Holiday Lights Done Right

If you're starting to put up holiday lights it's time to remember which are for indoor or outdoor use. Afterall, it is important to know which is which.

• Read the box to find out how many strands can be linked together (before you start blowing the mini-fuses in the plugs).
• For outdoor decorating, measure and make a diagram of your light design first. Run extension cords to each point where each maximum number of strings ends. Test each string at ground level and then use plastic clips to attach onto gutters, eaves and roof edges.
• If stapling, make sure that you have a staple gun that will prevent stapling through electric wires.
• Finally, to prevent a tangled mess when taking your lights down, lower each strand into a plastic bag. Number both the bag and the diagram (to show where each strand goes) and store them until next year. It'll be time again sooner than you think.