Why limit the use of your patio only to the daylight hours? You can illuminate your patio with a variety of lighting options. Get creative with a variety of lighting tips and socialize with friends and family after dark! Your patio’s décor, the mood of the event and personal preference all play a part in choosing how you shed light on your outdoor patio area. Here are just a few ideas to get you headed in the right direction:

1. Tiki torches have played a big part in many yards for years. The great thing with tiki torches is that they come in a variety of heights. You can use them to illuminate the perimeter of your patio and line the sidewalk or walkways.

2. Citronella candles play a duel role in the patio culture. For one, these candles, when burning, repel mosquitoes in the immediate area. Secondly, citronella candles come in a variety of forms like a traditional candle that you could use on tabletops and also in galvanized buckets that you can put in strategic places. Just be careful with these candles when children are around!

3. Christmas lights are easy to find in stores and can add a certain illuminating ambience to any occasion on your patio. From multi-colored strands to pure white lights, there are a number of options to choose from. In fact, you can even buy novelty stringed lights like chili peppers, cactus, flamingoes and much more.

3. Hanging lanterns can provide a great decorative touch and come in a variety of forms. Battery-operated versions can be found in the camping section of a discount or sporting goods store. There are also some versions that use candles or even lamp oil, which is very similar to those old-fashioned hurricane lamps.

4. Neon signs are a funky touch to your patio setting. From those beer signs you might find in a bar to novelty signs you can order online, neon can be a cool way to light things up.

5. Creative luminaries can be charming. Paper bags filled with rock or sand could anchor a tea light candle inside. Strip tin cans of their labels, punch holes on the sides in a decorative pattern then fill with a little sand and insert a tea light candle. Even clear glass canning jars could work as a base for a luminary.

6. Solar powered lights are often used around the perimeter of a patio, usually incorporated in the landscaping. The solar powered lights come in a variety of styles from old-style lanterns to contemporary fixtures.

7. Floating candles are another way to light up your patio area. Float some candles in pretty water bowls on your patio table or shelves. Water gardens, birdbaths and even your pool are options for your floating candles.

Shedding a little light on your patio has never been easier or more fun. Just keep the safety of your family and guests in mind with those lighting options that involve a fire or flame. Your choices of illumination are boundless and only limited by your creativity.