Entry #129, July 2, 2010

When you have summer guests over how do you light up your outdoor spaces? With the holiday weekend upon us, I thought we’d look at various way to bring light, and ambiance to your summer evenings.

Lighting is key to entertaining outdoors in the evenings. They can set the tone from tiki torches and luau to a romantic intimate evening with candlelight glow.

Apartment Therapy has an article on favorite accessories for outdoor entertaining.  Look at these wonderful lamps, as if you are in your living room! This Kindle heater doubles as ambient lighting for a summer patio area. This would also be perfect in late fall too!

Kindle lamp is also a heater!

Paper lanterns are a cool way to bring light, and a sense of whimsy to a summer party.

Paper spherical lanterns glow above the buffet table

Look at these DIY paper lanterns from Design Sponge… who says they’re only for Christmas?

I love this playful take on paper bag luminaries!

Candles inside large hurricane lamps are still a classic that never goes out of style.

An evening with friends loves a soft glow with dinner

How ever you spend your summer evenings, bring in festive lighting. Your guests will appreciate it, and you’ll look like a stellar host!