- December 20, 2024
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For folks from up north, the holiday season can sneak up on us once we move to Florida. Missing here are some of the obvious queues, such as snow, ice and wind chills. That’s what I tell myself every year when I am frantically shopping for last-minute gifts in 70-degree weather. This year, I will plan better!
So, in an earnest effort to reduce seasonal stress, I am penning this article to help us all prepare for what can be a competitive sport here in Baldwin Park: decking the front porch with holiday decorations. If you have driven down New Broad Street into Downtown Baldwin Park and throughout the neighborhoods in December, you know what I am talking about. Front lawns, storefronts and streetscapes are filled with thrilling tinsel and tropes of holiday cheer. If you want to participate, now is a good time to start putting together your holiday game plan.
NEED NOT APPLY
My first line of inquiry was to the Residential Owners Association office. Given the plentiful policies shaping the appearance of our front yards and home exteriors, I was surprised to find no specific rules limiting temporary holiday adornments for homeowners — at least at the community level. Specifically, an application to the Architectural Review Committee is not required.
LET THERE BE LIGHT!
My next few calls were to a couple of professional lighting companies.
Rolando Martinez and his brother, Jonathan, started Jingle Bell Lights, an Orlando-based landscape lighting and holiday décor company. As far back as 2007, you might have seen one of the trucks parked on your street or their installation teams stringing strands of twinkle on your neighbor’s trees.
Eric Johannessen says he always has had “Christmas in his blood.” His company, Johannessen Lights, received notoriety after his own home was featured in ABC’s 2016 season of “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” He and his team have been decorating residential and commercial properties ever since.
Both shared some insightful tips for a stunning and less stressful holiday display.
BUDGET
Know the range you have to work with if you plan to hire a professional lighting company. For benchmarks, Jingle Bell’s average Baldwin Park customer spends about $10,000 to $12,000, with a minimum of about $5,000 to $7,500 for exterior lighting and décor the first year.
Johannessen Lights’ average is about $3,000 to $4,000, with a minimum of $1,500.
BOOK AHEAD
Most installations take place in November. So, lock your plan in place no later than October, unless you want to pay last-minute premiums or get turned away altogether. Johannessen Lights offers pre-season pricing through August. In any case, plant key landscape elements earlier in the year, and get a neat hedge trim before your installation team arrives.
FROM SIMPLE TO SENSATIONAL
In terms of a design approach, most Baldwin Park homes opt for a classical lighting look to match historic home styling. Start with highlighting significant architectural features, such as rooflines, columns and railings. Next, strategically pick a few landscape elements to be adorned. Add wreaths, garland and a few accessory decorations, such as a nutcracker or candy cane column wraps to top it off.
Baldwin Park resident Dona Downs looks forward to Christmas all year. When she hired Johannessen Lights to decorate her home and landscape last fall, she had “a very specific vision in mind that centered around a unique color palette.” One of her favorite parts of the planning process was visiting Johannessen’s working showroom to select elements to be incorporated into custom garland and wreaths. Design ideation requires more planning time.
OLD SCHOOL VS. NEW SCHOOL
When it comes to bulb types, most exterior lighting companies have switched to LED. According to FamilyHandyman.com: “Unlike traditional Christmas lights, which utilize a filament to produce their holiday glow, LED Christmas lights use light-emitting diodes. This makes the lights more efficient and longer lasting than your old-school Christmas lights.”
Although they are more expensive upfront, they can save money in the long run. Other advantages are they stay cool to the touch and use less energy.
YES, IN MY BACKYARD
Martinez notes that while front yards are for show, many families are opting to decorate their backyards, where they can entertain and enjoy a more private view.
WHAT COMES UP MUST COME DOWN
ROA staff cautioned seasonal lighting and ornaments left up after a certain undefined proper period following the end of a holiday can be subject to citation. Plan to remove what you have installed before the look is no longer relevant. Jingle Bells’ removals are generally completed by Jan. 15.
OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND
Most of Jingle Bells’ and Johannessen’s customers purchase the lighting and décor the companies provide, which means it is typically stored and reused the next year, saving 35% to 40% on subsequent installations. Leasing options also are available.
GET YOUR PORCH HOLIDAY READY
Mimi Simmons Design is excited to celebrate the front porch lifestyle of Baldwin Park that promotes community connections and outdoor living. This year, we started a new focus of “front porch styling” that includes potted plants, furnishings, accessories and even holiday decor. Contact us to get started on a plan that fulfills your visions of sugar plums, and team up with a professional lighting company to add icing on top.
