Q: Should you tip holiday decorators?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s unnecessary to tip holiday decorators, and most professionals won&rsquo;t expect it, but it&rsquo;s a nice gesture to show your appreciation for their work. If the expert goes above and beyond to keep your delicate decorations safe, or they&rsquo;re hanging your exterior lights and putting out lawn decorations in freezing temperatures or inclement weather, a tip between <b>10% and 20%</b> of your total will be appreciated. Large jobs that include interior and exterior work are also good opportunities to tip, especially if your expert is performing a rush job close to the holidays.</p></div>

Question 1

How do you hang string lights without nails?

Accepted Answer

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Nails are a popular choice for hanging string lights, but they are not the only option. Use outdoor hooks, zip ties, or even awning hangers to string up lights outdoors. For indoor lights, use simple tacks, zip ties, damage-free adhesive hooks, or drawing pins. When all else fails, just wrap the lights around some furniture or outdoor fixtures.

Question 2

How many feet of lights do you need to wrap a column?

Accepted Answer

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For a 7-foot-tall column, choose a light strand that is at least 32 feet long. You’ll also need to measure the distance from the column to the closest outlet to get outdoor extension cords that are the right length.

Question 3

Should you tip holiday decorators?

Accepted Answer

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It’s unnecessary to tip holiday decorators, and most professionals won’t expect it, but it’s a nice gesture to show your appreciation for their work. If the expert goes above and beyond to keep your delicate decorations safe, or they’re hanging your exterior lights and putting out lawn decorations in freezing temperatures or inclement weather, a tip between 10% and 20% of your total will be appreciated. Large jobs that include interior and exterior work are also good opportunities to tip, especially if your expert is performing a rush job close to the holidays.

Question 4

Do you need gutters to hang Christmas lights?

Accepted Answer

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In the Christmas days of yore, people braved winter weather to staple or tack their Christmas lights onto their rooftops or nearby surfaces like the fascia boards. Problems quickly emerged with that approach. Damage to the roof, even small marks from staples, provides entryways for moisture and similar issues that can hasten roof rot, wear, and associated leaks. Plus, some homes had tough fiber cement boards or other materials where staples and screws didn’t work.

Question 5

Why should I hire a holiday light installation professional?

Accepted Answer

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While DIY Christmas light hanging is possible, there are a few reasons why outsourcing this project is in your best interest. First and foremost, your safety is essential. People who are physically unable to hang outdoor lights should consider hiring a pro for this job. Also, homes that pose a safety hazard, like multiple stories, should have a professional tackle the lighting project.

Additionally, hiring a professional holiday lighting expert is a great idea when you won't be able to maintain your holiday lights throughout the season, as many pros include repairs as part of their rates and packages.