It's All About The Lights

It is officially December. It is time to bring out the lights and the tree. Truth be told, I'm pretty sure the day after Thanksgiving everything was brought out and hung. However, for those late ones (like myself) you still don't know exactly how you want to set up your home inside and out. For this blog, it's all about the outside and letting the lights shine.


I decided I wanted to brag on my hometown and what we do for the Christmas season. We are based in Kansas City, Missouri and our city, each year, turn on lights throughout the city. The most well known site is our Country Club Plaza which are switched on Thanksgiving Day.

Country Club Plaza

We also have something called the Mayor's Christmas Tree that is also illuminated during December.

Crown Center

Both of these events bring out residents of Kansas City to take part in the celebration of yet another Christmas season. You will see displays like this all over the city whether it be in shopping centers, on hotels or in the many residential areas.

Kansas City Marriott Downtown

The Legends

Residential Home

Residential Home

As you can see, our city knows how to make good use of lights. Our next post will show you how you can dress up the inside of your home to make it feel like Christmas.

Lighting Is Everything

There is a simple way you can add some drama to any event. It's not your linens, which can create a certain level of it depending upon which ones you use. Elaborate centerpieces will catch the eye, however, the one thing that can truly change the ambiance of a space is lighting. Who knew that a few lightbulbs shining up from the floor could give a space that looks way a totally different feel?

The plus side is that lighting isn't as expensive as you may think it is. It doesn't have to be some over the top creation. Placing lighting strategically around the room will give you what you need. There are companies out there that will even let you do it yourself. All you have to do is just go, pick them up and plug them in with the color you choose. Then, after your event, just return them.

Below are some before and after examples of what a little light can do. It can be subtle or very dramatic depending on your budget and your theme. You just need to pick what best fits your personality.