Spring and summer’s perfect weather brings with it many opportunities to enjoy our outdoor living area. This is the story of how an antiquing trip led to the creation of an amazing lantern hanger to cozy up my patio.
During a weekend trip to one of my favorite nurseries, Petals from the Past in Jemison, Alabama, I browsed through all of the featured antique vendors. There were many treasures to be found, but one booth really caught my eye. Among all the weathered and rusted junk I spotted several things that I wanted from the booth, so I asked the owner to give me a good deal on all three items.And, he agreed! I love bargaining for stuff. It makes me feel like a Pawn Star.
Among my loot was an old worn out ladder with round rungs. I’ve been looking for a ladder with round rungs ever since I spotted the ones in Pottery Barn hanging over the tables and used as lantern hangers.
How awesome is this inspiration photo?
The minute we got home, I got to work hanging the antique ladder over our patio table so we could have some hanging lantern action of our own this summer! Here is my version of the Pottery Barn inspired ladder chandelier:
I’m so happy with the way this project came together. I can’t stop oohing and aahing over it and everyone who sits underneath it comments on how unique and beautiful it is.
As a centerpiece for the table I used pots of succulents wrapped with burlap and ribbon along with some citronella candles and an autumn fern in a fleur-de-lis vase
Even my hanging Boston ferns seem happier peeking out behind all this awesomeness.
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The mason jar hanging lanterns came from Kirkland’s, although I’m sure you could DIY these pretty easily. I added the ribbon and the sand at the bottom along with a few citronella scented tea lights.
I’ve had the Moravian star lantern since my wedding back in 2004. It was purchased off my registry at Pier One Imports.
Altogether between the ladder, the mason jars and the star lantern I think I might have formed a trifecta of perfection. What do you think?
Here’s more information about how we created this project, in case you would like to recreate this look in your outdoor patio. We used C-clamps to attach the chains to the ceiling without drilling into our porch roof. As a side note, let me say that my husband also added rope lighting to the edge of the patio ceiling so it’s all lit up at night. I love soft, ambient, glowing patio lighting during a summertime party.
He used “S” hooks and regular hooks with a screw at the end to attach the lanterns and the chain. It is pretty sturdy, but I still remove the glass lanterns when they are not in use in case a storm blows through. I don’t want to risk broken glass all over our pool patio.
Isn’t that an easy project? I just love how quickly and easily this piece came together to add so much ambiance to our back patio. It’s going to get a lot of use this summer with the pool light turned on and the tree frogs and crickets chirping outside.
Anyone want to come over and have a night time picnic with us? I’ll fill up the cooler and light the grill.
BYOMR. (Bring Your Own Mosquito Repellent).
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For additional charm, add an Outdoor Rug to Make Springtime Cozy.
(An extended version of this article was previously posted in Beth’s blog: http://unskinnyboppy.blogspot.com)
Written by:
Beth Bryan, Wife/Mother – UnskinnyBoppy
So brilliant Beth!!
Beautiful! Love!
Love, Love, Love! I want to sit out there all night!
Well done, its seems so nice to have a dinner in your patio, I can feel the ambiance even only by staring at it plus your DIY lantern which is perfectly suited to your settings.