Paper lanterns can be playful or elegant.
Lighting sets the mood for any party. Outdoor events that begin at dusk or carry on through the day and into the evening hours require lighting solutions to keep the festivities going. Choose party lighting that reflects the event's theme. Think of the lighting as part of the party decorations when deciding what to use. Incorporate more than one type of light at your party for maximum effect. Does this Spark an idea?
Holiday Lights
Strings of white or colored holiday lights are a festive addition to your outdoor lighting year round. String them onto existing walls, fences and outdoor structures for instant lighting. Create a tent effect with several strings and a central pole. Place a pole that is at least 8 feet high in the center of the party area. Run strings of lights from the top of the pole to the top of a fence or wall. String the lights so they radiate out from the pole to wall. If you don't have a fence, place 6-foot stakes around the perimeter of the party area every 4 feet.
Use holiday lights with decorative covers. Purchase them from party supply stores or garden centers. Make your own covers using artificial flowers. Remove the center and stem from each flower blossom. Stick a holiday lightbulb through the center of each flower to secure. Use large, brightly colored tropical blooms for a luau or beach party. Choose smaller flowers in pink, lavender or blue for a garden party.
Lanterns
Paper lanterns come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Choose round accordion-style lanterns for bold lighting or narrow cylindrical lanterns for a more refined look. Square and diamond-shaped lanterns are also available. Tie streamers to the bottom of the lanterns or leave them plain depending on the mood you want to set.
Suspend paper lanterns above the party. Attach the lanterns to existing outdoor bulbs or attach them to the bulbs on light strings. Create lighting over seating areas by tying the end of the string attached to the lantern to the end of a long pole. Place a battery-operated light inside each lantern. Prop the poles against walls or seating or place them in flag pole holders on walls and fences.
Line sidewalks with paper lanterns and use them as centerpieces. Fill votive holders with sand and place them on top the bottom crossbar inside the lantern to add weight so they aren't easily blown away. Set a battery-operated light on top the sand. These are especially striking when surrounding a pool because the light reflects off the water.
Candles
Use shields with candles to protect them from breezes. Create a centerpiece by placing a small grouping of oil candle lamps or small pillars in varying heights inside a large glass hurricane shield. Place the hurricane on top a glass cake stand to add height to the arrangement. Use it as a centerpiece or to light buffet and serving tables.
Use your favorite candle holders and pedestals outside, but replace the candles with electric candles. These pose no fire danger and are impervious to the wind.
Tiki torches add the right atmosphere to beach parties and luaus. Arrange torches around the perimeter of the party area or behind food tables. Ensure there are no low roofs or branches above them before lighting the wicks.
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