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.

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

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

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