How to String Lights on a Christmas Tree

Supplies:

• Light strands, about 100 lights for each vertical foot of tree (7' tree = 700 lights)
• Two or more extension cords in colors matching your tree - brown, green, or white
• Power Strip

What to do:

• 1. Run an extension cord from your power strip up the trunk of your tree to a spot near the top. Secure it to the trunk at a couple of points and at the top with chenille stems or twist ties.
• 2. Add a second extension cord with the female end (where you plug in a light strand) close to the bottom of the tree. You may need to use more than two extension cords, depending on the height of your tree and the number of light strands you will use.
• 3. Plug in the first strand of lights at the bottom of the tree.
• 4. Begin winding the lights around the branch starting at the trunk and working your way out to the tip of the branch. Our tree has three stems at the end of each branch, so we wrap each stem. Continue wrapping the branch back down to the trunk.
• 5. When you get back to the trunk with your light strand, repeat the process on the next branch.
• 6. The more tightly you wrap the more lights you'll add to the tree; a looser wrap means fewer lights. It's your personal preference.
• 7. Continue wrapping branches, either chaining your light strands to each other* or using the second (and third) extension cord, until you reach the tree top.
• 8. *ALWAYS follow the manufacturer's instructions when chaining light strands together! Never exceed their directions, to protect your tree and your home from danger.
• 9. If you're using an artificial tree, fluff the branches of your tree as you go - this is a real time saver - no more fluffing and then lighting and then fluffing again. (If you plan ahead, you can create areas to highlight your favorite ornaments as you work.)
• 10. When you get to the top, any remaining length of lights can be tucked straight down the trunk for an extra glow.

With this method, your tree will be evenly lighted top to bottom and all the way around.