June 7, 2011. Paul Hixon
People are finally beginning to realize how important their outdoor lighting is in setting the mood, tone and atmosphere of their outdoor parties, gatherings, and dinners. The exciting news is that manufacturers are also getting the picture, and there are far more options for outdoor party lighting than ever before.
Whether your get-together is large or small, there is a wide range of light fixtures to choose from.
For a larger party, you will want to combine electrically powered lighting, which will form the foundation of your plan, with battery powered lights that you can move around as necessary. That way, no one will ever be left in the dark, but neither will anyone have to tend to facing the glaring brightness of one or two big fixtures. Combining multiple styles and types of lighting will spread it more evenly around, making everything and everyone look more lovely and inviting.
While your outdoor party or dinner may take place mainly on the patio and perhaps spill over into any grassy areas as well, don’t neglect the rest of your landscaping to set the mood and make walking around safer and more fun. This means outdoor accent lighting, which uses small fixtures such as bollard lights, string lights, pathway lighting and spotlights to show off your gardens and plants.
Closer to where your guests will be lingering, around the patio, where food, drink and laughter is in abundance, you will want plenty of battery operated outdoor party lights. These you can place generously around the tables, under the umbrellas if you have them, and strung overhead. These include small tea lights, battery operated candles, outdoor string lighting and hanging lanterns of various sizes and styles. Nothing adds festivity and fun like the small novelty lights especially designed for parties of all kinds, from spooky Halloween themes to romantic Valentine or anniversary celebrations.
Don’t let another outdoor party happen without adding all kinds of accent lights to your checklist to make your occasion fun, successful, and memorable.
Updated June 7, 2011. Published February 20, 2011. Paul Hixon
