Outdoor Lights with Ambiance and Flare

I love the natural beauty of fireflies. Did you know that some lightening bugs sync up so that the whole grove of them light up at the same time? It happens within a 2 week window each summer. Only 5 or 6 places in the world contain this special species, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near my home. There is something so captivating about watching their glow, which is one of the reason why I love outdoor lighting. Not the bright flood lights or porch light, but creative, soft, unique lights that add ambiance while I am entertained by my backyard lightening bugs.

Candles

I’m a fan of candles indoors, and obsessed with citronella ones that keep away the mosquitos. Add in the cute candle holders, and I’m sold. They offer soft light with a delicate flicker, perfect for a night lit by a full moon. Here are my favorite ways to use candles on my porch:

• Candelabras for a multitude of candles

  

• Buckets or jars for long lasting flames

  

• Wine bottles with taper candles to add some height to my tablescape

  

• Lanterns to keep the breeze away
• Bricks with tea lights to make sure they don’t get knocked over

  

Pathway Lights

No one likes to walk into the unknown without a bit of light to lead the way. (Especially when you are outside and consider snakes or rabbits or a mushy puddle). Aside from eaves and corner flood lights, here are the best ways to line your pathway with plenty of light:

• Water jugs with sand and candles inside to line a pathway (which can also be decorated for the season!)

  

• Paint the rocks of your path with glow-in-the-dark paint

  

• Hang little lanterns along your fence to provide enough light to see the path

  

• String rope lights along either the edge of the path or on the railing

  

Outdoor Area

In addition to the previous suggestions, I love to incorporate the following lights to all of my backyard bashes:

• Have a fire pit lit ablaze for our guests
• Line the patio with tiki torches

  

• Use a solar lamp inside of a lamp shade for extra comfort

  

• Use an umbrella lamp (this is one of my favorite lights to use!)

  

• String globe lights across your deck or patio to feel like you are partying under the stars

  

Whichever lights you use, I hope you can enjoy your outdoor space with their soft glow. After using some of the suggestions, you will never again use that bright porch light or flood light!