Garden parties on warm summer evenings are a pleasure to look forward to. Here are 10 easy ways to decorate your outdoor space with light without breaking the budget.
1) Illuminate driveways, paths, stairs, pool decks, and dark corners with paper bag lanterns made from tealights and brown paper lunch bags. Place few rocks inside each lantern as anchors.
2) Make a small investment in easy-to-install solar path lighting. There is no wiring of any kind and the light fixture can be moved around as needed (around $30 each).
3) Place citronella candles and tiki torches around seating areas to deter insects. Make sure they are not too close to the food, as the smell can overpower flavors.
4) Lace decorative paper Chinese lanterns, or inexpensive multi-colored, themed, or bright white sting lights through railings, patio umbrellas, and pergolas.
5) Place candles, tea-lights, votives or fabric lanterns on buffet tables and bars. Remember to keep candles in a safe container or candle holder.
6) Float candles in bird baths, pools or ponds. Floating solar lights are also available.
7) Create dance floor by hanging mini-disco ball from a tree branch and pointing a spotlight at it.
Use retro lava lamps and fiber-optic domes or globes for themed lighting that’s funky and fun.
9) Fill mason jars with about five centimeters of sand, then drop in a tea light for a safe but pretty light that won’t go out in a breeze. Place a row along the side of a path and on each stair.
10) Adorn flea market or thrift store chandeliers holding tea lights and hang from an overhead support or canopy.
Summer is a great time for parties, no matter what the occasion. Why not plan an outdoor garden party and take advantage of fresh air and green space? If you have spending the spring season planting flowers and vegetables, as well as pruning the landscape, why not show off all that hard work to your guests? A garden has a beautiful natural back drop, and often gardens have unique and interesting spaces. Outdoor dining during the spring, summer and fall seasons can be a great experience, one the whole family can enjoy, especially in a garden setting. Planning the perfect outdoor garden party does not have to be difficult or expensive, it just takes the proper planning.
Most people use traditional canopies to shelter their garden parties or barbeques against the burning sun or light summer rain. But did you ever consider using a screen house instead? You will have a bit less of an “outside feeling”, but it can solve some of the greatest problems you face when having a garden party.