I think party lights are absolutely essential to creating the right mood for a great party. Read any decorating magazine or book, and you'll see they all agree that lighting is everything. Party lights help make ordinary spaces fabulous. I can't think of anything worse than going into a party where all the lights are turned up bright enough to read the newspaper.

Luminaries as Party Lights

Some of my favorite party lights are luminaria candles. You can use paper luminaries in a number of different, creative ways. If you are throwing a pool party, try setting tropical luminaries around the pool. I have a friend with a terrific pool, which she and her husband line with festive flamingo luminaria whenever they entertain.

Simple Christmas lights are also a great way to decorate a party. Use twinkling lights to light up your bathroom for guests. Twinkling lights offer guests enough light to see by, without ruining the ambience of the party by making them turn on the bright overhead light. They're also much safer than open flames, if you have pets running around your apartment.

I also like battery operated candles for party decorating. They are perfect for holiday parties, and adorable for birthday parties, especially children's parties. These candles are very versatile. I've even seen them used as handheld decorations at weddings.