How To Reuse Soda Bottles For A Giant Holiday String Light DIY

These days, the competition to have the most original holiday decorations on the block can be fierce. Putting your own unique spin on the same old run-of-the-mill decorations everyone seems to have requires creativity and ingenuity. If you want to go beyond the icicle lights and inflatables this year, this creative DIY will add that touch of holiday magic to make your home the must-see in the neighborhood. Instead of shelling out a ton of money just to blend in with your neighbors, start saving up those 2 liters to turn into jumbo holiday lights that will add a whimsical flair to your outdoor decor.

If you're trying to decorate for Christmas on a budget, don't worry — this giant holiday string light project only requires a few materials, one of which is upcycled soda bottles! Don't worry if you can't find bottles in all the different colors you want for your string lights. You can paint clear bottles using translucent-style paints like the ones in this Colorful Stain Glass Paint Set or create your own DIY paint using food coloring and school glue. Once your giant string lights are ready, you can wrap them around a tree trunk, weave them through your porch stair railing, or use them to decorate your fence for the holidays. 

First, gather your supplies for your giant holiday string lights. TikToker @geekroomgift used plastic containers like the Jaluxing 32oz Soup To-Go Containers for the base of each light. Standard 2 liter soda bottles are 4.33 inches in diameter, so you just need to make sure whatever base you use is a nice and snug fit for your bottles. After you've found something that will work, cut a hole for the LED light at the bottom and paint your containers that classic string light dark green.

You'll attach one light base to each light on your LED string. LEDs are a must to avoid overheating, and size C7 lights, such as the Goothy C7 LED Outdoor Christmas Lights, will give you that oversized vintage look. Next, it's time to hot glue your soda bottles to each light base and cut off the top of the bottle just below the cap.

The last step is to make a jumbo string to match your giant lights. Pool noodles may work if you have some on hand, but pipe insulation foam tubes are probably your best bet as they're a bit thinner and easier to manipulate. You probably won't find pipe insulation in exactly the right color, but the Allwin Pipe Insulation Foam Tubes on Amazon are a good option that you can spray paint to match the dark green light bases. Finish off with some glue, if needed, and get ready to impress the block with your larger-than-life decorations.