Warm white, 35 feet, one window: DesiDiya's pixel string light

Not every festival needs a light show. Sometimes one warm string across a window is exactly right, and that is what this DesiDiya light is for.

It is listed at 35 feet, in warm white, with 360 degree bulbs on a thin copper wire, sold as a pack of one for Diwali and Christmas. Warm white looks cosy rather than harsh, and copper wire bends easily around grills and railings.

Do not just buy the default selection. The Amazon listing offers this light in a whole range of lengths, and the page opens on just one of them. Spend a minute or two going through the length options and pick the one that fits your window, door or balcony. A string that is too short leaves gaps, and one that is far too long ends up as a tangle behind the curtain.

Before you buy, also read the listing for two things:

• How it is powered. Does it plug straight into the wall, or need an adapter?
• Whether it is meant for outdoors. If it will face the rain on a balcony, look for weatherproofing details.

Thirty-five feet suits a window or a small balcony. For a big balcony plus a gate, the 45 metre multicolour string is the bigger option. Either way, plug it in as soon as it arrives, so a flickering string can go back before the festival.