You don’t have to install a disco ball and colored spotlights to make your summer shindig fun, hip and happening. On the other hand, you don’t want to skimp on creativity when it comes to outdoor party lighting either. A dim porch light and a few candles won’t do much to get your party started.
If you are looking for fun ways to brighten up your backyard bash consider the following:
Paper Lanterns
Chinese paper lanterns are inexpensive ways to illuminate your summer outdoor get-together. They are available at party supply stores and retailers, such as Target and Kmart. To use them, simply string the lanterns along doorways, ceilings, under a tree, around the perimeter of a patio, along railings and around patio umbrellas to create a festive atmosphere.
Italian Lights
Tiny Italian lights wrapped around wire spheres are available at craft stores and can create a great firefly effect if hung in high places.
Tea Lights
Reasonably priced battery-operated tea lights are ideal to use outdoors because you don t have to worry about them blowing out or tipping over and causing a fire. Simply place them in paper bags with cut-out shapes and they can act as luminaries.
Candles
Candles are not only fun and romantic additions to outdoor parties, but if you purchase the citronella variety, you can also keep bugs at bay. After all, unwanted biting guests are true party poopers.
If you are planning a more elaborate gathering consider decorating with votives placed in white paper bags and weighed down with sand. All you need to do is place the paper bag luminaries along walkways and steps to give your party a festive glow.
Another option is to head over to Target (or some other discount store) and pick up inexpensive solar-powered garden lights, which come on their own plant spikes. The handy lights can be placed in flowerpots or along walkways, so your guests can safely find their way from the backyard to their vehicles parked out front.
Related Articles:
Ways to Make Summer Entertaining Fun