I love candles! I love their mesmerizing flickering light, their sophisticated elegance, their casual availability, and their suitability for any location or decor.

Even during the long days of summer my candles will be put to use - in my outdoor lanterns each evening.  I have a stand that holds three lanterns in a patio seating area and two very large lanterns on an outdoor dining sideboard.  I think candle lanterns add enchantment to a summer night!

Photo marthastewart.com

Lantern Styles

The well known hurricane lanterns shown in the photo above are only one style of candle lantern available.  There are so many styles and colors from which to choose that you may want to mix and match them if you can’t decide on just one.  Here are just a few you might consider:

Photo amazon.com

Add a soft red glow to the night with this decorative lantern from Amazon – just $8.01.

Photo bellacor.com

Bellacor offers this set of three nested dragonfly lanterns for $121.95.  Hang them or stand them!

Photo flamelesscandles.net

Real or flameless, outdoor candles can be dramatic and romantic!  The lantern above sells at FlamelessCandles.net for $19.95.

Photo guscleberry.com

At only $14.95 each, you can scatter a flock of these birdhouse lanterns across your outdoor dining table.

Photo potterybarn.com

Wouldn’t a picnic table look great with this lantern shaped candle chandelier hanging above it from a tree branch?   Pottery Barn will let you have it for just $79.00.

Photo westelm.com

West Elm offers these candle lanterns for $50 and $58 respectively.  Each holds a chunky candle for a long evening of candlelight.

DIY Candle Lantern

If you’re a DIY lover, try your hand at making your outdoor lanterns:

Photo bhg.com

Wire, beads, a Mason jar and a little time is what it takes to create this silvery outdoor lantern.  For complete instructions, login to Better Homes and Gardens at
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/projects/light-the-night/?page=1

Photo marthastewart.com

Wire and mason jars again – but with a whole different look.  Martha Stewart shows you how to create the canopy of glowing lanterns at http://www.marthastewart.com/goodthings/light-fantastic.

Lighten Up!

So which one will it be for you?  Do you have a favorite in the styles shown or do you already 0wn outdoor candle lanterns?  What about the DIY projects – think you might give them a try?  I’d love to hear what you think.  Share a Comment by clicking the link at the end of this post – or send me a photo if you make one of the project lanterns.  Whatever you decide – lighten up and have fun this summer with candle lanterns.

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