The holiday season is here, but home and business owners still have time to plan and execute an outdoor lighting display. According to Neil Brenneman of Christmas Decor of Lancaster, a franchise member of the Christmas Decor network, the key to deocorating is having a plan. To create a plan that is right for local homeowners or businesses within a budget, he offered several pointers.

Start by finding a decor focal point. Identify the property's most attractive features - a porch, the front door, some shrubs or a perfect tree - and focus attention there with garlands, greenery and lights.

Then complete the look by enhancing other areas of the property. Outline windows or rooflines with lights or tuck hints of color into the landscape to complement the focal point design.

Brenneman recommended keeping the decor simple and knowing when to stop decorating. Too many themes and colors will detract from the focal point. He noted that a clean, uncluttered display is more attractive, safer and more cost-effective.

Members of the Christmas Decor Franchise Network have been decorating homes and businesses since 1986 and now create outdoor holiday displays in more than 350 markets in 49 states and Canada each holiday season. For more information about Christmas Decor, contact Brenneman at 717-318-1941 or christmasdecoroflancaster@gmail.com, or visit http://www.christmasdecor.net.