Look!: Two Simple DIY Lighting IdeasEmail 7.17.08

Outdoor dining in the Grenadines

Now is the season that we're setting tables outside and making the most of the glorious (HOT) weather. Aside from candles on the table, I also like to set light AROUND the table itself so that there is the feeling of an outdoor room. These two ideas below are my favorites of the summer. One I made up myself, is very quaint and works really well when it's not too windy. The second one I saw while on vacation a few weeks ago and is industrial strength...

Votives lashed to branches

Tea Light Votives Wrapped to Tree Branches - I had lots of tea light votives and a few of these long branches that I'd cut from a tree last fall, so I just lashed them together. Using a natural twine helps to hold the glass against the wood tighter without slipping, and the taller the votive, the better. I space the poles out a few feet off of the four corners of the table and Voila!, a cozy little outdoor room (see bottom pic from last weekend).

>> Top 10 Party Lighting Ideas
>> Party Architecture: Lighting

Grenadine lantern closeup

Simple Stands with a Deitz Lantern - These were made for the island we visited earlier this month, but are simple to reproduce. The stands are three pieces of 1x2 wood (painted white), with a brass hook on the end. The lantern is the classic Deitz brand, which has set the standard for oil lamps for over 65 years.

>> The Best High/Low Lanterns
>> DeitzLantern.com

Setting the stage last weekend with my father in law

I have a small lantern like the one in the picture. Does anyone know what kind of oil can be used in it? I'd like to try to use it indoors, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea actually.

posted by Daniel Poitiers on July 24th 2008 at 9:25am
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Thanks for the link to the Dietz lanterns. Much better priced than the $50 (?!) one I saw at Smith & Hawken this weekend.

posted by SFGail on July 24th 2008 at 9:43am
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