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Putting lights on artificial tree

Can anyone give me any tips on putting lights onto my tree. It's a 7 ft artificial one and I have two sets of white lights, one with 200 and one with 100. I'm either doing it very wrong or I havn't got enough lights :o

I tried sort of wrapping them round and round in a spiral and it looked pants. I've not used tree lights before as we had a fibre optic tree so I don't really know where to start. I was all excited this morning about putting the tree up and now I just want to cry! :o

Comments

  • I cheat by putting my tree in the corner & not going all the way round with the lights, you don't need them on the bit that doesn't show do you? :D
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  • :D That's a good idea but I don't have a corner! It's got to go in front of the window as that is the only space I have. Wish I had stuck to the fibre optic now! :o
  • I used to be the same, in years gone by it was always the ex that put the lights on the tree but it's been up to me over the past years.

    Easiest way to do it that I have found is start with 1 on the top of the tree and rather than spiralling it round kind of drape it around, place the lights every 3 or so rows, step back from the tree and see where the gaps are, if you have too many gaps and the lights dont look even enough do them every 2 rows. I only have 1 set of lights and manage to get mine all the way round a 6 ft tree, the secret is to even them out, you can always move them above and below branches so they even out more.

    But dont worry if it doesnt quite look right, just get it semi-right then put the other decorations on with tinsel etc then you will see the difference and know where certain lights have to go to achieve the maximum lighting effect(If that makes sense) Trees look weird with just lights on, you need all the decs on to really see the full effect.

    HTH :)
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  • Thankyou Silverangel, that makes perfect sense :D I wish I could press thanks again because I really was ready to cry (silly I know!) I'm going to do it now and not worry too much until the baubles and tinsel is on. :D
  • I usually put my lights on using ties. Like the sort you get with sandwich bags, but I buy green ones. I think they are meant for gardening. Last year I bought them off ebay.

    I find it stops the lights moving about as your putting them on. You can also get them where you want them, rather than draping or slipping them over branches.

    I usually try and get lights at the back of the tree as well, so it looks lit up throughout. When your done if you have any dark spots, use silver tinsel as it reflects the light best.
  • oh the garden ones tend to be quite long, but you can cut them with scissors.
  • tru
    tru Posts: 9,138 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic
    I turn the lights on before I put them on tree, it's much easier. Every now and then, stand back and see if they're evenly spread out. When you've finished, stand as far away as poss and squint (yes really) and any gaps will stand out a mile off. Adjust gaps, check again, say 'aaaaaaaah, perfect' then have a mug of mulled cider :D
    Bulletproof
  • li'l_p
    li'l_p Posts: 797 Forumite
    My OH did mine the year before last and he just wrapped them around, not really draping them on the branches. The way he did it, they ended up 'nestled' into the tree and it made it look a lot better!
  • I can't think how I do mine now. You've got me thinking........... Hope it doesn't end p stressfull as I lve my tree to be perfect. Not sure if possible with a real one tho.
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