What to use: As the name suggests,
gutter hooks are the perfect companion if you’re glamming up your guttering. They’re best for hanging up lightweight Christmas
string lights or icicle lights, as you don’t want to risk the hooks or the gutter pulling away from the wall.
Installing: Whenever you’re heading up to the roof it’s always safety first, so make sure you’ve got a secure and serviceable stepladder ready to go, with another adult holding it for extra support. Before you head up the ladder, plug in your lights (without switching them on), get into position and start sliding the gutter hooks over the edge of the gutter about 50cm apart, threading the bulbs through the hooks. Make sure you change the position of the ladder as you go to avoid overextending yourself.
Brick walls
What to use: If you’re planning on hanging up your lights by drilling into your outside wall then you’ll need
wall plugs and metal screw/cup hooks as well as a masonry drill bit for your drill.
Installing: You never want to screw your hooks directly into the brick as it will crack and break, so make sure you’re drilling into the mortar. Start with the guide holes, drilling slowly to avoid damage, and then drill a hole as deep as the screw is long (measure the straight part of the screw, not the full length including the hook). Next, insert your wall plug and tap it gently into place with a
rubber mallet. Finally, install the screw hook until it’s snug, using pliers to tighten if necessary.
Brick without using nails
What to use: If you don’t fancy drilling and hammering into the mortar on the front of your house, the easiest way to hang Christmas lights is to use a
glue gun. Hot glue is weatherproof, quick to apply and easy to remove come January.
Installing: For heavier lighting wires, apply glue directly to the light socket and hold it firmly in place for about 10 seconds until the glue cools and sets. If you’re using lightweight LED string lights, rope lights or icicle lights then you can put the glue on the back of light clips instead. To get it off again, just shake the base of the lighting wire to release it from the brick and peel off the old glue so that your lights are ready for next year.
Other areas on the outside of the house
What to use: For adding a touch of elegant illumination to door frames, window panes and non-brick walls, you can’t go wrong with Command’s outdoor decorating clips. They’re strong but easy to remove and don’t leave any mess.
Installing: Start by wiping the door, wall or window surface clean to remove dust, as this allows the adhesive clips to stick better. Next, attach a clip to the end of the first lighting strand and place them at intervals of 50cm, or 30cm for heavier lights. Once you’re happy the wire covers your lighting area, finish by removing the adhesive backing and carefully sticking the clips on to the surface.
Want to try something different?