Outdoor Lighting Love

{image: Talking Crow}

I hope you’re ready for this jelly, and I don’t mean the kind that goes in mason jars. I’m talking about outdoor lighting jelly. Lighting for ambiance, and not those nasty flood lights you have pointing in my face.

Ok, maybe that was a little harsh. But seriously. With so many beautiful options, from handmade crafty to handmade couture, from votives to torches, why oh why would you have anything harsh or bright on your outdoor patio? Uplighting and downlighting is certainly better. But even then, you want to give off the feeling of a cafe at night. So flick on your concert lighter (or your concert lighter app), raise your hand, and sway with me as we listen to this ode to outdoor lighting.

{images: Treasure Again and Cristena’s Adventures}

Mason jars are an incredibly easy, and low cost, option for outdoor lighting. You can fill with pebbles and place a votive in the bottom. You can hang them in a tree, or place them on a table. Or even use them to light a driveway or path. They’re the new paper bag lanterns!

{images: Angela Anderson Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs and Treasure Again}

{image: JL Designs}

Confession: After seeing the wall mounted votive holders from cb2 in this image I ordered several of them. Aren’t they awesome?

{images: Stylish Eve and and Isabelle Abramson}

Don’t be afraid to go budget conscious or higher end. The only rule to follow is to avoid scented candles and make sure the flame is protected from wind.

{image: Up In the Air Somewhere}

{image: Casa Midy}

If small isn’t your cup of tea, order a few of these giant outdoor lanterns from Casa Midy. Or pick up the budget version at Ikea or Pier 1 Imports.

{images: Jill Richards and Tiki Torch Bargains}

{images: Not Neutral and E.R. Butler}

{image:  E.R. Butler}

{image: Molo}

{images: Rock Scissor Paper and Chop Suey Cafe & Lounge}

{image: Moonlight Photography}

Of course nothing compares to string lights for that Latin American outdoor cafe flavor.

{images: Pottery Barn and Tricia Nae}

For a more structured look, wrap the lights around tree trunks in even circles. You’ll see this all over Florida during Christmas time.

{images: Kojo Designs and About Patio Images}

{image: Reidmix}

One of my favorite outdoor lighting ideas is to visit a thrift store or junk shop and pick up several old floral vases. I have several green bubble vases from EO Brody Co. Place a candle inside and instant gratification.

What’s your favorite type of outdoor lighting?