Welcome To Our Commercial Holiday Lighting and Decor Blog
We’re passionate about making your holiday season shine. With years of experience in commercial holiday lighting and decor, we’re here to share our knowledge and help you create a truly unforgettable experience for your communities and customers. In our Commercial Holiday Lighting and Decor Blog, you’ll find everything you need to know from design trends to installation tips and tricks.
Christmas is, without a doubt, one of the most wonderful times of the year. You know the holidays are approaching when you start seeing homes, businesses and towns dressed up with stunning lighting sets and decorations. However, for many people, pulling out these seasonal displays also comes with concerns regarding large electricity bills and other expenses that come with Christmas decorations.
Nowadays, more and more people are switching towards commercial grade Christmas lights. While these innovative lights are more expensive than traditional Christmas lights, they will help you save tons of money in the long run. Here are four reasons why investing in commercial Christmas lights is completely worth it:
1. It’s A One-time Investment
Commercial-grade Christmas lights have a higher quality and last much longer than incandescent bulbs. These heavy-duty lights withstand temperature changes and prolonged use, therefore you won’t need to worry about replacing them as they will last season after season.
2. Forget About Spare Parts
Avoid worrying about replacement and maintenance costs with commercial lights that are designed to last.
3. They’re More Energy Efficient
Commercial-grade Christmas lights are brighter and more efficient than traditional choices, as they draw less power and lower electric bills. In fact, LED lights typically use up to 80% less electricity than regular bulbs.
4. They Have Useful Programming Options
During the holiday season, Christmas lights tend to be left on for many hours a day.
Commercial lighting saves you time and electricity with automation options that let you easily control the number of hours you want your lights to be on.
Providers Can Help You Find What You Need
Commercial lighting providers are experts in figuring out the type of lighting setup that best fits the space you’re decorating. Besides, they can also help you with the tricky installation process.
Find the Lighting Displays You’re Looking for
At Creative Displays, Inc. we design and manufacture top quality commercial Christmas lighting displays. Our custom-made services will help you find lighting displays that are well suited to your needs and requirements. We are the ultimate source of energy-efficient decorations that will help you show your Christmas spirit and create memorable experiences without spending too much.
Every detail counts when it comes to decorating for Christmas time. Such a fantastic holiday should be received with the best decoration to enhance the spirit and joy that comes with it.
Some factors can be identified to ensure you’re buying decorations that will last way more than just one Christmas celebration. Let’s go through them.
Signs To Look For To Discover Quality
We all know how discouraging it’s to buy your Christmas decorations and get everything ready, but when you get hands-on with the decorations, some ornaments and Christmas lights start falling apart. You would surely get the feeling you just wasted your money. Therefore, next time you do your Christmas shopping, make sure you do some research first and look for:
Experience
Possibly the best sign to discover and know you’re buying quality commercial-grade Christmas decorations is looking for the experience the supplier has on this market. The more years they’ve been manufacturing Christmas decorations, the better idea you’ll get that what you’re buying will certainly be of high quality.
Services The Supplier Offers
The more customer service-oriented they are, tells more about how much effort they put into each of their decorative elements. They should provide you with the best buying experience and guide you through the process to make your experience a memorable one.
Innovation
Discover how they differ from other Christmas suppliers on the market, and what they offer versus their competitors. Some Christmas manufacturers can even create specific requests from their customers. They find a way to bring them originality, customizing their orders to make their Christmas even more unique.
The Christmas Supplier You’ve Been Looking For
At Creative Displays, we have all you need regarding commercial-grade Christmas decorations with the highest quality. We’ve been building unforgettable moments for our customers since 1959.
With us, you can find a wide variety of commercial-grade Christmas decorations, in all sizes, colors, and shapes. We have it all, from Christmas lights to lighting displays, garlands, pole mounts, Christmas trees, giant props, and much more. We also custom design lighting displays in any size, color, and shape.
We make sure to make your Christmas a one of a kind, bringing uniqueness and high quality in each of our products.
Yes, we are halfway to Christmas, but planning such an expected season takes time. If you are a Christmas enthusiast, you have undoubtedly created beautiful decorations for this season since you can remember. But if you’re running out of ideas, and don’t want to be left behind this upcoming Christmas, read about three incredible decorations that can make this 2020 Christmas a one to remember.
How Can You Decorate For Christmas This 2020?
The incredible thing about Christmas decorations is that even by using basic elements, you can make a significant impact. Christmas decor is about imagination and getting inspired.
Here are some ideas with which you can decorate your business and amaze all your team members and visitors.
Two-Colored Christmas
Christmas decorations can be made with two colors and combine different elements. You can use, for example, the colors that represent your business. Let’s say blue and silver. You can have silver garlands and blue ornaments hanging on specific places. That way, it will seem like a strategically planned decoration.
Themed Christmas
You can choose a Christmas element to represent your overall Christmas decoration. Snowflakes are one the favorite, and you can have them in string lights, LED silhouettes, in ornaments, and many other snowflake-shaped elements. And you can add a fun touch to it, by getting them in all colors, or choose only some.
