7 outdoor candle ideas to get your garden glowing for summer hosting

The article details various methods for using outdoor candles to enhance the ambiance of garden spaces for summer entertaining. It emphasizes that candles are an effective way to add sparkle and a magical feel to backyards and gardens, whether for a cozy seating area or a larger gathering. The piece presents seven distinct ideas, drawing on insights from candle experts and party planners to offer practical advice and styling secrets. The first suggestion involves combining candlelight with seasonal blooms. This approach creates a stunning visual and atmospheric effect, particularly for simple table settings or larger entertaining garden ideas. Experts like Beth Helmstetter, Founder & Creative Director of Beth Helmstetter Events, highlight the romance, nostalgia, and intentionality that candles bring to an outdoor space. She recommends using mismatched antique hurricanes or large-scale lanterns to protect flames from wind while adding character. Tapers of varying heights or clusters of pillar candles along a pathway are also suggested to create a soft, romantic glow that transitions effectively from day to dusk. A top tip for a party table centerpiece includes lining up an assortment of glass vessels, such as jam jars or bud vases, to hold both posies of flowers and candles for impact. Next, the article discusses elevating patio areas with lanterns. It notes that while outdoor tables are a common focus for lighting, incorporating different lighting sources at varied levels—ground-level, eye-level, and overhead—is crucial for a multi-layered and inviting scheme. The use of tall lanterns combined with shorter ones, experimenting with different shapes and sizes, is advised. Positioning these in clusters around key outdoor features like seating areas or entryways helps create a sense of enclosure. Aleah Valley, Co-founder of Valley & Co., suggests using large hurricanes filled with pillar candles and oversized lanterns to create a cozy and beautiful feeling as dusk settles, recommending elements that reflect personal style, such as rattan, glass, or metallics. An additional tip is to add terracotta pots with fragrant plants among the lanterns for decorative flair. The third point focuses on bringing a glow to table settings. For both simple suppers and larger outdoor celebrations, proper lighting is essential for mood enhancement and creating a focal point. Lavish lighting with hurricane lanterns or larger candle vases as part of the centerpiece, supplemented by mini votives at each place setting, is recommended for a dramatic effect. Beth Helmstetter advises against overly bright or blinking lights, suggesting that the best lighting allows guests to see their plates and each other comfortably. Integrating cut glass, crystal, and vintage pieces into the tablescape is also suggested to catch and sparkle with the light. Ensuring seating areas are well lit is the fourth idea. Beyond aesthetics, practical considerations for safety are emphasized, particularly for navigating outdoor spaces after dark. Strategically placed lighting around communal areas, entranceways, and along paths and steps is vital. An easy and effective suggestion is to stand colorful outdoor candles in fire-proof buckets of sand, positioning them in areas needing extra illumination. Iryna Kolosvetova, founder of Fine Dining 4 Home, recommends low-maintenance but visually impactful pieces, such as glass or ceramic vessels with amber or frosted finishes, to protect flames and cast an inviting glow. Filling buckets at least two-thirds full of sand and positioning them away from flammable materials are crucial safety tips. The fifth idea highlights the power of fragrance. Scented candles with herbs like sage, citronella, rosemary, or mint are suggested to keep bugs at bay and infuse the air with seasonal notes. Beth Helmstetter also mentions fun candle shapes like tomato and corn candles or spiral tapers for a playful touch. Jennifer Genson from WoodWick/Yankee Candle notes that fragrance adds luxury and sets a mood, recommending juicy, tropical, and fruity scents for summer. Adding potted herbs like lavender or lemonbalm to a table centerpiece can also help disperse natural fragrances. Creating a candle centerpiece is the sixth tip. For summer gatherings, incorporating candles into outdoor table centerpieces is an excellent way to elevate dining schemes. Simple yet effective ideas include floating candle centerpieces in attractive vessels filled with water, floating candles, and colorful flower heads. Iryna Kolosvetova suggests using weighted candle holders for stability in outdoor settings, or placing lightweight holders in shallow trays with florals or pebbles. Unscented floating candles with long burn times and rustic bowls are recommended for elegant arrangements. Finally, the article advises illuminating pathways. Lining a garden path or patio perimeter with pillar candles creates an intentional feel, especially for intimate events. Beth Helmstetter stresses the importance of considering elements like wind and suggests large bell jars or hurricane vases to protect flames. Thalia Shaw, Founder of Sparkle Lighting, advocates for LED candles to provide warmth, intimacy, and a flickering glow without safety concerns, particularly with children present. Mixing different sizes and styles of LED candles can add height and texture to displays. It is crucial to ensure ample space for safe navigation and to position candles to prevent tipping or trip hazards. Bamboo lawn torches and amber honeycomb glass votives are also suggested for practical and aesthetic pathway lighting. Overall, the article offers a comprehensive guide to using candles to enhance outdoor living spaces for summer entertaining, focusing on both aesthetic appeal and practical considerations. #OutdoorCandleIdeas #SummerHosting #GardenLighting #PatioDecor #TableSetting #FragrantCandles #HomeDecor #OutdoorEntertaining #AmbientLighting #OutdoorCandleIdeas #SummerHosting #GardenLighting #PatioDecor #TableSetting #FragrantCandles #HomeDecor #OutdoorEntertaining #AmbientLighting