Written by Colorado Green NOW
Expert guidance from Novelty Lights on creating professional-quality holiday displays
As Colorado neighborhoods begin their annual transformation into winter wonderlands, many homeowners wonder how to achieve those perfectly spaced, professionally installed holiday light displays that make certain homes stand out. Jim Hardaway, COO of Novelty Lights and member of the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, shares insider expertise on creating stunning holiday lighting that rivals professional installations.
The Secret to Perfect Roofline Lighting
Walking through any Colorado neighborhood during the holidays, it’s easy to spot the difference between a professional installation and a DIY attempt. But what creates that polished, evenly spaced look that makes some displays truly shine?
“The secret is using the right products and techniques,” Hardaway explains. Homeowners have two primary paths to achieving professional results: hiring a professional installer or using the same commercial-grade materials the pros rely on.
Professional Installation Services
Throughout the Denver Metro Area, landscape companies, window washing services, painting contractors, and specialized installation companies offer Christmas light installation services. These professionals understand the technical aspects of creating secure, evenly spaced displays that withstand Colorado’s winter weather conditions.
Local companies like Diggable Designs exemplify the quality work available from ALCC member companies who bring their landscape expertise to holiday lighting installations, ensuring both beauty and durability.
The DIY Approach with Professional Tools
For homeowners who prefer the satisfaction of creating their own display, Novelty Lights offers the Decorate Like a Pro® Kit—the same products professional installers use to create those picture-perfect roofline displays.
“One of the features our customers love about the DLP kits is the ability to customize the lengths,” Hardaway notes. “When you buy Christmas lights from the big box stores, you cannot cut them to fit, so there’s always excess at the ends. Not with DLP.”
This customization capability eliminates the bunched-up sections and awkward gaps that often plague traditional string lights, creating the clean, professional appearance homeowners desire.
Beyond the Basics: Creating a Complete Display
While roofline lighting provides the foundation, truly memorable holiday displays incorporate multiple elements that add depth and visual interest. Hardaway recommends considering additional features such as:
- Mini Lights: Novelty Lights’ RetroGlo Minis are specifically engineered for LED-weary families seeking that classic warm glow
- Net Lights: Perfect for covering bushes and hedges uniformly
- Column Wraps: Add vertical interest to porches and entryways
- Tree Treatments: Trunk wraps, branch wraps, and canopy lighting bring landscape elements into the display
- Decorative Motifs: Yard art and window treatments provide focal points
- Inflatables: Add whimsy and movement to ground-level displays
The key is layering these elements thoughtfully to create cohesion rather than clutter, building a display that feels intentional and polished.
Resources for Every Skill Level
Creating a professional-looking holiday display no longer requires years of installation experience, thanks to accessible educational resources and quality products designed for homeowner use.
DIY Kits & Tools
Novelty Lights’ Decorate Like a Pro kits include everything needed for success: C9 bulbs, socket wire, clips, and all components necessary to create a completely customized, professional-looking installation tailored to your specific roofline dimensions.
Educational Support
Online blogs, tutorials, and installation tips make it easier for first-timers to achieve professional finishes without guesswork. These resources walk homeowners through the planning, installation, and troubleshooting processes, building confidence for successful DIY projects.
Installer Network
For those who prefer professional installation, Colorado offers numerous landscape professionals and specialized lighting installers who provide full-service holiday lighting. This option appeals to homeowners who want professional results without the time commitment or physical demands of DIY installation.
The Novelty Lights Difference
Not all holiday lighting products are created equal, and understanding these differences proves crucial for both installers and DIY enthusiasts.
Quarter-Century of Local Expertise
Novelty Lights has proudly supported the Denver area for 25 years, growing to become the region’s largest supplier of seasonal holiday lighting. This longevity reflects both product quality and customer satisfaction, establishing the company as a trusted resource for Colorado’s unique climate challenges.
Commercial-Grade Quality
“There is a sharp difference between consumer retail grade lights from the big box stores and professional commercial grade from suppliers like us,” Hardaway emphasizes. This distinction affects every aspect of performance—from brightness and color consistency to weather resistance and longevity.
Built for Colorado Conditions
Commercial-grade lights are engineered to withstand the elements that characterize Colorado winters: intense UV exposure at high altitude, dramatic temperature fluctuations, heavy snow loads, and fierce winds. These products offer unsurpassed brightness, durability, and longevity that both professional installers and DIY enthusiasts can trust season after season.
Accessible Expertise
Novelty Lights’ retail showroom in Centennial provides hands-on access to the same commercial-grade materials professionals use, along with expert guidance for selecting appropriate products and planning successful installations. This combination of quality products and knowledgeable support bridges the gap between professional and DIY capabilities.
Planning Your Perfect Display
Whether hiring professionals or tackling the project yourself, successful holiday lighting begins with thoughtful planning. Consider your home’s architecture, existing landscape features, and desired visual impact. Professional-grade products and proper installation techniques ensure your display not only looks stunning but also performs reliably throughout the season.
As Colorado enters the holiday season, homeowners have more resources than ever for creating displays that capture the magic of the season while withstanding the demands of mountain weather. With access to professional-grade products, educational resources, and expert installer networks, achieving that coveted “pro look” has never been more attainable.
Jim Hardaway is COO of Novelty Lights and a member of the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado. For more information about professional holiday lighting solutions, visit Novelty Lights’ showroom in Centennial or explore their online resources. To find ALCC member companies offering holiday lighting installation services, visit www.alcc.com.
Colorado Green News 