Traditional Christmas
There’s still beauty in tradition. A traditional Christmas decoration is about using the most iconic Christmas elements as Santa, candy canes, reindeers, gift boxes, and so on. But, as mentioned before, the beauty of a decoration relies on our imagination. Therefore, there are different ways to decorate with these elements found in string lights, ornaments, pole mounts, lighting displays, and others.
Create a Memorable Christmas Decor With Creative Displays
At Creative Displays, we have all the decorations you can think of. You can make your Christmas decoration for your business with all the incredible decorative elements we have for you.
With our commercial-grade Christmas decorations, you’ll make your business stand out from the rest and have visitors coming in nonstop.
Along with the Christmas spirit, comes the will of decorating such awaited holiday. Seeing a city, public park, and other unique public places decorated with incredible Christmas lights make a lot of people wonder, “where can I find those for my home or business?”
We’re glad to let you know that at Creative Displays, you can find quality commercial-grade Christmas lights and all types of decorative elements regarding this holiday.
The Christmas Lights You’ve Always Dreamt Of
Christmas lights are the most representative elements of this beautiful season. Their simplicity makes them the most bought Christmas element since you can decorate any area with them. They come in all colors, sizes, and can be adjusted to any shape.
If you’re asking yourself, “Why should I buy my Christmas lights at Creative Displays?” Let us answer that question. We’re one of America’s best choices because:
Custom Designed Christmas Lights
At Creative Displays, we’re widely known for creating unique commercial-grade Christmas elements. We can design and manufacture the Christmas lights you wish for, as you request.
We have incredible options on bulbs, colors, and sizes; therefore, if you have a particular idea, we can bring it to life. Our professional designers are always willing to help and give a better shape to your designs.
Years Of Experience
Our customers trust us for our commercial-grade Christmas products and our years of experience in this business. We have been creating memories since 1959.
Ever since, we have created commercial-grade Christmas lights that are feasible for any market (malls, buildings, churches, schools, event planners, installers, residences, and more).
Array Of Decorative Elements
Our customers choose us because they can find all they need with us. From commercial-grade Christmas lights to lighting displays, pole mounts, giant props, garlands, Christmas trees, bows, and much more are found at Creative Displays. Not only do we offer quantity but quality in all our decorative Christmas elements.
Free Shipping Throughout The U.S.
One of our most appreciated services by our customers at Creative Displays is our free shipping throughout the U.S.
When you reach out to us and choose all the decorations you want, we give you the estimated time you will receive your order. Everything will arrive in time and ready for setup.
Start planning your Christmas decoration with all the decorative elements we have for you. Have the decorating experience you deserve for the most wonderful time of the year.
When it comes to the Christmas season, we all think of how we can top last year’s decoration. On this holiday, we thrive on decorating our homes and businesses the best way possible; this is certainly attainable with quality Christmas decorations. But where to find them?
Having the best decorative elements to make your place a one of a kind certainly adds joy to Christmas. But that isn’t easy when you don’t find the provider that has it all, including quality.
At Creative Displays, we have all you need under one roof. Our sixty years of experience in designing and manufacturing Christmas supplies speak for our expertise and quality products.
Why Commercial-grade and Not Conventional Christmas Decorations?
Easy, when it comes to buying your Christmas decoration, conventional Christmas products are found at any store. But what’s the downside of getting regular Christmas decorations?
Poor Quality Products
Some decorative elements can be deceiving. They may look beautiful at first sight, but they will only last once. Christmas lights, for instance, should work correctly for at least more than three Christmas seasons. If your current Christmas lights broke after their first use, think twice if it’s worth buying them at the same store next time.
Spend More Money
When buying decorative elements that don’t make it past their first Christmas, you’ve undoubtedly wasted your money. When you purchase commercial-grade Christmas decorations, you’re ensuring those products last for many Christmas to come, and save yourself considerable cash.
Losing Decorative Impact
Conventional Christmas decorations won’t give the impact you long for. When getting commercial-grade Christmas products, everybody will be able to tell the difference. The higher the quality, the more impact you will cause.
Creative Displays Has What You Need
With Creative Displays, you can get the most incredible commercial-grade Christmas decorations you can imagine.
We possess a fantastic array of commercial-grade Christmas supplies, from Christmas lights to Christmas trees, giant props, garlands, lighting displays, and more. All elements are designed and built by us. We give our clients what they wish for, working together every step of the way when they request a unique item.
We have the added benefit of providing free shipping with all our commercial-grade Christmas products within the continental U.S. We deliver everything on time and ready for setup with detailed instructions. Don’t wait more and place your order.
Our customers frequently ask us “What is the difference between the holiday lighting I can buy at the big chain stores and Creative Display’s Commercial Grade holiday lighting?” It’s one of our favorite questions.
You see, our manufacturers chose only high-quality components to produce Commercial Grade products. For this reason, there are a few key differences that are important to take into consideration when comparing retail grade vs commercial grade holiday lightings, such as:
Pricing
The big box stores’ manufacturers pass on lower pricing by selecting cheaper components that may only last a season or two if that. They offer thinner wires and unsealed bulbs. But one of the biggest differences is the length.
