In addition to the parties we host, many of our friends also frequently entertain outdoors. Without the proper outdoor lighting
, it would be impossible for any of us to enjoy these activities once the sun goes down.
Outdoor lighting tends to fall into two groups. The most visible and memorable lights are the party lanterns that you string up in the trees, around your patio umbrella or along the edge of your backyard fence. These come in a variety of colors and styles and will help create the right atmosphere for your celebration.
The other type of lighting is less memorable but is even more important. This is the subtle landscape lighting that you can either have on a switch or set up with a timer so they will come on after dark the year around.
In planning your backyard illumination, you need to remember that party lanterns are not usually bright enough to satisfy all your lighting needs. They set the mood, but they will not completely brighten your yard, especially on a moonless night. Think of party lanterns as the icing on the cake. While they are decorative and fun, you still need to have something more substantial underneath in order to be completely satisfied with the effect.