If you are like many homeowners, you spend a considerable amount of time keeping up the landscaping of your yard.  If not considerable time, then you've spent considerable money.  

But do you have enough time to actually enjoy the fruits of your labor.  If you work a full time job and have a family, you may only have a few minutes of daylight left after a busy day to fully enjoy your backyard or patio area.  Why should you not be able to enjoy your meticulously manicured lawn?  Okay, so it's not meticulously manicured and the hedges could use some trimming, but still, you should be able to have some relaxing time in your outdoors.

With a few strategically placed patio lights, you can bring your garden or backyard to life after the sun goes down.  This article focuses on perhaps the easiest and least expensive lighting option--patio string lights.

Patio Lights Can Be Cheap.

Patio string lights are a cheap and easy way to set the mood of your outdoor event.  And you have all kinds of options when you are looking into this kind of outdoor lighting--from Chinese Lanterns on a string, to colorful bulbs, to basically whatever other decorative shape you can imagine.

There is a cottage industry built around string lights.  They are a good "quick fix" idea because all it takes is a couple of strands of lights to be hung on a fence, overhang, or hedge and you have given your party a little bit of character.  And when the sun goes down, a little bit of color, not to mention light, will bring a lot to your fiesta.  

There are many different kinds of patio string lights, from classy to jokey, but out of all the options, you should be able to find at least one kind that works for you.  Maybe you are just a classic white string lights (think Christmas tree lights) or maybe you're more into a strand of lights in the shape and color of pink flamingoes.

You have quite a few options, as this kind of light is popular.  You can find patio string lighting in the shape of cocktail glasses.  There are some that are butterfly themed.  You name it and you can find it.  The classic white (or colored) "globe" light is a popular and understated style.

Capiz Cube lights are another elegant option that create a soft pearly glow in your garden and work particularly well highlighting your plants.

Chinese patio lantern string lights are another popular option that give a distinct feel to parties or areas of your home.  There is an unmistakable and exotic appeal to this kind of light strand.

Going in another direction, you can make a selection of Antique Metal Basket lanterns, which create a timeless, rustic look that will complement your outdoors or even your indoors.  This light strand will look just as good on your mantle as it will on an outdoor overhang.  This patio light strand mimics the classic look and flame of a candle and is sure to set the mood.  

These are all good options, but you can also use a simple string of white or colored lights to add some flavor to your party.  Small white patio string lights are timeless and are a welcome addition to any garden. 

If you are interested, see my hub on solar patio lights.