Abstract: A decorative lighting system for deploying a string of decorative lights above a ground surface, includes (i) a string of decorative lights comprising a plurality of electrical sockets each connected by wiring strung between each of the sockets, each socket receiving a light bulb; and (ii) a plurality of separate stakes configured to hold the plurality of sockets. Each stake includes (i) a sharpened end to facilitate driving the stake through the ground surface and into the ground to a desired depth; (ii) a receptacle that removably receives an individual socket therein, and (iii) a slot that removably seats and secures said wiring, the slot located adjacent the sharpened end such that said wiring extends from the socket on said string of lights located at the receptacle, through a body of the stake and into slot, wherein the sharpened end comprises an insertion member disposed below the slot such that the insertion member is placed into the ground surface with the wiring above the ground surface.