Create a Little Magic with String Lights

IT’S AMAZING HOW SMALL DETAILS can add such whimsy and beauty to outdoor spaces. String lights are a prime example. They’re a quick and relatively easy project that adds a lot of pizzazz without breaking the bank.

 

“String lights are a beautiful, inexpensive and fun way to add personality and ambience to your yard and patio,” says expert landscape designer, Doug Scott.

 

In an Exmark Done-In-A-Weekend Projects video, Scott demonstrates hanging simple backyard lighting. Here are his step by step instructions:

 

1 DECIDE WHERE TO HANG THEM. Fence posts, trees, porch railings, under a patio umbrella, or simple stakes are all great options.

 

2 CHOOSE YOUR STYLE. Available in various colors are globes, tiny twinklers, even charming hummingbirds and dragonflies.

 

3 SKETCH HOW YOU WANT THE LIGHTS TO LOOK. Crisscrossed? Around the patio perimeter? Your sketch will help determine how many strands you’ll need.

 

4 CONSIDER ANY EQUIPMENT like an extension cord or hooks/hardware for hanging. Make sure it’s outdoor grade.

 

5 MEASURE THE AREA you’ll hang your lights, factoring in slack and reaching the outlet.

 

6 IF POLISH IS IMPORTANT, make connections discrete.

 

7 INSTALL LIGHT HOOKS.

 

8  HANG YOUR LIGHTS! To avoid breakage, you can remove the bulbs before hanging. Once hung, install one bulb in each strand to make sure it works. Then add the remaining bulbs.

 

9 NOW, LIGHT UP YOUR SPACE AND ENJOY!

 

To view the tutorial for help and inspiration, visit Exmark’s Backyard Life at exmark.com/backyard.

 

— Courtesy of StatePoint