Length
You may think longer commercial holiday light strands would save you time and money, but in fact, greater length means a greater chance for failure. The longer your commercial holiday light strands, the more solder points, bulbs, and inches of cord for tangling. It simply means that damaged lights and tangled wires are just a matter of time. The price may be lower but chances are good you’ll have to replace that holiday light strand as early as next season.
Commercial Grade holiday lighting strands tend to be shorter. They are easier to handle and can generally be installed quicker than a bulky, long set that gets tangled up and is hard to hold onto. We recommend from 50 to 100 bulbs. These shorter holiday light strands cut down on weak solder points, damaging tangles, and even installation time. Commercial grade holiday lighting strands also feature thicker, 20-gauge wire and sealed bulbs to protect your commercial holiday lights from the elements.
Design
Retail Grade lights are manufactured with a two-piece design. That means that you can remove the bulb as needed to replace the LED diode. The reason for this design is that you will need to replace Retail Grade bulbs because of the high failures. The two-piece design tends to allow water and debris to seep into the socket which causes failures.
On the contrary, our Commercial-Grade holiday lighting bulbs have the lens and socket molded together to create an effective barrier against water and debris. As a result, the light sets have a much lower failure rate since debris and water in the socket is a leading cause of set failure.
Retail Grade lights cycle on and off half as frequently as our Commercial-Grade lights. It makes a difference in the visual quality, often noticed as an obvious flickering in Retail Grade lights. Retail Grade LED Christmas lights are not a bad choice as long as you understand that the cheaper upfront cost means that you will save money initially, but the set will only last a few years. The overall look will also be different.
If longevity and quality are more important and spending a little more at the time of purchase is not a problem, then we would recommend our Commercial-Grade lighting.
Commercial-grade Holiday Lighting for Every Person
Get variety and quality commercial-grade holiday lighting with Creative Displays. Find the right lights for you, either if you want to decorate a house or a business, and even custom holiday lighting displays. Browse our catalog or contact us directly and we will be more than happy to assist you. Let’s create memories together!
Anyone who’s seen the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation knows that decorating for the holidays can be hazardous to your health. Clark doesn’t really play it safe (and is truly lucky to be alive in the end!) In fact, according to Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI) CPSC data on holiday decoration related injuries. It states that according to a CPSC report, hospital emergency rooms treat an average of 14,800 people per year for decoration-related injuries.
Our goal is to help you install those beautiful holiday lights safely, ensure that your family stays safe throughout the season as well, provide you with 9 pro tips for hanging Christmas lights like a professional and create beautiful memories.
1. Be Prepared
We get it. It’s a super fun holiday. Sometimes people get so excited to hang Christmas lights that they forget to take a moment and gather the necessary items they will need to properly hang lights. Here’s a quick list of the items, we believe are a must when hanging Christmas lights.
Stable Mobile Scaffolding
Measuring Tape
Light Hanging Clips
Untangled Christmas Lights
Extension Cords
Christmas Light Timer
2. Put Those Backyard Ladders and Bar Stools Away
So you think that it’ll be easy to just stand on top of that rickety little ladder or bar stool, which is perched precariously on top of that patio table to hang your Christmas lights but trust us… it’s not easier and it’s a million times more dangerous. When you need to reach places that are high to hang lights, get a sturdy scaffolding structure.
3. Always Measure
Before you go all crazy hanging Christmas lights on a home take a second to measure out the areas that you want to put lights on. The pros always have a tape measure handy. This helps them decide how long the string lights need to be, and how many lights are actually needed to cover the areas you want to be lit up. Start by measuring the base of the house. Then measure doors and door frames, window frames, and any columns that will be lit. If hanging Christmas lights on peaks, climb up a ladder and measure along the area of the peak to be decorated. It’s no fun hanging lights and realizing you’re short by a couple of feet. If you do this, the process of hanging lights will go a lot smoother and the results will be better.
4. Clips Please
Clips to hang your lights are amazing and are much friendlier to your home than duct tape, nails, screws, or staples. PRO TIP: Make sure to attach clips on the lights strings while you are on the ground, as not to have too much going on when you’re on the ladder. In order to achieve a professional look choose commercial grade light clips like our All Applications Clip 100 Pack. You might think to yourself “well I don’t think I really need those.” Trust me, my friend, you do, we all do. Nothing looks better than clean, straight perimeter light lines. They’ll save you hours of time messing with your lights trying to get them to stay in the correct spot.
5. Cord Spools Are Your Friend
For some reason when you beautifully wrap Christmas lights and then store them for 11 months of the year they become a tangled mess. You might be tempted to just untangle as you go but really, that’s not the best idea, because nothing makes standing 10 ft up on a ladder more dangerous than while trying to untangle Christmas lights. Our Weather-X ® Green and White Cord Spools are approved for outdoor use and are resistant to moisture and sunlight. A UV inhibitor is mixed right into the jacket to slow the aging process that the outdoor elements create. All are 18-gauge wire. When using this type of cord, you simply measure out how much you need, cut the cord, add a Male Attach On Vampire Plug Spt-1, Green 10 Pack then add a Female In Line Attach On Vampire Plug Spt-1, Black 10 Pack. There’s no electrical experience needed and the plugs simply slide onto the cord!
