Star waterfall lights turn almost anything tall into a Christmas tree of light: nine strands fall from a star topper, and you peg them out in a cone. No real tree to buy, nothing to water, and from the street it reads as a Christmas tree. Here are 8 ways to set them up this winter, with what's in the box and what you'll need to add.
1. Over a tree in the garden
The easiest support is one you already have. Fix the star to the top of a small conifer or a bare garden tree and let the nine strands fall over the branches to the ground. The tree holds the star up, and the strands give it the shape.
Shown: the Warm White star waterfall lights over a garden tree, with the solar panel.
2. A free-standing cone on a pole
No tree in the right spot? A garden stake, a flagpole or a patio umbrella pole works too (not included). Fix the star at the top and peg the strands out around it, and you have a cone of light in the middle of the lawn.
Shown: the White star waterfall lights as a cone in a snowy front garden.
3. Peg the strands out evenly
Nine strands means nine pegs (not included). Peg the first one, then work round the circle keeping the gaps the same, and pull each strand just tight enough to be straight. The further out the pegs, the wider and lower the tree; keep them closer for a tall, slim one.
Shown: star waterfall trees of light in gardens at night.
4. USB or solar
Choose USB if there's a socket nearby, or the Solar version, which comes with its own panel, for spots in the middle of the garden with no socket in reach. Put the panel where it gets daylight, away from the shade of the house.
Shown: the Multicolor star waterfall lights with the solar panel.
5. Pick one of 8 modes
There are 8 lighting modes, from a steady glow to slow fade, waves, chasing and twinkle. Steady on suits a classic front garden; the moving modes are fun for a party or for children watching from the window.
Shown: the 8 lighting modes, from combination to steady on.
6. Courtyards, porches and parties
It isn't only for the front lawn. Set a cone of light in a courtyard next to the Nativity, by the porch steps or in the corner of a party in the back garden.
Shown: star waterfall lights in a garden, a courtyard and at a party. More ideas: 8 front porch Christmas decor ideas.
7. Warm White, White or Multicolor
Warm White looks like classic candlelight and suits brick, wood and a traditional wreath; White has a cool, snowy look; Multicolor is the cheerful one children love. The star at the top lights up with the strands.
Shown: the glowing star topper.
8. Want animations? Go smart
For moving colours, text and pictures, the smart tree lights can also be pegged out as a cone of light in the garden. Every LED is controlled on its own from the app, and the lights can move to music.
Shown: smart Christmas tree lights as a free-standing cone and on a tree. Ideas for a show: a Christmas light show at home.
What's in the box and tips
- In the box: a star topper with 9 light strands, 2 m (6.6 ft) or 3 m (9.8 ft) long. The pole or tree that holds the star, and the pegs, are not included.
- Power: a USB plug, or Solar with its own panel.
- Colours: Warm White, White or Multicolor, with 8 lighting modes.
- Delivery: free tracked shipping, dispatched in 1 to 3 business days and delivered in 7 to 12. Order by 10 December to have it in time for Christmas.
- Not quite right? Unused items in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
More ideas
- Decorating the front of the house too? Here are 8 front porch Christmas decor ideas.
- Short on space for a tree? Here are 8 Christmas tree alternatives.
- Decorating the balcony? Here are 8 Christmas balcony decoration ideas.