How do you handle lighting for outdoor dinners after dusk?
A: Hurricanes or photophores are your outdoor entertaining friends. We use them on the tables and side tables. When it gets really dark, there are electric lanterns on dimmers. There is a huge army of lanterns that comes out for big parties.
Real Life of an MSW 
I just had my patio started. The cement has been laid. I had the spot lights put in as well. I’ve ordered three sets for the patio, a double seater Egg chair, and a hot tub. Everything is on back order. I have the three umbrellas, the bar, coffee table, and the grill. But everything else is not due to come till July/August. Also, I can’t have my Oklahoma overlay put in until August as well. So, I say all this to say, I can’t wait to host a evening something out back and I’m hoping that the lights that I had installed is enough. It’s so beautiful out there now with nothing out there. My uncle came and redo the mulch and trimmed the bushes. I’m already loving it. 🙂 So, please post ideas. I won’t have an overhead. Just umbrellas! Ran out of money. 🙂
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That all sounds eloquent and lovely. We have solar panel garden lights, and fairy lights that set a wonderful mood for dining outside. Regarding more ideas that one came from Christopher Spitzmiller, he has a host of books, but here is a short article where he answers the questions on being a great host, indoors and out.
https://www.seattletimes.com/explore/at-home/christopher-spitzmiller-on-being-a-great-host-indoors-and-out/
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