6. Use Commercial Grade Extension Cords
You think it will reach, you measured it out and you planned ahead, yeah it’ll definitely reach, but it doesn’t. Don’t freak out though, just make sure you have some great extension cords on hand. Our 18 gauge green, white and brown Weather-X® Zipcord extension cords not only make uniting Christmas lights and electricity easier, it also gives you a level of safety when it comes to power surges, which is always a plus! Cut this 18 gauge electrical wire to any length you like. Easily attach sockets and plugs, and you can configure your Christmas light strand to any space.
7. Timing Is Everything
Absolutely no one enjoys going outside in the dark and cold to unplug Christmas lights or turn them on. Christmas light timers will make your life so much easier. Choose from ground stake timers, or two outlet mechanical timers that go off and on, dusk to dawn, at 2, 4, 6 or 8 hour intervals.
8. Don’t Do It Alone
Let’s face it. This is not the easiest task. On top of the snow and ice, you sometimes have to deal with if you live in a colder weather part of the country, there is also trying your best to steady the ladder while you are snapping on clips to gutters. Always work with someone to hold your ladder steady and keep yourself in the center as you move up and down. Never overreach or try to move the ladder when you’re at the top.
Here are precautions you should always take:
If it’s rainy, windy, icy, or your roof is snow-covered, DON’T GO UP! It’s just not worth it.
Test and inspect all your lights before decorating
Don’t use nails, screws or tacks to hang lights
Use commercial grade extension cords that are rated for the environment where you’re hanging them and electrical load you’re putting on them
Don’t overload electrical sockets
Don’t put extension cords where they can be walked on or tripped over
If you must use a ladder:
Inspect it to make sure your neighbor didn’t damage it when you loaned it out last
Secure the ladder or have your helper hold it to prevent unexpected movement
Get the right size ladder that will keep you off the top rungs
Good rule of thumb: never allow your “belt buckle” area to lean out past the side rail of the ladder. This will prevent kick out.
Consider each move to prevent losing your balance
Speaking of holiday balance, don’t drive or hang decorations while texting or buzzed on eggnog.
9. Don’t Rush it
Hanging Christmas lights usually takes longer than you think it will. PRO TIP: After preparing and measuring make a guess at how long it will take then multiply it by 2. When professionals do it they’re often in a rhythm and they know the in’s and out’s of hanging Christmas lights on a variety of homes so they can get it done quickly and efficiently, but when you do it yourself and you only do it once every year it will take a little longer.
Get All the Commercial-grade Lighting You Need
Now that you have mastered all the tips for hanging lights like a pro, it is necessary that you find the right type of Christmas lights for your decorations. At Creative Displays, you will find a wide variety of commercial-grade quality holiday lights, as well as decorations and even customized lighting displays.
If you want to decorate your house or your business, or you are an installer working on an event, or a city major looking for quality lights to decorate a city park or street, contact us today and we will more than happy to assist you and provide you with all the options you need to follow each of these tips.
Bringing the community a farm holiday lighting experience, wasn’t the owners’ initial vision. This beautiful apple and pumpkin farm in New Jersey is known as the Jewel of Bergen County. In the late 1970s, Peter and Marsha introduced what would become one of the largest and most important parts of the business: pick-your-own apples and pumpkins. Peach picking came along a number of years later and is rapidly growing in popularity. In 1991, the Demarest Family proudly watched as its legacy continued to grow as their new farm store opened across the street, where fields of corn once grew. Through the years in its new home, the farm market has continued to evolve with the times, still offering the finest quality fresh fruits and vegetables, but also evolving with the time and offering many of the conveniences and services sought today by patrons: a from-scratch salad bar, country bakery, delicatessen, ice cream parlor, and an endless selection of indulgent goodies (like homemade doughnuts and apple cider!) as well as unique gift and gourmet items.
Elizabeth Demarest, 90, could have sold the farm for big bucks, but she didn’t want to see McMansions sprouting up on her 34 acres in Hillsdale and Saddle River. “It would have killed me,” she said. The family agreed to preserve the land and sold it to Jason DeGise and Jim Spollen, who started working at Demarest Farm as teenagers. They’re now in their 40s. DeGise handles retail. Spollen prefers the fields. “You have to have a passion for it,” Spollen said. “Now we’re taking it over, so we’re investing in it. My life’s been invested in it. My family works here, my children, my wife. My sisters worked here. It’s not just a job; it’s a livelihood, a way of life.” They see a real growth opportunity. “Now there’s a big, in the last 10 years, (movement) back to local, farm to table,” DeGise said. “And the younger generation’s really being taught that in school,” Demarest said, “in a way, the farm really is staying in the family. They just belong here, and they both are in the place where their passion lies,” she said. “So it’s a perfect match. I’m very proud of them. It’s a good thing.”
