Photos: Melissa Michaels

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Welcome Guests with Light

Nothing says "welcome" like light. If your guests are arriving at night, make sure you turn on all the outside lights. Inside, keep overhead lights at a comfortable level. I love using dimmers and adding warm ambience with lamps.

  • Wrap white strings of lights (lovely all year) around windows and doorways.

  • Use paper lanterns for indoor and outdoor gatherings.

  • Dim overhead lights for evening parties, and turn on lamps for a warm, festive glow.

  • Place lit candles (or use flameless candles) throughout the house.

  • Decorate areas with glass or metal lanterns and floating candles in vases.

  • Create a path of mason jar luminaries for your front walkway.