Outdoor lights are a quick, inexpensive way to transform the atmosphere of any outdoor gathering. Whether you’re planning a party, an intimate dinner, or any other outdoor gathering, lights allow you to create the feel you want. Even if you’re not having an outdoor event, a set of party lights can add a festive feel to your backyard or property.
Outdoor Party Lights are Ideal For:
- Outdoor wedding reception;
- Outdoor graduation party;
- Outdoor birthday party;
- Outdoor barbecue;
- Outdoor Summer pool party.
No matter what party themes you’re using, lights can be the perfect touch!
Decide What Kind of Lights You Want
Christmas Lights: Outdoor lights come in every shape and form. If you’re not prepared to shell out a lot of money, look at ordinary Christmas lights (it doesn’t have to be Christmas time!). Christmas lights can give a party a subtle, fantastical feel, even giving the appearance of a starry night!
Candles: Candles add a more intimate feel to your gathering, since smaller flames give off less light, still keeping your surroundings dim. Spreading candles out on your table can not only give you the light you need to eat your food (if your party is at night), but they can also give you the opportunity to personalize your event as well.
Lanterns: If you want to set your party apart from other gatherings, then consider investing a little more and adding some lanterns to your party. Depending on the types of lanterns you use, you can add an old-fashioned, classic, or dramatic touch to your gathering. Whether you choose Japanese lanterns, brass lanterns, or paper lanterns, you’ll be able to find whatever you’re looking for.
Where Do I Buy Outdoor Lights?
You can usually find outdoor party lights wherever outdoor and hardware equipment is sold. Stores like Wal Mart, Target, and Home Depot have a wide variety of equipment for whatever kind of party you’re looking to throw. You’ll also be able to ask an assistant for tips on how to set up your lights, what kind of lights would look best, and the best way to wire your lights so that they don’t blow a fuse or catch something on fire.
If you don’t want to spend your money on gas, then consider looking for your lights online. There are plenty of online sites with a wide selection of decorative lights for you to choose from. Simply do a “Google search” for the kind of lights you want, and let the internet save you the trouble of searching!
Budget Your Lights
Since party lights are so inexpensive, you can buy as many as you want for your backyard, then flex your creative muscles to make them look exactly the way you want them too. If you are on a budget, don’t go too crazy, or you might not have any money left for the rest of your party! Consider making a list of everything you need, and check to buy before shopping for your lights, so that you don’t go over-budget.
Tips for How to Display Your Lights
Bottle Them Up: Using bottles to display your lights can be a great way to keep your lights bright and hassle free all night long, especially if you use candles. Not only do bottles protect your lights from wind and liquids, they help to magnify the light coming from your candles (or other lights). Bottles are also inexpensive, which means that you’ll be able to spend more on your other decorations. You can string them from trees on rope or display them in the middle of your tables.
Use Vellum Shields: These Asian inspired light covers can add color and drama to your patio setup. They’re great for large votive candles and small, automated lights.
Japanese Lanterns: Japanese lanterns have been used for centuries to help light festive gatherings. Japanese lanterns come in all shapes and sizes. They can be used to hold candles, or you can buy a string of electric Japanese lanterns if you want to skip the hassle.
Load up the Lights: Stringing lights from trees or canopies can fill your backyard with whimsy and imagination. The more lights you have, the closer to a fairy tale your backyard will be! Christmas lights are also great because they stay out of your guests’ way, and you won’t have to worry about them lighting anything on fire. Christmas lights will also provide your guests with just the right amount of light if your event is at night. For a cleaner line of lights, use an LED rope light.
Tiki Torches: Tiki torches can add the perfect touch to any summer party. While tiki torches don’t add a ton of light, they can help you to set boundaries around your yard or party area. If you’re concerned about bugs, you can also fill your torches with citronella candles to keep mosquitoes and other pesky critters away.
Light up the Pool: Putting lights near the water can have a great effect. Since water reflects light, your lights will be able to pull double duty! Lights near the water can also serve as a safety reminder, keeping your guests from falling into your pool or lake!
Floating Candles: There’s nothing more delicate that a candle floating in a decorative bowl full of water. These candles are especially appropriate for more formal get-togethers. If you want to add a special touch to your candle display, fill the bowl with your favorite color dye or flower petals.
Photo Centerpieces: These centerpieces are festive and touching at the same time. Take your favorite photos and print them on tissue paper, then fasten them together to form a triangle with space in the middle for a candle. You can also use LED lights as part of your display. Display them in the middle of the table with a candle in the center, and your centerpieces will come alive! These centerpieces are perfect for weddings or graduation parties, any event that calls for a little bit of nostalgia!
Outdoor parties are all about the food, the guests, and the decorations. The proper lighting for a party can set the feel for your party and put your guests in the mood to have a good time. Simply pick out your outdoor party lights and let your imagination run wild!