife;
• One paintbrush;
• A hot glue gun.

You’ll need as many soda bottles and planters as there are bulbs on the strand of Christmas lights. The diameter of the planters should match that of the soda bottles. And the green foam piping pieces should be as long as the light strand.

@geekroomgift DIY Giant Christmas Lights#gift #christmas original sound – GeekRoom Gift

Construction of the DIY giant Christmas lights

Follow these steps:

Making the “light bulbs”

• With the scissors or the knife, cut off the tops of each soda bottle just below the caps.
• Paint the soda bottles in whatever colors you’d like. Let dry.

Connecting the “light bulb” bases

After the soda bottles dry, unscrew the real light bulbs on your strand of large-bulbed Christmas lights.

• Cut holes in the bottom of your planters. The holes should approximately match the size of the base of the large bulbs.
• Thread a Christmas light through the bottom of a planter, then secure by twisting the large light bulb back on. Repeat until all Christmas lights have planters attached.

Finishing the DIY giant Christmas lights

• Connect the soda bottle “light bulbs” to the planter bulb bases with a circle of hot glue on the inside of the planters.
• Cut a straight line down the side of one piece of green foam piping. Thread the original Christmas light strand into it so that it’s hidden.
• Twist the other piece of green foam piping around the first one to create the twisted wire effect of a real strand of Christmas lights. Secure the ends with hot glue.

How to Decorate with the DIY Giant Christmas Lights

Once you’ve created the DIY giant Christmas lights, it’s time to deck the halls! You can hang them in a tree outside, like GeekRoom Gift does, or on porch railing, stairs or a mantel.

If you’re feeling really festive, you can even wrap them around yourself, like HandmadeByTN does. Just make sure to use a battery-powered strand of lights for this approach so you don’t have to stand by a plug all night. Happy holidays!

The post Make Your Own Giant Christmas Light Decorations with This TikTok Hack appeared first on Family Handyman.