Christmas is over for another year, but in the Obamas’ home, the glow of delicate twig tree lights feels timeless. Even in a single photograph of Barack and Michelle Obama, there’s a sense of effortless elegance – and much of that comes from their thoughtful use of Christmas lighting. Warm, slender, sculptural lights, often seen as seasonal Christmas decorating ideas, are here elevated into a permanent feature, softening the architecture and adding a subtle, amber-hued glow that works all year round.
I first discovered the charm of this approach entirely by accident. One year, after the holidays, I forgot to take down my wire trees with sparkling LEDs – and instead of feeling out of place, I found myself delighting in their soft glow all winter. Since then, I’ve kept them up year-round, enjoying the warmth and subtle magic they bring to every season. My Lighted Birch Trees from Amazon now take pride of place on my sideboard, and they never fail to attract compliments from guests.
What makes twig tree lights so special is how they work with the room rather than dominating it. As Jo Naughton, Co-founder of Lights4fun, says: ‘Keep it simple – a few twig trees with sparkling lights will look beautiful all winter, and just as magical in summer when hosting parties.’ In my home, they’ve become a quiet backdrop for long evening chats, piano practice, or just curling up with a book, creating a soft, welcoming atmosphere that doesn’t feel tied to any one holiday.
The Obamas’ approach shows that lighting like this isn’t just about Christmas – it’s about creating a space that feels cozy, elegant, and full of life all year long. True style, after all, doesn’t have a season. It’s the small touches – the soft glow of a wire tree, the careful placement of light – that make a home feel like a sanctuary, no matter the time of year.
Shop the Look
Choosing the perfect Christmas lights that can shine all year round might seem tricky, but I’ve rounded up my favorite affordable designs that make it easy to try the trend at home. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at the stunning glow they can bring to even the smallest or darkest corners of your space.
Add a warm, enchanting glow to your home with this birch-inspired tree. Featuring 24 flexible branches and 144 bright LED lights, it can be shaped to suit any decor. With a built-in 6-hour timer and dual USB or battery power, it offers effortless, year-round elegance and versatility.
Handcrafted and bendable, these warm LED twig lights bring a cozy, enchanting glow to any space. Perfect for home, office, or special occasions – from Christmas and Valentine’s Day to showrooms and galleries – they create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
Invite the beauty of nature indoors with this elegant birch tree, featuring 24, 48, 72, or 96 warm-white LED lights. Its flexible, lifelike branches can be shaped to suit any decor, creating a festive, inviting atmosphere in any room. A perfect touch of sophistication and charm for year-round elegance.
Set the scene for an unforgettable holiday night with this striking artificial white willow tree. Inspired by gothic elegance and the quiet mystery of willow branches, its sculptural white trunk and graceful, bendable limbs are illuminated by 400 cool white LED lights.
Elevate your space with the understated elegance of brown branches softly lit by warm white LEDs. A refined, natural statement designed to bring warmth and beauty to the yard, front door, or living room – season after season.
Bring the brilliance of autumn indoors with the Artificial Maple Tree. Bursting with vibrant orange, maple-shaped leaves and illuminated by 48 warm white LED lights, it casts a cozy, seasonal glow.
