Alternative Outdoor Lighting

By Sarah Van Arsdale

There's nothing more magical than a summertime dinner party, with the soft summer breezes, the stars up above, and the splash of a garden fountain nearby.

But you don't want your guests tripping over the barbecue as they enjoy all the beauty around them, a risk that becomes increasingly possible after a few icy margaritas.

We've taken a look at some of the "little things" that make outdoor dining so special: plates and eating utensils. Now that you've got your table set, let's consider your options for illuminating your outdoor table.

There are three categories of outdoor lighting: table lighting, hanging lights, and ground or stake lights.

For the best effect in table lights, we recommend something with a wick instead of a bulb, even though you can find battery-operated table lamps. A candle or lantern will produce a light that's soft and gentle, perfect for setting a more romantic mood for outdoor dining.

Of course, you have to consider the special conditions of having a candle outdoors: it will need protection from the wind. Luckily, the options for this are quite decorative. A glass candleholder will add a more formal touch, whereas a tin holder from Mexico will look more casually festive. You can use simple white votive candles inside.

If you've got a problem with mosquitoes, you can also place a few citronella candles around the yard or patio. Just make sure these are placed in a ring around the dining area, rather than directly in the dining area itself, as they can have quite a strong scent.

For hanging lights, the options are limited only by your imagination. You can find decorative lights in every shape and style, from hot chili peppers to classic tiny white lights. There are also a variety of lanterns, including multi-colored Chinese lanterns, which create a festive, vintage mood.

You can create a magical pathway across the lawn from the parking area to the party area by planting tiki torches. First, consider how high you want them to be; you should be able to find a variety of sizes.

Make the path curve a bit, but keep it simple, and be sure to use enough lights so the guests will be able to find their way back long after the sun sets. For a different look, plant candles in wind-resistant holders along the path, to provide lighting close to the ground. These will work best edging an existing pathway.

Tip: If you are lucky enough to have water on your property, whether it's a pond, a birdbath, or a swimming pool, you can launch a handful of floating candles onto the water; the flickering flames will be doubled when they are reflected in the water's surface.

Make sure you complete your preparations with an investment in a few elegant boxes of long matches. Once you start investigating the use of outdoor lights, you'll see that this is one "little thing" that really does mean a lot!