There are many occasions that call for an outdoor party. Graduations, birthdays, picnics, and even some holidays all are wonderful to enjoy while being outside.   One great idea to consider is the use of speciality outdoor lighting. This  can help create great ambience as well as providing a safe, enjoyable space for your visitors.    The best outdoor party lights for your event depend on the type of the party and how much light you require.   Also a consideration for the number of guests  as well as their activity levels …and even their age might be a factor in your purchasing.  For example, older ones or those who don’t move around well need more light to be able to feel safe and see better.    Here are a few ideas to get you started.

String Lights

The simplest outdoor party lights are string lights. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, including mini lights, C7 or C9 strings with bulbs or globes, along with rope lights.

Larger bulbs and globes will provide the brightest light and should be hung where you need the most illumination.  For instance, hanging the lights above buffet tables,  picnic benches, dancing areas, and even along garden paths are a few examples.

Mini lights and rope lights provide accent lighting. For added convenience, you can purchase shorter strings with batteries. They can be used under deck railings, along stairways, and even in trees and gardens to provide extra light and atmosphere.

To create a more formal setting, (think of perhaps a small intimate wedding reception) use white or single color strands spaced evenly and consistently around decks, rails, paths, and garden edges. For a casual feeling, use multi-colored lights in various sizes and include trees and bushes in your lighting plans.

Outdoor Lanterns

Hangning outdoor lanterns are used with bulb lights and add extra flair to your outdoor patio party lights. They come in many shapes and sizes and you can buy individual light kits to create customized displays.

The secret to hanging and enjoying the aesthetics of lanterns is all spacing. If you want to hang a few lanterns independent of your basic lights, use a battery powered kit – it will create one lantern you can hang anywhere.

If you use lanterns with string lights, you need to space them 24” – 36” apart. You can buy special lantern strings that have bulbs spaced appropriately, or you can place a lantern on one light and then skip one or two lights before you place the next lantern.

Outdoor Hanging Party Lights

A particular style of outdoor lighting that people love are novelty string lights.  They  are particularly fun for theme parties.  They are more expensive and give less light than other string lights, so use them for accent lights. A great option is look online for the best selection.

Candles and Torches

Finally, a great alternative to using outdoor lighting fixtures is that you can use candles and torches as your illuminating points. Many candles and most outdoor torches use fuel for light.  Most of these fuels contain citronella, which helps repel mosquitoes and other small pests. Use these for intimate settings and parties where minimal light is needed.

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