Indoors or outdoors, the lights of Christmas make magic for loved ones - young and old.
Here are some practical ways to create holiday magic this season.-Use an adequate number of bulbs. Determine the maximum number of miniature bulbs required for a tree by multiplying the tree's width in feet by eight times its height.
-When using large egg-shaped bulbs with screw-thread bases, determine the maximum number of bulbs needed by multiplying the tree's width in feet by three times its height.
-The minimum number of bulbs used should not be less than half of the maximum number determined above.
-Use light-bulb colors in the same family. Blue and green are cool colors. Red, orange, yellow and white are warm.
Set the tone for decorations by using either cool or warm colors.
-Avoid red, yellow, amber and pink lamps for floodlighting evergreens. They tend to turn the tree color to muddy brown. Blue or green floodlights, clear and deluxe white mercury lamps, or clear and phosphor-coated metal-halide lamps will enhance the natural colors of the evergreen.
-Select an alternative way to place bulbs on the tree. Random placement is common, but a tepee of light strings can be created over the tree or spiraled around the tree.
-Create special effects. For example, intersperse strings of miniature lights with regular sets to create an illusion of wind rustling through the boughs.
-Consider using transparent light bulbs instead of color-coated ones. The filaments shining through them leave a netlike effect of more sparkle and glitter than that achieved by coated light bulbs. Lights must be close together, so overlap two strings and maintain an even spiral. Draping light strings in horizontal loops around the tree will work too; for good design, it is necessary to space the bulbs close together.
-Illuminate both indoor trees and evergreens. By using a parabolic aluminized reflector lamp, light can be directed up or down on such plants as a rubber tree, ficus or palm from a single direction. To avoid damaging plant leaves, place lamps of 75 watts or higher at least four feet from foliage.
-Top an indoor tree with a special ornament. Choose a star or angel ornament that carries a light.
-Fasten light strings to a garland with plastic twist ties. Drape garland from railings or dress up mirror frames with the colorful swag.
-Line electric candle lights in a row across a mantel or circle them around an evergreen wreath for a table decoration.
-Write a holiday message in lights. Overlap two light strings so that bulbs are spaced 2 1/2 inches apart. Spell out a message by affixing the lights to poster board. Fasten with twist ties.
-For a striking hanging decoration, construct an 18-inch-diameter ball from chicken wire and cover it with lights and garland.