Holiday decorations have come a long way since your parents used to string those old, clumsy light sets on the bushes. Technical innovations and other improvements in holiday decorations have paved the way for easier options if you decorate this season.

Although some of the "old standby items" still make the cut for decorating, there are a number of non-conventional items shoppers can consider to adorn their homes. Among some of the trendier products you’ll see on hardware store shelves:

Rope lights: Also known as tube lights, these decorative lights have been around for a few years and just keep getting better. They can take the form of holiday characters like reindeer and Christmas trees, or they can often be "shaped" to wrap around porch railings, trellises and entry columns. Decorators can get creative with how and where they string them and what shapes they create.

Snowflake lights: Somewhat new to the decorating scene are shimmering snowflakes that stand alone or come as part of a longer strand. Sold typically as 10-packs, the individual snowflakes are strung together and can be placed in windows, trees and bushes or tacked onto shutters or lattice work for a "snowfall" effect. Longer strands of icicle lights are also available Advertisement

[ Chatton and Associates ] with snowflakes dangling from the bottom row.

Commercial grade light sets: Commercial light sets are stronger and can handle more wear and tear than years past. The bulbs burn brighter and up to six strands can be strung together for greater decorating ability. Make this investment now, and your lights will last year after year without having to be replaced as often. Typical commercial-grade sets sell for $10 a strand or less.

Light clips: Home decorators who have been living without this innovation should be commended for their work ethic, but it doesn’t have to be that hard. To take the strain out of stringing the house with lights, light clips allow for hanging lights off gutters and around window frames without nails. There are even clips for hanging lights off of bricks for masonry homes. The clips are inexpensive and can be re-used. And when it’s time to take the lights down, the clear clips can be left on until next year. That will make the job easier next year.

If you read through this and decide you still need some help, don’t despair. Most hardware outlets – including neighborhood Ace stores – have staff on hand to explain new decorating technology and techniques.