How to Illuminate Paper Lanterns

Add a whimsical touch to your outdoor setting with romantic lighting.

Paper lanterns add an elegant, romantic touch to any occasion. They can be used as wedding reception centerpieces or to line a pathway at night. The lanterns themselves are inexpensive to purchase and can even be made at home out of card stock.

Lighting the lanterns poses a problem, however. You don't want to have to plug in a hundred little lanterns and worry about outlets and hiding cords. Instead, use a battery-operated stick-up bulb to light your paper lanterns. These require no outlets and are made from plastic so they don't get hot and you don't have to worry about your lanterns catching fire.

Things You'll Need

• Stick-up bulbs
• Batteries
• Monofilament fishing line
• Wire cutters

Instructions

Table Lantern

1. Insert the batteries into the stick-up bulb; the type and number of batteries may vary by bulb.

2. Set the light bulb base onto the table where you want the paper lantern to sit.

3. Pull the string to turn the lightbulb on.

4. Place the paper lantern over the bulb.

Hanging Lantern

1. Cut a 24-inch piece of monofilament fishing line.

2. Insert one end of the wire through one of the tabs at the base of the lightbulb. There are two tabs for securing the base to the wall. Wrap the wire through the first tab several times so it is secure.

3. Bend the fishing wire over the underside of the base and through the other tab. Wrap the fishing wire through this tab several times. This will create a handle that can be hung from the C-ring on the wire of the paper lantern.

4. Hook the base to the C-ring. Screw in the lightbulb. Pull the string to turn the light on.

Tips & Warnings

• The batteries in the bulbs will last four to five hours, so you may need to replace them if your event is longer.