Patio Lanterns to Light Up Your Party

Nothing says "Summer" like a string of outdoor patio lanterns moving gently in a faint breeze under a hot sun, poolside, or twinkling among the dark vines twining over your porch railing. Close friends. New love. Distant laughter. And even more distant, any thought of summer's end.

I remember, with a nostalgic sigh. Do you?

If somewhere along the way you've lost your passion for patio lanterns, allow me to remind you... Here you'll find a colorful variety of those delightful little party lights for all your outdoor celebrations - from retro string lights to Oriental paper lanterns, from novelty to vintage styles - to recall fond memories of those magic summer nights.

For the traditional Oriental style of patio lanterns, you've got two basic choices - lantern-shaped decorations, usually made of rice paper or some other thin paper, to add a festive touch of colour to your outdoor décor in the same way you'd decorate with balloons (but kinder to sea turtles); or decorative sets of string lights in the shape of those traditional lanterns.

Both of these kinds of Asian-inspired lanterns are totally appropriate to setting a romantic mood of nostalgia for outdoor entertaining - so the choice is up to you, and whether you are more interested in lighting up the night or simply adding a colorful decoration to your patio party.

Here's the best of both kinds of patio lanterns - the colourful daytime decoration of the traditional Japanese Shoji hanging paper lanterns, plus the after-dark twinkle-star magic of string lights to get a party glow on.

White globe patio lanterns are an elegant choice for an outdoor wedding reception or anniversary party - or if you've got a stunning garden and you want your flowers to let take the spotlight, rather than your lighting.

Tiny multi-colored accordian-fold paper lanterns!

Absolutely in the charming kitsch-retro style - strings of patio lights in amusing shapes turn your backyard entertainment spot into a post-war Tiki bar or set the scene for a Hawaiian beach-themed party around the pool. Just add tall cool fruity drinks with tiny umbrellas or a pitcher of chilled cervezas with a squeeze of lime, huge platters of salty-spicey snacks, a great mixed playlist, and your craziest friends.

Maybe you'd like to make your own? Sure, it's a fun little project and a great way to get the kids or your friends involved in the party preparations, too. Best yet, often you can use up some of the craft supplies you've already got on hand or practice your recycling (upcycling!) at the same time. There are plenty of different ideas to choose from.

Here are some fun tutorials that will show you a whole lot of different ways to craft up your own outdoor mood lighting, from candle holders made from recycled tin cans to a variety of easy shades to slip over a groups of electric votives, glass jar candles, or a string of LED mini-lights.

Do you remember the old Kim Mitchell song?

Think back to a hot summer night with a cold pitcher and cool friends, out on the patio. You're laughing and flirting and watching the fireflies light up the night...

If your party was back in the mid-80s, in just about any suburban backyard in the USA or Canada, then Kim Mitchell's summer-fun single, "Patio Lanterns," was probably on your playlist. Take a listen, watch the video (below). Do you remember this tune? It is probably the one-and-only pop song ever written about outdoor artificial lighting - and a catchy one, too!

I still get a chuckle at the way this music video starts...