“There are so many options, from pathway lighting, to lanterns, to chandeliers, to solar globes that float in your pool,” says Susie Coelho, nationally known lifestyle author and personality. “One of my favorite discoveries are resin battery operated candles because they are safe, but have the look of a real candle and can be left outside without melting.”
Bright outdoor lighting ideas
Glass works: Nestle pillars, votives, and tea lights in glass containers, from vintage jam jars or oversized hurricanes, so winds won’t extinguish the flame. Plus, it protects guests from potential burns. Wrap smaller jars in florist’s wire to hang on trellises, fences, and trees. (Budget-friendly alternative: drill patterns into empty aluminum cans and pop a votive inside.)
Paper power: Buy a dozen inexpensive Japanese paper lanterns from party stores or specialty retailers like World Market. Use battery-powered bulbs to light from within for an elegant glow. Hang from eaves, umbrellas, the back of chairs, etc.
Wrap star: Hang or wrap LED rope lights around patio windows and tree trunks or weave through your shrubbery. If you need an extension cord, make sure it’s rated for outdoor use.
While the patio or backyard may be the focus of your efforts, don’t forget to greet your guests with some festive lights in the front as well. Scatter solar lights on the ground, line your walkway with luminaries, and place lanterns in trees.
“Subtlety is key here,” says Toby Boyd of Philips Professional Luminaires. “You do not want it to appear as if you are lighting an airport runway. Staggering the lights on each side of the walkway will help accomplish this.”
Fun outdoor party lighting
By Lisa Martin
With fabulous outdoor lighting, you can set the mood for your warm-weather fête. Whether festive, playful, or unabashedly romantic, lighting is key to ambiance.
“There are so many options, from pathway lighting, to lanterns, to chandeliers, to solar globes that float in your pool,” says Susie Coelho, nationally known lifestyle author and personality. “One of my favorite discoveries are resin battery operated candles because they are safe, but have the look of a real candle and can be left outside without melting.”
Bright outdoor lighting ideas
While the patio or backyard may be the focus of your efforts, don’t forget to greet your guests with some festive lights in the front as well. Scatter solar lights on the ground, line your walkway with luminaries, and place lanterns in trees.
“Subtlety is key here,” says Toby Boyd of Philips Professional Luminaires. “You do not want it to appear as if you are lighting an airport runway. Staggering the lights on each side of the walkway will help accomplish this.”