Cherry Blossom Lights

Some of us who enjoy throwing parties can wrap a lot of time up into just one event. We decorate, cook special foods, send out invitations, and prepare our homes for company. But for many people, it's all just too much trouble. Sure, they enjoy having others over for special occasions, they just don't relish the idea of all that bother. No matter which group you fall into, you'll adore beautiful cherry blossom lights for a party, wedding, or other gathering. The lights look spectacular around doorways, handrails, tables - indoors or outside.

Cherry blossom lights can be made from a strand of your Christmas holiday lights. The best type of lights are small ones, which are clear or white, and on a green strand. If you want, you can wrap the strand in brown or green floral tape to create the look of a vine.

White and/or pink tissue paper works perfectly to create the actual cherry blossoms. Combine white with light pink, dark pink with light pink, or create your own combination. You can make one version by cutting a two-inch-wide piece of tissue, and use it as a pattern to make three more pieces. The pieces can feature all one color, or two of one color, and two of another shade. Cut the strips very long. Stack the strips and cut a scalloped edge on one of the long sides.

Wrap the stacked strips around one of the lights on the strand. Wrap it once or twice then tape the end down. Affix it so that you also tape the blossom to the outside of the tiny light socket. Cut off the excess and use it to wrap more lights.

Although the simplistic cherry blossom lights can be used to decorate all sorts of different places, you can also use them to make a centerpiece. Cut twigs and small branches from a tree and set them in a vase. Wrap the lights around each branch, taping them in place as you go along.

Even though the cherry blossom decorations are spectacular for a special event they also look lovely year-round. Make a cherry blossom tree in a vase, and stand it anywhere in the house, for a lovely look that isn't bound by a particular season. Or, frame a bedroom mirror with the cherry blossoms as a beautiful decorator piece.