Light Your Patio, Extend Your Evening

A pitcher of sangria, a bucket of ice-cold beer, crispy chicken wings and neighbors splayed out in deck chairs watching children catch fireflies. A perfect summer evening? Indeed. But you can make it last even longer by adding lighting to your patio.

When you think of patio lighting, do your thoughts immediately turn to tiki torches? They’re definitely festive, but they just scratch the surface of the options available.


Strings of lights have become very popular lately, and for good reason. Don’t they remind you of a hot summer night in Italy, with a large and boisterous party under the trees and lots of people downing pasta and limoncello? Strands like these are available at many retailers these days, starting at less than $10, and come in all shapes and sizes.


Of course, if one string is good, lots of strings are better; the same premise as with a Christmas tree. You could let them dangle from your trellis …


… or wrap them around the beams for an even lusher and more romantic effect.


Or how about hanging paper lanterns? These colorful gems can be found for a song online or in a local Chinatown. The least expensive ones do not have lights inside, but if you are hosting a daytime party, they are perfect for adding color and ambience. For evening fetes, spring for lanterns that are battery operated.


These neutral-colored lanterns are the perfect complement to the bamboo chairs, trumpet vines and colorful flowers in this enchanting garden setting.





Or hang a candle chandelier. This one was an antiques fair find; the owners light it up for evening gatherings.

I love a Moroccan fixture. It adds a touch of mystery … kind of Indiana Jones in feeling.


I also think these evocative vintage pendants are great. You can find similar reproductions at Barn Light Electric; the options feel authentic and add such warmth and charm to patio dining.





Pendants can be as sleek and modern as the ones above …

… or as down-home as the ones at left, which were made from mason jars.


Did you see the movie Mamma Mia!? My wife’s favorite scene has Pierce Brosnan hanging mason jar lanterns for a wedding. It has had two effects on her: 1. She has swooned, and 2. mason jar lighting is now her favorite solution for extending long evenings.


This outdoor seating area is lit by a chandelier fashioned from those immensely utilitarian objects.


How about this? A single branch suspended from the ceiling holds a cluster of candlelit jars. (My wife is in love … although I think it’s more with Pierce Brosnan than with the jar light fixture!)


Mason jar lamps also work well hung under an umbrella with LED candles set in lavender.


You can never go wrong dressing a patio table with large candles set into classic lanterns.


Finally, if you, like me, are lucky enough to live in a climate where dining al fresco is possible all year long, consider a lighted evergreen tree like this one. It’s organic, festive and simple. Enjoy!

More: Light Up Your Night With an Easy Outdoor Table Lamp

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