I love outdoor lights strung over a patio. We had to go for around the patio because hanging them from the roof to the posts would have probably gotten in Tom's way. He is significantly taller than my 5 foot 7 self. I love how it turned out. It gives just enough light to sit outside and not be overtaken by bugs flying to the light.
We are renters so this solution needed to be easily removable and cause no damage when we remove it. That was my biggest challenge in trying to figure this out. Zip ties to the rescue. These things are like duct tape they solve almost any problem. I only added the picture on the right because I love the little ladybug hanging out on the post.
I bought 7 1ft x1ft pine boards that are 8 feet tall. Since they are going to be outdoors I wanted them to blend into the scenery. So as much as I wanted to paint them red I held off and went for a nice green. It is called Ponderosa Green. Which I picked because a) I liked it b) Tom is a Bonanza fan so I thought it would be funny. I have a wicked sense of humor can't you tell? I didn't paint the tops or bottom because I am not really that concerned with them lasting since this is a temporary home for us. The small can of Behr stain and sealer got me one coat. If you are going to do this and want it to last you will need two coats to protect the wood better.
After the posts were up I simply stapled the strands to the posts and there was light. I went around the eaves of the house as well to get the strands to the outlet. That is basic christmas light hanging stuff I am sure you already know how to do without my help. Don't you love how they blend into the tree. It is like camouflage. Ok maybe not quite but it is better than if I had gone with red.
I did the all before the tree grew in and I think that the way the tree has grown in makes the lights look even better.
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Love those kinds of string lights!
ReplyDeleteThose string lights look sooo lovely. I love how your space is turning out.
ReplyDeleteI just got a couple of packages as well - have yet to put them up. Ahhh maybe next weekend!!
Those will be a nice addition to your backyard Katja.
DeleteI love the look of lights like this in a backyard. We plan on hanging some soon; I love the idea of putting them on posts like this. Thanks for the great tip Anne!
ReplyDeleteYou could put the posts in planters and have some flower pots and lights around the yard too.
DeleteI used to have some string lights like that back in college. For the past few years I have been wanting to buy some more to hang up like yours. Outdoor lighting is so much fun in the Summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks Krystle. It really adds a great look to the backyard.
DeleteI love those lights! We have plans to, eventually, string some up over our patio for a little mood lighting in the yard. Maybe we'll actually use the patio then! ;)
ReplyDeleteYou will have one heck of a backyard when you finish that to do list you have for it.
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