Entertaining moves outdoors as the period serves up balmy nights that attract guests onto the patio or deck. 

If you’re setting the stage for an outdoor soirée, plan to create lighting a focal point. Illuminating an outdoor space has the sensible advantage of lighting the way so guests don’t topple into the shrubbery, plus it could add a magical effect to your party. 

A lucky few have outdoor lights hard-wired into their scenery. For the rest, outdoor lighting could be challenging. Kris Bohmker loves outdoor gatherings, but her multilevel deck in Overland Park could be treacherous in the dark. 

“Instead of huddling under the porch light, I use ambient lighting all around the deck so I could use my whole space for entertaining,” Bohmker says. “Plus, it’s so romantic to look out over a candlelit garden.” 

Using candles and other provisional lighting sources, Bohmker creates enchanting outdoor environments. Guests are welcomed to her home by candles that float in the birdbath near the face door. Bohmker scrubs the birdbath, and then adds fresh water and a dozen floating candles that are inexpensive and obtainable in a variety of shapes and colors. Bohmker favors white flower-shaped candles because “they look like gardenias.” 

The same motif could be carried through to dining and seating areas. Bohmker fills large, clear glass bowls with water, and then adds a drop of food complexion and color-coordinated floating candles. This functions as a showpiece on the dining or buffet table. 

Bohmker also lights the method with an outdoor chandelier. She exposed out the wiring of a cast-off brass chandelier, spray-painted it flat black and stuck candles in the aged sockets. Hanging among tree branches, the result is that of a custom-made wrought iron fixture. A strategically positioned mirror hung behind the glowing candles reflects light and creates drama.