NEW FARM ADVENTURES AWAIT
Now Demarest Farms has taken the next step in bringing the community together. In addition to the farm and orchard, they began the ultimate agritourism experience, opening up a Haunted Orchard and a farm holiday lighting experience with Orchard of Lights. The Haunted Orchard is nothing short of a scream! This fun event features a hayride and a bone chilling series of haunted adventures filled with ghouls, ghosts and all kinds of scary creatures… you will be transported deep into the orchard to visit the forgotten graveyard nestled within the apple trees. The event begins the first weekend in October and runs through Halloween. Click here for more information and tickets https://hauntedorchardsfarm.com/
Last year, was the first year Demarest Farms began Orchard of Lights. This family-friendly experience brought in thousands from all around the region and was a tremendous success. Visitors were able to take a hay wagon ride through 32 acres of brilliant holiday light displays, warm up by the fire pit and enjoy hot cocoa and treats in their retail farm market.
HOW OUR RELATIONSHIP BEGAN
Demarest found us online while researching Holiday displays and design companies. They liked that we had been in business for 60+ years and that we had a five star Google review. When they called us we were willing to work with them and find a way to work with their budget. They had called some other companies, but they said they were either too busy and they would get back to them later or that they could not work with their budget. It was not large enough. Their goal was to create a holiday tradition for families that could live on for years to come. They wanted to build an experience that brought families and their community together in a positive, uplifting way and to bring joy to their community. It was important to create a holiday experience that was unlike any other in their area and they were looking something unique and inspiring. So we went to work!
HOW WE MADE IT ALL HAPPEN
While they had the vision for what they wanted, they had no idea where to start and how they would execute it. They needed a partner that could help them design a drive thru park from nothing other than a path on a map. While they had great ideas for what they wanted they did not know how to put it all together. We took over with the design process right away and went back and forth with the owners until we got the overall design exactly how they wanted it. Due to our vast experience, we were also able to help and give advice with a number of other things from pricing to traffic flow as well as building the overall experience. We had a call with the owners to find out what their vision was for their holiday experience and what they wanted to achieve. We also found out what personalized elements that we could add based on their farm and area. We talked thru the length of the drive thru and they provided us with a rough outline of a map of their drive thru. From there we developed a design concept and presented that to the owners. This initial design sparked a lot of conversation and provided a vision that was tweaked and modified as we went back and forth with ideas. After a lot of collaboration, we were able to finalize the designs and get everything into production.
THE RESULTS
Their results exceeded their expectations. They sold out nearly every weekend. Even with this overflow of attendees they were able to manage the crowds and delight their customers. They also did well on other items like s’mores kits and hot chocolate that were sold separately from the ticket sales and this boosted their overall revenue.
THIS YEAR, THEY ARE KICKING IT UP A NOTCH!
They are going to add some new displays and experiences to continue to keep their drive thru an exciting holiday destination while building on the traditions that they have in place.
Matching your bulbs to your patio light strings in both size and style is an important part of creating a beautiful outdoor lighting design. Patio light strings are available in several wire colors & socket styles. We have created a few cheat sheets for you to reference as you are planning your patio light design.
The 11S14 LED RETRO FIT BULB, INCANDESCENT PATIO BULB, AND LED PATIO BULB are all 3 great for commercial patios or residential patios that warrant more light. Pair these with our Pro-Grade® Medium Base Light String with either 18 inch or 24 inch spacing or for a more bistro-style look, use our Pro-Grade® Select Patio and Event Light Strings with the drop down base.
The C9 SMD LED RETRO FIT BULB, G40 LED BULB AND G50 LED GLOBE BULB are designed to be used with Pro-Grade® C9 Light Strings with 12 inch and 18 inch spacing options. If you’re looking for more of a traditional look, these bulbs will do the trick. They are both versatile and stunning and create a gorgeous look for your patio or backyard.
The G12 C7 CLEAR BULB AND G40 C7 LED RETRO FIT BULB are designed to be used with Pro-Grade® C7 Light Strings with 12 inch and 18 inch spacing.
What are the main differences between commercial Christmas C7 bulbs and C9 bulbs?
The main differences between C7 bulbs and C9 bulbs are size and wattage.
C7 Bulbs ~1.5” Long (Smaller) .75” Wide E12 Candelabra Base 5 Watts
C9 Bulbs >2” Long (Larger) 1.25” Wide E17 Intermediate Base 7 or 10 Watts
Are C7 and C9 light bulbs available in LED?
Yes, they are and use 90% less energy than their incandescent counterparts. Even better is that you can plug them into incandescent light strings.
The smaller C7 LED bulb has 3 LEDs per base, while the larger C9 has 5
Pro tip: Since LED C7 and C9s burn brighter, they give off more light using fewer lightbulbs.
Can you plug LED C7 and C9 bulbs into an incandescent light string?
The short answer is yes. But if you place C7 and C9 LED replacements bulbs next to incandescent bulbs, the light string’s colors will glow differently and will appear “off.”
You cannot substitute LED mini lights on an incandescent light string because LEDs require a much lower wattage than incandescent mini lights.
