Lighting is a crucial element. You want there to be just enough light so that everyone can see and everything is visible, but you also sometimes want to create a little atmosphere. There are a lot of different options for patio lights.

One option is lantern style lights that can either be strung together or unstrung and be hung as single standing lights. These create a nice homey and comfortable feeling and can be found in many varying shapes and sizes.

Another option is holiday style lights that you can string around trellises, fences, and overhangs. These create a fun, festive environment for backyard gatherings.

You can also consider having professional lighting installed in your backyard, which means you are probably stuck with the design unless you want to risk damaging the lights. This is a good way to go if you know exactly what you want in the design.

If you aren’t exactly sure what you want, then you should experiment with different types of patio lights that aren’t quite as expensive.

Another style you might consider are torches. These create a distinct tropical, summer feeling. These are great in areas that don’t have a lot of wind and would be great for a luau.