- Star luminaries light the way in a fun, festive or romantic fashion. They light parties, driveways, weddings. events and patios. Star luminaries send off a soft, subtle light that give a soothing mood, enough for a party or event but not enough for an area that needs a major light source for safety or other reasons.
- The most basic type of star luminary consists of a paper bag with cut-out star shapes filled with a Styrofoam base into which a small candle is inserted. Others will be in the shape of a star and fashioned out of thin metal.
- The cut-out luminaries can feature a smattering of standard five-point stars, a single star in its center surrounded by small dots or outward rays, or the Star of David. In addition to paper or cardboard, small tin buckets, cut glass or ceramic can make up the sides of the luminary. If you don't want to use real candles, small, battery-operated candles are less of a fire hazard and available at hardware and home stores.
- Star luminary kits are available at many decor and party stores or they can be found online (see Resources below). A standard kit will contain about a dozen luminary bags, candles and bases that can be placed in a line around a walkway or outdoor area. You can also easily make your own basic star luminaries by getting a small base that fits a tea candle and inserting it in a paper bag where star shapes have been cut out.
- Since going green is all the rage, another option for folks is to hook up a solar star luminary. Purchase a set of small solar lights with a top solar panel and a stake that fits them in the ground. Use a thin metal or thick cardboard strip with stars cut out of it to wrap around the area that lights up. Tape or glue into place under the rim of the light, being careful not to cover any of the solar panel.
