There was a time when I religiously strung those tiny white lights on my Christmas tree each year. And because I can be a bit of a perfectionist this task was not an easy one. The lights had to be perfectly spaced and with no ugly cords showing. One year I’d worked so hard getting the lights on the tree that it was nearly impossible to get them off. In fact I didn’t. The whole thing went to the curb. Not a proud moment.
Things took a turn when I received a vintage aluminum tree in 2002, it didn’t need lights since it has a sheen all its own. Still, without the festive glow of holiday lights I have to admit there’s something missing. Like a fire in the fireplace on Christmas Eve the lights add a festive touch…
Which is why when the folks at Gardener’s Supply contacted me about trying out, and giving away, their pinecone string lights I said yes. As I’ve mentioned before it’s rare that I accept an offer like this but these lights checked off all the boxes...
- they have the same quality look as vintage mercury glass bulbs (they're glass, not plastic!)
- they are battery powered, no need to string the cord to a plug in
- the cord is clear, thus easily hidden
- the lights are LED, remaining cool not heating up (and drying out) the greenery
I briefly considered using them in a wreath on the front door, or maybe stringing them on an agave outside (taking care to keep the battery pack dry), but instead decided to use them on my holiday mantle-scape.
Of course a few real cones needed to be mixed in.
Along with tilandsia, there are always tilandsia on the holiday mantle.
Needing a little touch of snow (aka the flocked Christmas tree) I added a “Dusty Miller New Look” – seriously, that’s what the tag said, "New Look"...
So yes, I love them, and I think you will too because Gardener’s Supply is allowing me to giveaway 5 strings to danger garden readers, 5! Before you say “yes please” here are a few more details on the lights…
- the string is 98” long with 10 lights – 9” between lights
- each cone measures 4” x 1.75”
- uses 3 AA batteries (not included) and the battery pack has on/off switch
- for use indoors or outdoors in a protected location
Okay, how do you enter to win? It’s easy...just comment below sharing your philosophy on holiday lights, something along the lines of: “love em, can’t get enough, as long as they’re white.” Or “give me every color known to man and make them twinkle!”… “Can’t be bothered, although these look easy enough for even me.” Or, of course “What are you talking about, I'm Clark Griswold and these would just be the latest addition to my collection”…
Five random winners will be chosen this Saturday, December 13th at noon and announced later that day. You must include a way for us to contact you (blog link or email). Continental U.S. entries only.
And (this is the "fine print") as I mentioned Gardener's Supply shipped me a string of lights to try out, free of charge.
All material © 2009-2014 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.