Creating a Beautiful Focal Point Using Candle Lanterns

It does not matter whether you are planning a wedding, anniversary bash, baby shower, Christmas party, Labor Day gathering, 4th of July BBQ, or any special event, using candle lanterns to create a beautiful focal point is the way to go. I am going to show you how to create a focal point around your banquet table.

If your gathering is a less formal one, apply these ideas to the table in which you provide your guest for eating. The only difference is the type of accessories and style of candle lanterns you use. Budget

The first thing you want to do is decide on your lighting budget. Do your homework. The internet has hundreds, if not thousands, of online shops that sell candle lanterns. Do some comparison shopping to get a general idea of what you can afford to purchase. Keep in mind that typically the smaller the candle lanterns the cheaper the price. Don't be afraid to purchase small lanterns, they can have just as much of an impact on your design scheme as the larger ones.

Pros to renting candle lanterns

Some prefer to rent candle lanterns for their social event. The benefit to renting is you are not stuck with having to store all those candle lanterns after the event is over.

Cons to renting candle lanterns

The drawback to renting is that it cost almost as much, and in some cases more, to rent than it does to buy. Also, candle lanterns are very durable. They can be re-used year after year. So, if you believe that you will be hosting more than one event within the next two - three years, renting is not a good option. Choosing the right candle lanterns style

Another thing to keep in mind when shopping around is the various styles of candle lanterns you are attracted to. Always consider what type of event you are hosting. If you are hosting a bridal shower you would fair out better selecting candle lanterns that have more of an elegant style rather than ones that are rustic. If it's a backyard BBQ then consider candle lanterns that are simplistic in nature with clean lines and not too ornate. If you are hosting a July 4th outdoor event consider the color white and add the colors red and blue with tablecloths, napkins, and accessories.

To keep things from becoming too complicated, when you are doing your comparison shopping pay close attention to the types of candle lanterns you migrate towards most often, choose one, and build your theme around it.

How many candle lanterns do I need to purchase?

It all depends on the size of the table you will be placing your candle lanterns on. You will however need to purchase at the very least three. Purchase a larger candle lantern to serve as your centerpiece and two smaller ones to compliment it.

The candle lanterns you purchase do not have to be of the same design but they should be of the same style. An example of design is when all your candle lanterns look exactly alike. They do not have to all look alike. An example of style is if you choose a Moroccan style candle lantern for your centerpiece, you should choose a Moroccan style candle lantern for your side pieces. Meaning they can look different, but they should all be from the same "family" of candle lanterns.

How do I create my candle lanterns theme?

1. If your budget is very small, consider limiting your decorating to a small area that will become a focal point within your space. As your budget permits, take the ideas listed here and expand on them.

2. Start by analyzing the main room where your guests will be gathering. When you first entered the room what area immediately caught your eyes? That will most likely be the best area for a focal point.

3. Place a large table in your focal point area. Lay a decorative tablecloth on it.  Make sure your tablecloth fits well within the "theme" you are trying to create. Also, be sure that the tablecloth is not wrinkled or soiled in any way. It may sound funny but it has been known to happen.

4. Be sure you purchase a tablecloth that is the right size for your table. It should not hang longer than 4-5 inches down from the sides of the table. The reason for this is the tablecloth should never come in contact with the lap of the person sitting at the table.

5. Keep in mind that you do not have to limit yourself to traditional tablecloths. Visit a fabric store and consider purchasing a few yards of fabric, cut to size, and sew a hem at the bottom. This is a great way to add a very unique element to your table. After all, it is the backdrop on which your candle lanterns will rest.

6. If your budget permits, purchase enough fabric to cover the backs of the chairs.  Buy yards of wide ribbon in a complimentary color and use it to secure fabric by tying a bow.

7. Add your centerpiece candle lantern in the center of the table. This should be the largest one you purchased.

8. Add the smaller coordinating lanterns on the left and right side of your centerpiece.

9. If you have several rectangular tables grouped together, repeat this process paying careful attention to how you space each candle lantern arrangement. You want your lanterns to be displayed in a uniform manner.

10. Now add coordinating accessories to your table. Do not limit your color scheme to just one single color. That is boring and the WOW! factor will be lost due to a lack of color. You should have no less than 3 unique colors at your table. What I mean by unique is if your color is red, do not use a second color of red in a different shade. Choose the shade of red you like best and complement it with the color white or another color of your choosing. This not the time to be afraid to use color. Color catches the eye in a beautiful way. It will set the tone for the entire room.

11. Some accessory ideas are garland (used very sparingly), live flowers, silk floral arrangements, live ivy (instead of the garland), beautifully coordinated cloth napkins, napkin rings, china, party favors, programs, menus, place cards, and scrolls.

12. Browse through magazines to get more ideas as to what you can use to decorate your table in a style that is pleasing to your eyes.

13. Depending on your budget, you might want to consider renting pedestals of two different heights. On the taller pedestal, place a large candle lantern. On the smaller one place a beautiful potted fern. Take some of your garland or live ivy and drape it around the pedestals from the top leading around the sides. Usually one or two strands are more than enough. In this case, less is more.

14. Be sure that whatever types of potted plant you choose you use it all throughout your room. You want to create a look of uniformity within the space. If you place different "types" of plants on pedestals, you run the risk of causing the eye to stop at each pedestal instead of viewing the decorating scheme as a whole.

15. Just before your guests are scheduled to arrive, light the candles. If you use scented candles, then before long the room will be filled with a beautiful fragrance.

16. The light from the candles will cast a beautiful glow down onto the potted ferns portraying breath taking shadows against the wall behind them. This will also give your space a beautiful lighting scheme. One your guests will not soon forget.

17. Now sit back and watch the reaction of your guest as they arrive.

Creating a beautiful focal point using candle lanterns is not a complicated as it may seem. Candle lanterns are the world's original source of artificial lighting. They date back to prehistoric days. Americans all across the globe have been using candle lanterns as a major part of their design schemes for decades. This is your opportunity to use candle lanterns to make a statement and create a WOW! factor at your next social gathering.