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Saturday, April 10, 2010

Fun, Festive and Inexpensive!!!

In the economy that we are experiencing I think we all need some fun, festive and inexpensive ideas to spruce-up our yards. I think that Chinese lanterns are a great answer to all three criteria. They are fun, festive and inexpensive.

I absolutely love Chinese lanterns. I find them fascinating. The colors, the shapes and even some of the patterns. I love to use Chinese lanterns in my backyard. I have a shade tree over a small patio that I like to hang all white lanterns in different shapes. They look so ethereal to me. When they gently blow in the wind they are hypnotizing. I think they can make a wonderfully festive atmosphere for a backyard patio area. I know they are not a new product by any means, but I wonder how many people actually remember to use them in their outdoor decorating in the Spring and Summer months after the rain has stopped. I found a great source for inexpensive lanterns that can be ordered on line. They have a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors. I will show just a few of what you can see on their website...

E55-Eyelet-Paper-Lanterns[1 ] 7.95LS201-white-designer-paper-lantern[1]19.95
The first lantern is white eyelet  and I love the unusual shape. You can get it here for only $7.95. The round lantern has been embellished with crystals for a little sparkle for only $19.95.
L125F-Party-Lantern-String-Lights[1]   SH13-teal-outdoor-nylon-lantern[1] 6.95
I love these brightly patterned lanterns. The beautiful teal of this lantern would look so fun around a pool area. Both lanterns can be purchased at Luna Bazaar. If you have not gone to this website take time to do so. It is a real treat. You can get so many fun things to add color and make it look festive for very little monies.
CL001-Wire-Linen-Candle-Lanterns[1]19.95 CL010RE-Woven-Wire-Hanging-Metal-Candle-Lanterns[1] 35.00
These two lanterns are made of linen and wire. I love their shape and the wire almost looks like a lace pattern. You can get these at Luna Bazaar also.
Take a look at some of the ways that Chinese lanterns can be used.
146001_1[1]This is probably my favorite way to use Chinese lanterns. I love all white and when they blow in the wind they are even more beautiful to me.
bm3[1] 
If you like color here is a nice mix of colors for you. Chinese lanterns come in so many colors. The combinations can almost be endless.
DreamSuitePatio2_Disney[1] gimon_lanterns[1]
Whenever one color is done in mass it becomes more of a statement.
wedding_lanterns_e49c48f8-acf8-462c-83aa-e522414fb773[1]
How fun is this wedding done in all lime green? Can you imagine making a wire tree in the middle of your yard to hang lanterns on?  I really like this idea. I am going to think about where I could do something like this. Shepherd hooks going down a path are also a fun way to use Chinese lanterns. They don’t have to be lit to be beautiful. White lanterns glow in the dark even without lighting them.
4208391745_9d26064a26[1]
AMAZING!!!
lanterns[1]
Simple, beautiful, ethereal!
Martha Stewart uses Chinese lanterns in a variety of ways.
Remember these great little vase covers that I posted on here.

Mixing patterns with solid lanterns can look fun and festive!

How about a little embellishment with some paper butterflies.  Notice the butterflies are added to the drinking straws.  I think this would make a wonderful decoration for a Mother's Day luncheon.
Can you think of places in your yard that you could add a fun display of Chinese lanterns?
“Enjoy the Process” Of: Adding some fun and festive Chinese lanterns to your yard.
Kathysue