Getting outdoor spaces spruced up and summer-ready can take work, but the reward is that you can then focus on all the lovelier decorative details and touches for summer hosting.
One of the easiest and most effective ways of bringing extra sparkle to a backyard or garden area is with outdoor candle ideas. Whether you want to make a seating corner feel more cosy, highlight certain areas of the garden after dark, or are looking for garden party decoration ideas for a gathering, then bringing in candles to illuminate the space can really make things feel quite magical.
We asked candle experts and party planners to share their outdoor lighting know-how and styling secrets that they use to elevate outdoor spaces and dining set-ups after dark.
1. Mix candlelight with blooms
Team candles with seasonal flowers for a stunning combination. Whether you want to enhance a simple table setting for supper with a vaseful of blooms backlit by candlelight, or are in looking for entertaining garden ideas, then bringing the two elements together will provide both color and ambience.
‘Candles instantly elevate an outdoor space,’ says Beth Helmstetter, Founder & Creative Director of Beth Helmstetter Events. ‘They add a sense of romance, nostalgia, and intention. I often say, if you do nothing else, add candlelight.’
‘I love using mismatched antique hurricanes or large-scale lanterns to protect flames from the wind while adding character. Mixed tapers in varying heights down a table or clusters of pillar candles along a pathway bring a soft romance that transitions beautifully from day to dusk.’
Top tip: For a party table centerpiece, line up an assortment of glass vessels along the center of the table to hold posies of flowers and candles - go for simple jam jars, bud vases or hurricanes grouped together en masse for impact.
Clear glass hurricane lanterns will keep your candles protected on windy evenings. The Lady Onyx marble base adds a luxe feel to this design
Add a fun element to your tablescape with fruity-themed candlesticks. Pair them with flowers and whole pieces of fruit for a lovely summer table centerpiece idea.
Mix and match with classic spiral candles in shades of pink and red – they'll work beautifully with florals in the same tones arranged along a table
2. Elevate a patio area with lanterns
While outdoor tables are often the focus when it comes to patio lighting ideas, adding different lighting sources at varied levels is key if you want to create a more multi-layered scheme. Consider ground-level lighting, eye-level fixtures, and overhead lighting to create an outdoor space that feels inviting and visually appealing.
For outdoor candle ideas on a patio, try combining tall lanterns with shorter ones, experimenting with different shapes and sizes. Position in clusters around key outdoor features, such as seating areas, near entryways, or around the edge of a patio to create a sense of enclosure.
‘We love to lean into the magic of summer evenings and illuminate an outdoor space with large hurricanes filled with pillar candles, and oversized lanterns,’ says Aleah Valley, Co-founder of events company, Valley & Co.
‘Once dusk settles, groupings of flickering candles radiate a cozy and beautiful feeling. Incorporate elements that reflect your style; from rattan to glass or metallics, these elements will enhance your outdoor space.’
Top tip: For an extra decorative touch, add terracotta pots or planters filled with fragrant flowering plants or potted herbs and dot them amongst your lanterns.
Brass and other metallics, really add warmth and enhance the glow of candlelight. Hang this up or make it part of a group at ground level.
Arrange vases and lanterns in assorted sizes along the centre of an outdoor dining table to achieve a layered and multi-dimensional effect.
Line a pathway or outline a patio with a few of these sturdy galvanised steel lanterns to guide guests to your party.
3. Bring a glow to table settings
From simple candlelit suppers to larger outdoor celebrations, getting the outdoor lighting right will not only enhance the mood but create a wonderful focal point and scene-setter for summer table decor ideas.
For summer dinner parties, don't be afraid to be lavish with lighting for a dramatic effect after dark. Include hurricane lanterns or larger candle vases as part of your table centerpiece with additional mini votives at each place setting to amp up the effect.
‘Lighting is one of the biggest elements for designing a table,’ says Beth. ‘It communicates aesthetic and sets the mood. But avoid anything too bright or blinking. The best lighting allows guests see their plates and each other, without feeling like they’re on stage.'
Top tip: Work cut glass, crystal and vintage pieces into your tablescape – they'll catch the light and sparkle beautifully.
Perfectly proportioned for a dinner table, this domed glass lantern with antique brass will lend an elegant touch to sophisticated occasions
These table torches are refillable with bug repellent fuel and last up to five hours, plus they come with metal snuffers for safe extinguishing
Buy glass votives, like this vintage-style set, in bulk, and dot in groups of odd numbers for a beautiful twinkling effect.
4. Ensure seating areas are well lit
While beautiful outdoor candle ideas will enhance the aesthetic, it’s important to think about practical aspects, too. For backyard lighting ideas after dark you do need to ensure that outdoor spaces can be safely navigated, so strategically-placed lighting around communal areas, entranceways, and along paths and steps is a must. For an easy but effective outdoor candle idea, stand colorful outdoor candles in fire-proof buckets of sand and dot around aread that need extra lighting.
