Illuminate Your Events: Enhancing Outdoor Lighting for Outdoor Entertaining

On summer evenings, a warm and inviting glow in your backyard can set the stage for cocktails and lively conversation. You can layer ambient, accent, and task lighting to create a warm and inviting outdoor living space just as you do for indoor lighting. Highlight outdoor features, add mood, and provide safety and security to your guests with these outdoor lighting ideas.

Front door lighting

Your front door and entryway are a reflection of your personality. The right lighting can make them as welcoming after dark as in daylight. Matching light fixtures on each side of the door will provide double illumination to greet your guests. The size and scale of the fixtures should be large enough to provide adequate lighting without drawing too much attention.

Pathway lighting

Pathway lighting is important for safety measures as well as aesthetics. Use lights placed at regular intervals along walkways leading to the entrance or to guide guests to various areas of your outdoor living space. Lighted stair risers are also a lovely and safe way to light up a tripping hazard. Post and lantern lights are pretty and practical for pathways with wooden handrails. Recessed lighting looks especially impressive along stone or wooden pathways. Solar-powered stakes along pathways offer a practical solution without the need for hard-wiring.

Lighting for outdoor dining

Dining on the porch, patio, or deck is the best part of outdoor entertaining. Here, lighting should be focused above the table. If you have a covered porch or patio, a licensed electrician can easily install the light fixture of your choice. If your outdoor dining table is under a pergola or in a gazebo, string lights or hanging pendants will work. Be sure to choose a fixture rated for safety outdoors.

Strings of lights in trees

Trees with lights will give a festive look to your outdoor entertaining space any time of the year. Lights in trees can eliminate dark areas on your lawn or in your garden. Add a pair of all-weather Adirondack chairs to provide a private spot for reflection or conversation. Show off your potted trees and larger plants with stake lights for accent lighting.

Swimming pool lighting

If you have an outdoor pool, take advantage of the water's reflective properties to add drama around your pool's entertaining area. Solar-powered fixtures, rows of lanterns along the pool's edge, or bistro lights strung above will cast dancing light reflections on the water.

Add a gas fire pit

The glowing light from a gas fire pit adds a cozy ambience to outdoor entertaining in every season. They're surprisingly affordable, easy to install, and odorless. Plus, they don't require electricity. A few camping chairs scattered around the firepit will provide the perfect place for friends to gather around with drinks.

Need help with your outdoor lighting projects? Use TheHomeMag's new Marketplace to find a local professional. For more tips and tricks on both indoor and outdoor lighting, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.