b'The Most WonderfulTime of the YearCreating some magic this season and organizing your life are not mutually exclusiveBY SARA COURTNEYA s fall turns to winter, its time to turn our attention to theWith Lights offers a turnkey service, which includes installation, maintenance, holidaysgathering with family, wrapping presents and,removal and even storage. Here are their tips for decorating the exterior of your of course, decorating. Most of us will dig through boxeshome, with an emphasis on safety and having a plan.in the garage or drag down containers from the attic, pullWinter Wonderland How-Tos:out a tangled mass of lights and start to plug them in sys-tematically to see which strands work. Whether you hang1.Power! It might sound obvious, but outside outlets are critical. They suggest a wreath on your door, make your fireplace look festive orhaving all your lighting connected so that ev-hang lights outside, local experts are here to help you with their advice on theerything is using one plugsomething you can best practices for how to make your holiday season a little easier, a little safer,accomplish safely by using low voltage lighting.and, best of all, a little more magical. 2.Theres fresh snow falling, its 20 degrees out, EXTERIOR DECORATING: andyourestandingonyourroof.Badidea! Safety should be your priority as you set about Before you staple lights to your roof or drag mismatched lights across yourhanginglights.TheteamatDecorateWith garden, Dan Smith, owner and operator of Decorate With Lights, has someLights considers the risk of climbing a ladder expert advice on how to create the perfect winter wonderland for your home.(including tying the ladders to the gutters as in-Dan and his wife, Paula, are heading into their second season and could not besurance against a gust of wind) and going on a more excited to light up the homes in SOMA. As a former professional com- roof in the wintertime, and so should you. Its mercial photographer, Dan loves lighting. He has a really good eye for lightinghard to unwrap presents in a full body cast! Consider safety when hanging lights, design, color temperature of lights, and how they should balance with the overall3.Make sure the color temperature of all of your lightsespecially if it means designtechnical details that make a big difference, explains Paula. Decoratematch. Warm white lights are very popular, but de- climbing a ladder.feature story /31'