16 Luminaries and Lanterns to Light Up Your Autumn Party

Autumn weather is just too delicious to be inside all the time. The new coolness in the air make outdoor picnics enjoyable and bonfire parties desirable. But the hours of sunlight are becoming less and less and now you have to go looking for ways to bring light to your yard.  Solar yard lights? Cliche. Candles? Dangerous. Hey, what about luminaries? That’s a great idea! Take a look at these 16 DIY luminaries and lanterns to light up your next autumn party.

1. Elegant Jar Luminary.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

Wrap different string and ribbon around clear glass jars and cover them in the spray paint color of your choice to create a modern unique luminary. What guest wouldn’t smile at this happy glowing welcome? (via Huffington Post)

2. DIY Waxed Paper Luminaries.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

Are you shooting for a fairy tale look for your backyard affair? Waxed paper and pressed leaves create a lovely Autumn luminary for a dinner party or cocktail celebration. (via A Practical Wedding)

3. Hanging Jar Lanterns.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

Ball jars make perfect luminaries because the high sides keep candle flames safely contained while letting them shine bright. Hang them from a fence or tree around your party to help keep guests in the loop. (via Etsy)

4. Industrial Luminaries.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

Repurpose industrial light covers with just pretty vellum and tea lights. Cut and glue the vellum inside the light cover and you have a glowing heavy duty luminary that will sit nicely on any surface. (via The Vintaquarian)

5. DIY Autumn Leaves Luminary.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

Lamenting over your old glass candle holders? Lament no more. Give them a makeover with Fall colored tissue paper, paper leaves and glue. Even the kids can help! (via Education Possible)

6. Customizable Paper Luminaries.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

When you think of luminaries, you probably think of glowing paper bags. DIY this upgrade of the classic by printing pictures or quotes on them. Then fill the bottoms with sand or rice and let them light up your porch or yard with customized glow. (via My Kitchen Escapades)

7. Pumpkin Luminaries.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

Wanting some Halloween themed luminaries for your spooky soirée? These pumpkins are perfect. Just some tissue paper and modge podge on glass will give your party the perfect harvest moon glow. (via One Artsy Mama)

8. Bamboo Luminaries.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

Already having a hole in the middle, bamboo makes the perfect instant luminary. Just put a votive in the middle. If you’re looking for a little more pop, paint the outside! (via Etsy)

9. Ribbon Macrame Luminaries.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

Hanging luminaries from trees can be a daunting task. Make it fun by using your own macrame to get those little lights floating. Just think how they can make those autumn leaves glow! (via The Ribbon Retreat)

10. Tin Can Lanterns.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

Recycle your tin cans by poking holes in the sides and making them into lanterns for your backyard. Painting them orange and yellow will make them Autumn appropriate.

11. Dyed Glass Luminaries.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

Baby food jars are super easy to come by and when you find them, it’s by the dozens. Snatch a few for yourself and create these brightly colored lanterns by covering them with a mix of glue and food coloring. (via Inspired by Familia)

12. Dotty Paper Luminaries.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

These adorable little luminaries are an easier DIY than they look. Collect different kinds of paper, print the template and go a-hole-punching. Light them up with LED lights for a safe yard worthy luminary. (via Willowday)

13. Fall Jar Luminary.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

Start saving up those pickle jars and jam jars. You’re going to want them for this pretty Autumn luminary. Some gold paint and glass paint work together to make a glowing candle luminary that will be completely gorgeous on any picnic table.

14. Screen-Wrapped Luminaries.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

While votives in Ball jars are pretty by themselves, wrapping them some screen gives your garden a soft magical glow that’s perfect for a romantic dinner or fancy alfresco party.

15. Tuna Can Luminaries.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

If you need to illuminate a fence or border in your yard, this DIY is just the thing. Some clean tuna cans and pretty paper can make an easy and beautiful glowing display that will surround your yard in candlelight.

16. Pumpkin Votive Luminaries.

Pumpkin votive lanterns

Go au naturel by putting your votives directly into mini pumpkins and display them in vintage wire jar holders. You’ll have plenty of options here for hanging and using them as a table centerpiece. (via BHG)