Do C7 and C9 bulbs get hot with use?
The older, incandescent bulbs do get hot, which makes them a fire hazard when used on or near flammable or delicate holiday decorations. However, the LED C7 and C9 lightbulbs do not get hot to the touch, expanding the creative horizons of where they can be used—anywhere… which leads us to…
Where should C7 and C9 light bulbs be used?
Most commonly, C7 and C9 light strings are used for exterior applications, such as lining drives and buildings, as well as stringing across structures. In other words, any place where you want to make a bright statement.
Pro tip: Order dimmable bulbs if you’re using them in an animated light show.
Do you have any tips for using C7 bulbs for decorating?
The smaller C7 is often associated with luxury residential exterior décor. These bulbs not only work well for holiday applications, but also for year-round decoration of exterior features, such as structure outlines, strung on walkways, decks, patios and gazebos, and stringing across or wrapping trees. For all year use, white is the most used color. Due to their smaller size, C7 lightbulbs work well in residential projects and historic buildings.
What about decorating tips using C9 bulbs?
Going commercial? Experts at Creative Displays suggest going big. C9 bulbs are a go-to for those responsible for larger commercial displays and décor. LED C9 bulbs can be used on indoor trees, so they are good choice for big trees that are over 15’ high, such as those in town squares or corporate campuses.
Ready to get started on your project with C7 or C9 bulbs?
You’ll find commercial-grade Christmas LED C7 and C9 lightbulbs in faceted or smooth finishes and a wide range of colors, plus experienced support if you have more questions at Creative Displays.
Agritourism. It’s not just a farm marketing buzzword anymore. The list of potential income streams for your farm is only limited by your interest, time and imagination. Many people look forward to vacations as a break from life in the city and suburbs. Whether it’s just a day trip or a week long holiday, people are increasingly turning to rural settings for relief. Agritourism offers a large variety of agriculturally based experiences, ranging from seasonal festivals, educational tours and “pick your own” produce farms to outdoor adventures and on-farm accommodations. So if you are considering adding seasonal events to your farm as an additional revenue source, let us help.
Since 1959, we have been creating Christmas and Halloween light displays for drive thru and walk thru parks, cities, businesses, entertainment & hospitality venues, farms, military bases and more that establish a profitable winter tradition, attracting visitors and bringing their communities together… year after year after year.
There is Revenue in Tradition
You’re sure there is opportunity to generate or increase your revenue and popularity during the holiday season. What many of our customers, like you, didn’t know was where to start with their holiday light displays. Over the decades, Creative Displays, Inc. has worked with customers with both large and small budgets to design Christmas and other holiday light displays that have turned into can’t-miss, annual events.
Creative Displays, Inc. can custom design every piece or specific elements of your entire lighting display.
We specialize in:
Design Services
Family Friendly
Drive-Thru Holiday Displays
Custom Light Displays
Holiday Lighting
NEED HELP CREATING THE VISION?
Tell us what your needs are and we will create a holiday lighting package that will make this your most successful season yet. Our creative team are designers at heart with heads for business. They come from a design background and have spent their careers creating unique, eye-catching displays that are lively and entertaining while maximizing budget to make the most impact. In other words, they know a thing or two about making a huge impression by using big elements, strategic smaller ones and the logistic framework that makes it all work beautifully.
All of our products are the highest quality, commercial-grade products on the market. For the past 60 years, we have worked on projects both large and small and thrive on creating new, exciting displays for our clients.
Animated Light Displays
Holiday Decor
LED Light Strings
C9 and C7 Retro Fit Bulbs
Lighting Supplies and Accessories
UL Rated for Indoors and Outdoors
Energy Star Qualified
Displays Made in the USA
Looking to stop traffic this holiday season? Wrapping a tree with lights is an easy way to make your outdoor space simply magical.
How Many Commercial Holiday Lights for Wrapping Trees?
Before you get started, there are some basic measurements that you need to take into consideration. YES – There IS math involved!:) You will need to measure the circumference of the tree trunk, as well as the circumference and count of any branches you wish to wrap with lights. Then decide as to how much spacing you want both between each light bulb on the string, as well as how far apart you plan to wrap the light strings.
Christmas mini lights with 4″ bulb spacing are popular for wrapping trunks and branches, with an average spacing of 2-3″ between strings. Divide height by desired string spacing, multiply total by circumference to calculate total string length needed.
Here’s a great example: we have a 4’H trunk that measures 2′ in circumference, and we plan to wrap four of the stronger branches, which measure 3’L and 6″ in circumference. Use this equation to learn how to wrap a tree with lights:
4’H trunk / 3″ spacing = 16 x 2′ circumference = 32′ of lighting
3’L branch / 3″ spacing = 12 x 6″ circumference = 6′ of lighting per branch
Total lighted feet will be approximately 56′ for the trunk and four branches
Of course, we are fans of the “more lights, the better” mindset, so feel free to add as many stunning lights as your big Christmas heart desires!