Iryna Kolosvetova, styling expert and founder of Fine Dining 4 Home says, ‘For outdoor settings, it’s all about creating warmth and a gentle glow without too much fuss or safety worries. That’s why I always recommend pieces that are low-maintenance but visually impactful.’
‘If you’re dotting tealights or votives around seating areas or garden paths (which looks beautiful), choose glass or ceramic vessels that protect the flame but still let the glow shine through. I love amber and frosted finishes – they work especially well outdoors, casting a soft, inviting light.’
Top tip: If you try the bucket idea, fill them at least two-thirds full of sand so they won’t topple over. And ensure you position them away from flammable materials, foliage, and dry grasses.
Add a single tall candle to a group of these miniature galvanized buckets, or pop in a tea light for a safe glow and dot along a path or up steps
Light the way in style with these tiki-style torches, which are easy to fill torch and will stay lit even on breezy evenings
Bring added warmth and set the mood with votives in colored glass - these amber honeycomb ones will cast a beautiful shade and pattern on paths and patios
5. Combine the power of fragrance
‘For a summer evening, I’ll sometimes use scented candles with herbs like sage, citronella, rosemary or mint – it keeps bugs at bay and gently infuses the air with seasonal notes,’ says Beth.
‘And if you’re creating a specific design for a dinner party, there are so many options for fun candle shapes such as tomato and corn candles or even just a taper candle with a swirl effect can be unexpected and playful.’
‘Fragrance is extremely powerful all year round, even during the warmer months,’ says Jennifer Genson, R&D of Fragrance and Sensory Science at WoodWick/Yankee Candle. ‘Scented candles add a touch of luxury to any space and can instantly set a mood whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just elevating the everyday. During the summer, I’d recommend thinking about juicy, tropical and fruity fragrances to fill the space with fresh, vibrant scents.’
Top tip: Add potted herbs like lavender or lemonbalm into a table centerpiece - they'll look fabulous and the warmth of the candles will help to disperse the fragrance.
Add soft color and fragrance to a table setting with this Aerin candle which is inspired by the scent of France's Loire Valley, with notes of orchid, freesia and vanilla.
Hang from low branches, pergolas or place on the table for a gorgeous glow and they'll also keep bugs away with their citronella scent
Made with natural soy and a wood wick, this candle will crackle gently while giving off a subtle and calming scent of eucalyptus and sage
6. Create a candle centerpiece
If you’re hosting a summer gathering and are looking for ways to elevate your backyard dining scheme then outdoor table centerpiece ideas incorporating candles are the way to go. You could even learn how to make candles yourself, or incorporate greener for a fragrant living arrangement.
Often the simplest ideas are the most effective, such as a a floating candle centerpiece. Find an attractive vessel, fill it with water and add floating candles and colorful flower heads from the garden – a mix of different sized blooms, sprigs and petals works well.
‘For al fresco dinners, I love creating a table centerpiece using candles in weighted holders, like our signature Still Light candle holder,’ suggests Iryna.
Top tip: ‘If using lightweight candle holders outdoors, try placing them in a shallow tray for added stability,’ adds Iryna. ‘You can add florals or pebbles for a layered, styled look.’
Float these unscented candles in water with fresh flowers for a simple, yet elegant centerpiece idea
This rustic stone bowl has a weathered patina that will bring character to a floating candle centerpiece idea
Designed to stay grounded even when there’s a breeze, the sculptural form of this weighted candle holder looks far more refined than basic tealight holders
7. Illuminate a pathway
‘Lining a garden path or the perimeter of a patio with pillar candles makes the entire space feel more intentional, especially for intimate events,’ suggests Beth. ‘Just be sure to consider the elements. Large bell jars or hurricane vases are perfect for these guiding candles, so the flame isn’t constantly flickering out.’
‘LED candles are a beautiful way to add warmth, intimacy, and a soft, flickering glow to your garden setting or even a front yard lighting idea,’ adds Thalia Shaw, Founder of Sparkle Lighting. ‘They mimic the gentle flicker of real flames, creating a relaxed, romantic atmosphere on patios or outdoor tables—without the safety concerns, especially if children are around.’
‘While you can purchase candles specifically designed for outdoor use, any LED candle can be taken outside while you're entertaining alfresco. Mix and match different sizes and styles to add height and texture to your display.’
Top tip: Always ensure that there is plenty of space to navigate pathways safely and position candles so there is no danger of them toppling over or causing a trip hazard.
With its corrugated texture, this contemporary lantern will create a beautiful light for pathways and patios, and it doubles as a vase, too
Bamboo stakes can be secured in the ground around seating areas
If you're worried about safety or wind blowing out real candles, opt for flameless ones, like these, which flicker like natural flames
Whether you want to create a relaxed ambience or set a more sparkling mood for evening entertaining, there are plenty of ways you can work candles into your outdoor space that will elevate your scheme and delight your guests.
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