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Lighting in our homes and gardens brings a magical quality to an evening or a special
occasion. Over the years, I've found lanterns to be an ideal way to usher in a spark of
enchantment. One of my favorite lanterns is actually not a lantern at all, but an old
wire basket reinforced with chicken wire such that it can hold 9 votives. You see, it provides
just enough light to guide them into the garden after twilight and at the same time say welcome
with its warm glow. Other lanterns are less improvised and are designed to withstand gusts
of wind and rain. These I place on tables or stack along the steps as a guide to guests
or hang them from iron shepherds hooks in the garden. They hold votives or pillar candles
and battery operated LED lights when an open flame is not possible or desired. You see,
I've found these lanterns in some of the most surprising places, such as yard sales, junk
shops, and even flea markets. They're fun to collect and they're equally fun to mix
and match.