How to Wrap an Outdoor Tree With Lights

Lights don't have to be reserved for Christmas! I love having beautiful string lights on for outdoor dining or even just when hanging out with friends.

This is a fairly inexpensive way to spruce up a patio space, too!

SUPPLIES:

• Outdoor String Lights ( I grabbed several on sale during the Christmas holidays, but you could easily order basic outdoor string lights from Amazon).
• Outdoor extension cord
• * Optional * Timer if you want your lights to come on a certain time each evening
• Ladder

STEPS TO WRAP YOUR TREE WITH LIGHTS:

1) Pick a tree

You'll want a tree that has a structure you like! I love multi step trunks, so I selected this small maple tree.

But, it turns out, this was more work that I was hoping for!

If I were to do it over, I would still use a small tree, but with a single trunk. All of those extra limbs caused me to need more lights and it was lots of wrapping.

2) Ensure the extension cord can reach the male end of the first set of lights.

Just something to think about. You want to be certain you will be able to easily plug in your lights when you are finished!

3) Start wrapping the tree trunk, starting at the bottom (SPACE THEM OUT FURTHER THAN I DID BELOW)

My initial thought was I really wanted the lights to be bright, so I wrapped the string lights super close.

It turns out, spacing a few inches between wraps would have been just fine.

If it's too tight it just makes for a lot of extra work for you!

4) You will need to cover several key limbs so your tree looks symmetrical

Even with my tree that has multiple trunks, I did not wrap each one. Simply pick ones that you think will make the light outline look best at night.

5) Wrap limbs to similar height

You will not need to go to the top of each limb. Just be sure you wrap the limbs you chose to a similar height.

When it is really dark, this will make your tree look more even.

THAT'S IT!

String lights have a way of making a space magical! My tween daughter uses twinkle lights in her bedroom and loves them!

Although, I am well beyond the tween years, I think they are magical, too! I also hung heavy duty string lights on our deck!

Go to my full post on the Love Our Real Life blog for more tips! See the attached link below.

Have a great day!

April