PRO TIP: Start With a Ball of Lights
Starting with a ball of lights is much easier, as the lights tend to stay untangled. Begin at the base of the tree, with the male end of the plug and wrap around the tree working your way up. Begin wrapping the tree upwards, connecting the male end with the next light string’s female end. Wrap the lights firmly, but not too tight. You can also use our high-quality zip cords to secure the lights if need be. When you reach the branches, you will want to increase the vertical spacing of strings on branches where light strings will be wrapped up and back down. You don’t need to wrap all of the branched, and you only need to go about ¾ of the way up a branch for maximum effect.
Springtime is here. Birds are out, the flowers have bloomed, and people are beginning to venture outdoors. It’s time to light up summer and give your customers an outdoor living/dining/shopping experience like no other.
Adding beautiful, commercial-grade exterior lighting could do more to attract people to your business than a new marketing plan. You may not know this, but subtle decor changes (lighting included) can do a lot to bring in the customers you want.
Residential Patio Lighting
As an installer, you can add a whole new revenue stream by offering patio lighting installation to your menu of services. People love entertaining outdoors, so now is the perfect time to help them light up their decks, patios, pool areas, and home perimeters with warm, ambient lighting. This is your opportunity to get creative and have fun! Wrap trees in warm white twinkle mini light strings or drape LED Patio Bulbs from tree to tree for a festive look.
Restaurant Patio Lighting
More and more, restaurant patrons are choosing to eat on the patio as opposed to the inside dining room. Before any customer gets into your restaurant, they will have to pass by the exterior of your restaurant. This is your first chance to introduce them to the mood for their meal. In fact, the dining experience doesn’t start when the first appetizer lands on your table. The experience starts the moment the restaurant comes into sight. The type of outdoor lighting you have for your restaurant broadcasts something about your business.
The worst-case with lighting is shabby or inadequate outdoor lighting. That broadcasts that your restaurant is dull, cheaply run, or even unsafe. That’s the last thing you want people to see. Instead, use lighting to your advantage. Any lighting design, regardless of the details, tells your customers that you care enough to put in good lighting. That alone is a good start. From there, lighting can tell a story about your restaurant.
Consider creating a refuge with a backyard garden or festive beer garden. Patios come in many varieties. If you’re in a scenic location, your patio might offer panoramic vistas of a waterfront or surrounding mountains. But outdoor dining doesn’t have to include picturesque views. Instead, it can offer solace from busy life.
Create an outside-only happy hour special, especially on hot days when customers are drawn to air conditioned interiors. A patio margarita special can entice your customers to al fresco dining.
If you don’t have a patio, consider testing sidewalk seating. “Sidewalk seating is ideal in older historic districts with distinct foot traffic,” Prentiss says.
Measure your target market’s reaction without committing to full renovations. Gauge whether your kitchen can manage the increased demand and waiters can handle the extra tables.
Just like your dining room, patios should be updated every five to seven years to be kept modern. If you are in an especially hot or humid location, consider implementing an outdoor cooling system or using large umbrellas to foster shade.
Shopping Center/Retail Patio Lighting
The shopping experience is changing. According to the expert panel at the fifth annual Entertainment Experience Evolution conference, super regional malls and enclosed shopping centers, which once dominated the landscape, are being replaced by immersive, open air centers that provide visitors with more than just a place to shop. Successful retail centers today are a destination — they provide excellent food and dining, aesthetically pleasing environments with open public space, and entertainment tenants and events that engage shoppers to stay longer, come back frequently and use the center as a hub for creating memories with friends and family.
Lighting is a great way to create those aesthetically pleasing environments in open spaces – both outside and inside the centers. Keynote speaker Ashley Robinson, vice president of EMERGING posed the question to attendees of the conference – “Designers or architects, how would you change the design of a development if you knew that the majority of the foot traffic would be seen after five o’clock in the afternoon?” One of the answers – Install beautiful lighting that keep customers feeling both safe and create a warm, inviting experience.
Whether you drape globe lights across a central outside space or place them on each of your restaurants’ patio umbrellas, you can be sure that they will make an impact on your customer’s experience!
Wedding/Event Patio Lighting
If you are a wedding or event planner, you know choosing the right lighting is critical to the success of your client’s event. When done well, lighting can make everything look better, from the wedding cake to the guests. According to the wedding experts at The Knot, the right kind of illumination will also get those details you spent hours on noticed, create awesome photo-ops, and allow you to spend less on the rest of the décor. It really is that impactful. Lighting could be considered the jewelry of a space—just as a certain mix of accessories can make an outfit, the right lights will make your reception unforgettable.
Use our patio lights to string across a covered tent, weave through a rafters of a barn venue or to drape through trees for a magical backdrop. Lighting is one of the easiest and most dramatic ways to create a certain mood for your client’s wedding, especially for a backyard wedding where there is little to no built-in lighting sources. Need a little inspiration? Let us help!
Christmas is a time to let your creative juices flow and allow your personality to shine through your décor. These gorgeous Christmas Trees and Displays are what makes it FUN! From simple and elegant to wild and colorful, these holiday creations are sure to make Santa feel right at home!
