1) Regular bulbs or miniature bulbs: the larger sized regular bulbs that were first out in the marketplace before miniatures came into being, are generally made and used for exterior lighting nowadays. However, if you look at the specs and packaging, you can find some for indoor lighting, which many people use for lighting front windows in the home's interior to show on the outside, to neighbors passing out front.

2) Color of lights – You can choose between large and miniature white, clear and colored lights today, or even specialty lights. Choose large (C-7 and C-9) bulbs for outdoor use; they function at roughly 150 – 175 watts each string, are durable and brighter than the miniatures. Or opt for white icicles or other types of lighting in other colors. Mix and match!

3) Wiring is important – You want to make sure you basically end up with everything strung together, each string plugging into the next, so that you are plugging one end of the entire length into your outdoor wall socket. That's goal. If you are going to use extension cords, get the grounded ones to be safe.

4) If one bulb goes out, the entire thread does – these are not fun. When possible, as you renew your string purchases, pick up the newer types of strings that continue when one bulb goes out. Then you won't want one tiny bulb that causes an entire section to be in the black. However, if budget and product availability does not allow for this, though, opt for the shortest stands. Then when one bulb burns out, the entire display won't be ruined.

5) Plan ahead – while it may be a bit late in the year now, plan ahead for next year starting the day after Christmas. Look at the classified and display ads in your local newspapers and online. Stores generally discount last year's product heavily right after the New Year. So stock up for next year then and save big time. Look for good storage containers, too, ones especially for lighting where you wrap the strands individually to keep them sorted all year long, and untangled.

Decorating Ideas

Look for large outdoor inflatable decorations, too, that light up and can be enhanced with outdoor holiday lights. You can find large Santas, snowmen, nativity scenes, carousels with fun seasonal critters ridding them like animated reindeer and colorful elves.

Many of these inflatable units come with pumps that plug into outdoor electrical outlets. Run them in the evening and set with timers so that they turn off in the day time, or keep running, up to you. Make sure to find nice, large storage containers for them while you're at it, to protect your investment year round while it is in storage.

Thus find different types of Christmas outdoor lighting to fit your budget. Look online and off for the best deals.