Bright Lights, Bad Party

Nothing can kill the mood at a party faster than bad lighting (well, maybe a playlist featuring Milli Vanilli's greatest hits!)... Whether you're throwing an intimate dinner party for eight or a big bash for eighty, creative lighting will help set whatever vibe you're after. Here are some of our favorite ways to make any gathering glow.

• Dim Some... The main entertaining rooms in your home should have overhead lights (and lamps, if possible) on dimmer switches. They create gentle overall lighting rather than the full-blown glare that makes guests want to run for cover. And you can use them to change light levels for different stages of the evening, say, cocktails vs. dinner.
• Go Cordless... Using battery-operated lights can be safer and easier than dealing with electrical cords or open candle flames. Depending on your needs, check your local hardware store or home store for battery-operated options. Also, hit your local bulb emporium and investigate your nearly endless choices -- a strategically placed amber bulb can cast a subtle golden hue, while a pink bulb's flattering light might be a wise choice for that romantic dinner for two.
• Stream & Theme... Stream lighting throughout your home to fit the style or theme of the gathering. From the dinner table to the guest bath, lighting should be cohesive. When hosting an Italian meal, dress the table with small white votives in glass holders at the top of each guest's plate. Tie a brown ribbon around each and tuck a sprig of rosemary in the bow. In the powder room, nestle a brown pillar candle in a bed of white Italian confetti candies and accent with a green ribbon, so colors in both rooms coordinate.
• Get Out! Don't just think about lighting the inside of your home. Begin by accessorizing the outside -- line your entrance with Moroccan style metal lanterns, glass votives hung on metal garden stakes, or terracotta pots filled with sand and tall, thin taper candles. If you don't feel safe lighting the exterior, then start right inside your front door in the entryway or foyer.
• Come On Baby, Light My Fire... If there's one "must" for any soiree, it's candles. They come in every shape and size, fit every occasion, and can be dressed up a million different ways. One general tip: don't overdo it with heavily perfumed candles, since some guests may be sensitive to strong fragrances. Plus, no one wants their home smelling like a burnt pinã colada.
• It's Only A Paper Moon... Paper lanterns are a fun and inexpensive way to light an indoor or outdoor party. They add color, personality and glow and come in tons of shapes, sizes and colors. PartyLights.com offers an incredible variety, from floral to Asian to mod.
• Mirror Mirror On The Wall... Place several votive candles in front of a mirror -- the reflected light is ultra glam. You can also lay a mirror flat on a table and scatter candles on top for a similar effect -- a great way to give your coffee table a little facelift.
• Mix & Match... or Mismatch... Combine candlesticks or lanterns of different colors and heights to create a dramatic lighting landscape. West Elm is a favorite online resource for mod mix-and-match styles, like the trio pictured above.
• Last But Not Least... Don't forget to light bathrooms, the backyard, the pool, and any other area that guests may mingle in. And if you want to win Hostess of the Year, go the extra mile and place accent lights on plants and artwork for a bit of "gallery" style.