A WINTER CANDY WONDERLAND
Let your inner child come out and play! This bright, fun setting (photo above) screams I LOVE CHRISTMAS MAGIC! White, silver, ice blue and pops of cherry red create a feeling of Christmas wonder. Make this Creative Display really POP with our 5MM LED Pure White Twinkle Mini Light Strings.
A VINTAGE BLUSHING
Does your perfect Christmas include bringing out your Grandmother’s favorite gold-trimmed ornaments and singing Frank Sinatra while wrapping each present with beautiful vintage bows? Then this Rose Gold, Blush and White themed Christmas tree is perfect for you. For the perfect look, drape it with our M5 LED Warm White Lights with White Light Strings.
GO BACK TO THE WILDERNESS
If wrapping up with a warm wool blanket in front of a fire, in a log cabin deep in the woods is your kind of perfect, that this rustic Christmas setting is just for you! Be creative and string our M5 100 Light LED Warm White and Red Christmas Lights together to add some warmth and spice to this woodland look.
CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY – A MODERN TWIST
If high fashion and glam are your style, this is the tree for you. Bright teal and deep shades of purple and hints of glitzy gold give this display glamour and sophistication. Our M5 LED Pink and Purple Christmas Lights will complete this modern look!
A TRADITIONAL GATHERING
A beautiful color palette of red, white, and silver creates a merry, traditional ambiance. Set near the fireplace, your tree will glisten with snowflakes,pine cones, and other shiny baubles. Hang festive stockings along the mantel and use candy-cane-hued paper with complementary solids and patterns to wrap your packages. The warmth of our M5 50 LIGHT LED WARM WHITE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS completes this look.
The Summer months are upon us and your clients will be spending a lot of time outdoors in their backyards and gardens. They are looking for advice on how to make their outdoor living spaces sparkle and evoke a warm, inviting feel that beckons their friends and family to join them outside. We have put together 10 commercial outdoor lighting ideas to take to your clients this summer – some they will even be able to enjoy year-round.
IDEA #1 – DAZZLE WITH WARM WHITE NET LIGHTS
Have a dark space in the corner of your client’s garden or a large open space on their fence? Brighten it up with warm white net lights. You can also wrap bushes, columns and trees with net lights in traditional incandescent or energy-saving LEDs and experience long-lasting, weather-resistant illumination you can depend on. Net lights are an elegant option for brightening outdoor events, summer parties and holiday soiree’s with ease!
IDEA #2 – HAVE FUN WITH STRING LIGHTS
If your client doesn’t have an existing pole or attachment from the deck or patio to hang string lights, get creative and put your DIY skills to work. Take large planters and cement poles or pipe to the bottom of planters anchored at each corner of their patio and sting lights between them. Carry the look over the rest of the yard and string them through the trees for a truly magical environment.
IDEA #3 – JOURNEY TO THE FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE
Drape big beautiful bistro lights throughout the backyard and patio. Want to really impress your client? When you are ready for the big reveal, pick up a small 3-piece bistro table set and have a bottle of wine and cheese and crackers sitting out there for them to sit and enjoy!
IDEA #4 – GIVE THE PERGOLA SOME PERSONALITY
This is where you can really use your imagination! Check out this amazing DIY pergola and fire pit setup. Created by Lauren Ashworth of Little White House Blog, and featured on Remodelaholic, this structure is the grown-up backyard play-set of their dreams. It seriously has it all: a fire pit, a movie screen, Adirondack chairs, six (!) porch swings, a built-in bar, and a pergola. And the outdoor lighting idea: a string of lights giving it the finishing touch on this amazing setup.
IDEA #5 – FROM THE GROUND UP
If your client has English ivy or some other dense, sturdy groundcover in their landscape, and amazing outdoor lighting idea is lighting it up with string lights or these 5mm warm white lights. It’s a beautiful effect, as the lights work their way down into the plants and as you walk along, new lights pop up and others get obscured by the surrounding leaves. Connect them to a timer and set from dusk to dawn.
IDEA #6 – MAKE THE TREES DANCE
Create a magical space. There is nothing more breathtaking than watching the leaves and warm white string lights dance together in the night breeze.
IDEA #7 – DRAPE THEM OVER A READING SPACE OR HAMMOCK
Is there anything more soothing than a hammock gently swinging under commercial outdoor lighting string lights? This easy-to-pull-off setup is guaranteed to be your client’s favorite spot to relax.
IDEA #8 – HANG PATIO LIGHTS ABOVE A SLEEPING PORCH
Does your client have an enclosed area they aren’t quite sure what to do with? Turn their screened-in porch into an enchanting oasis. Let them drape from the ceiling or a railing or hang them from a wall.
IDEA #9 – YOU HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
Use grapevine balls, containers or planters as unique places to bring clusters of light together to make a statement. Grapevine balls, white lights, twine, and a branch turn into an easy-to-make, rustic chandelier you can hang from a porch or patio.
IDEA #10 – GO ALL OUT
If you’re planning to go all out for a special summer party, opt for a more extravagant look by hanging dozens of lights on a patio or porch’s ceiling.
