I’m going to be honest here and admit that although I have a large courtyard, I barely spend any time in it and I haven’t entertained there ONCE. Crazy huh?
It’s not that I don’t like the outdoors I swear! Rather, our outside space looks like the land that time forgot with plants all over the place and remnants of paving from the last owners. In short, it’s really not a picturesque place to host a summer soiree.
Having said that, I still dream about having lovely parties outside with lanterns and cocktails while we wait for the night sky darken and the stars to come out. It’ll happen one day… and in the meantime, I’m going to collect all the pretty lighting projects I see on Pinterest so I’ll be prepared for when that time comes!
There are some brilliant ideas in this list for DIY lighting that’s easy and super pretty to boot so if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors this summer, you should really try some of these DIYs out for size!
1. Polka dot party lights from Heart Handmade
Three words. Ping pong balls. Bet you didn’t see that coming did you? Get yourself a set of table tennis balls and make this genius polka dot lighting that’s sure to add a sparkle to your next outdoor party.
2. Rope light strand from A Merry Mishap
This light strand looks great in a miminalist Scandivian styled home, but it’d also look absolutely perfect in a beach bungalow. I love how understated and elegant it is, not to mention super adaptable. Make yourself one and hang it outdoors to light up your garden once the sun goes down.
3. Fringe string lights from Studio DIY
For fun and super pretty lighting that will add a bit of colour to your courtyard, you can’t go past these fringe string lights. They’re so easy to make and best of all, you can mix-up the colours any way you like to suit your outdoor or party decorating.
4. Colourful mesh lights from Buzzfeed
You’ve seen those colourful mesh lights that have been so popular lately right? Well guess what? You can make your own! It’s possible to DIY these pretties in just a few easy steps for lighting that’ll bring a veritable rainbow to your outdoor space.
5. Tin can lanterns from Craft Foxes
Tin cans. Who’d have thought they could be so pretty? I love how this project upcycles items you’d usually throw in the trash – not only will you get some super cute lighting out of this DIY, you’ll also be doing a good deed for the planet!
6. Hat lights from Paper & Stitch
Tell me this isn’t the cutest lighting you’ve ever seen? Brittni made hers for her studio, but I think these would work great outdoors too if you have a space that’s undercover. It’ll give you a good reason to finally use those hats you haven’t worn for years too – upcycling at its best!
7. Pineapple lanterns from A Beautiful Mess
Are these pineapple lights adorable or what? They’re so bright and fun that they’d make the perfect addition to any summer party. They’ll also give off a lovely ambient glow once the sun goes down.
8. Starlit terrarium from Enjoy Life, Eat Cake
It’s like someone read my mind and put all my favourite things into one DIY. Fairylights, plus succulents in a terrarium = love! This lighting project is perfect for parties because it rolls your lighting and party decorations into one. Win!
9. Cardboard lanterns from Etsy Blog
This lighting idea is a little bit genius and I still can’t believe the whole thing is made out of upcycled cardboard. The best part is that you’ll spend next to nothing making these up, and yet they look a million dollars!
10. Tissue paper stained glass lanterns via Hello Glow
I’ve been meaning to try this technique for awhile because the method is super fun and the end result is so very pretty. This is one you can totally get your kids involved in as well – they’ll be so chuffed to help you make something that you’ll use in your garden all summer long.