Meh- I have to put lights on a 20 foot high back deck. I am certain this will end up looking like the Wizards in Winter".
No way. I’ll fall and land on the cat.
My mother always went on and on about how lights outside made houses “look like a bar”.
Today I’ll be doing my seasonal decor of stockings over the fireplace, a couple of knick-nack items, and the giant wreath on the front door. Last year I copied one I’d seen that was turquoise and copper, with feathers, on an evergreen base. It sounds awful, but it’s quite pretty. Over the top, but pretty. 
Depends on where you live. I have several mortars now that fire golf balls ----- a really long-assed way. And judging from what I’ve seen on trees and such, do some damage hitting.
I like a string of lights around the front window. We plug them in for Christmas. Yes, we are the house that leaves their lights up year round. But at least they’re white so they blend into the pale yellow paint.