15 Candle Projects to Upgrade Your Outdoor Space

When it comes to outdoor entertaining, candles can add a touch of magic and ambiance to any space. They can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to garden parties to romantic evenings under the stars.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 15 of our favorite ways to incorporate candles into your outdoor spaces. These ideas are not only beautiful but also practical and functional, and they range from hanging luminaries to citronella candles to faux torches.

One of the best things about using candles in your outdoor decor is that they are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. You can mix and match different styles, colors, and scents to create a unique and personalized atmosphere that reflects your own personal style and tastes.

Whether you’re looking to create a romantic ambiance for a date night in the garden or keep the bugs at bay during a summer evening barbecue, there’s a candle solution for every outdoor space and occasion. And with our list of 15 candle ideas, you’re sure to find something that will work for you and your outdoor space.

So why not try one of these ideas today, or pin them for next year? They’re all worth trying and are sure to add a touch of magic to your outdoor entertaining.

You can buy ready-made beeswax sheets for making rolled candles here and check out our youtube video.

Outdoor Torches

DIY Candle Column

Easy Outdoor Candle Stakes

Hanging Lanterns

Baby Food Jar Chandelier

Hanging Globe Lanterns

Tin Can Lanterns

Outdoor Decor

Beach Theme Candles

Brick Votive Holder/Planter

DIY Lace Votives

Summery Centerpiece

Insect Repellent/Citronella Ideas

A Classy Citronella Idea

Citronella Sand Candles (video tutorial!)

Beeswax Insect Repellent Candle

Citronella Candle DIY

Mason Jar Ideas

Dotted Mason Jar Lanterns

Frosted Mason Jar Lantern

All images via sources linked.

With the arrival of the Japanese Encephalitis Mosquito, it has become important to make sure those pesky mosquitos are not snacking on you. Japanese encephalitis symptoms include Headache, neck pain, and Nausea. . Japanese encephalitis does have a vaccine and you should contact your local medical professional for information on obtaining this vaccination.

But how else can you protect yourself against mosquitos? Keep mosquitoes away from exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks, you can even wear a mosquito net hat. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps in your clothing where mosquitoes can get to your skin. For a natural repellent use essential oils for making your own Mosquito bug spray repellent. Add oils to water and spray into the air or add small drops to your clothing. Use a Necklace or Bracelet oil diffuser to help repel mosquitoes naturally. Insect bracelets and necklaces are great for children too.

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I’ll admit it—I’m a sucker for vintage craft books. There’s something about flipping through the words of long-gone authors who took stitching very seriously (and often a little poetically) that makes me feel like I’ve joined a timeless club of thread-wielding women. That’s exactly how I felt diving into Chats on Needlework by Emily Leigh Lowes.

Originally published in 1906, this book is part history lesson, part opinion piece, and part how-to guide—with plenty of Victorian flair. And while some parts definitely show their age (in both language and perspective), it’s a fascinating and surprisingly enjoyable read if you’re into embroidery, textiles, or the roots of decorative arts.

Lowes doesn’t just “chat” about needlework—she lectures in a charming, tea-time sort of way. You get insight into historical stitching traditions from various cultures, plus commentary on the evolution of embroidery, tapestry, lace, and even ecclesiastical needlework. It reads like a stitched-together tour of museums and manor houses, narrated by someone who’s passionate, particular, and a bit sassy at times.

If you’ve ever wondered how medieval embroidery compares to Renaissance techniques—or what 19th-century women thought about machine-made lace—this book is your jam.

What stood out to me was how much Chats on Needlework made me think about the meaning behind the stitches. Lowes reflects on craftsmanship, aesthetics, and the cultural importance of handwork with a kind of reverence that honestly made me put down my current WIP and just appreciate it for a moment.

It’s not a how-to book, so don’t expect stitch diagrams or patterns. But it will deepen your love of needlework, especially if you’re the type who likes to pair your stitching with a strong cup of tea and a deeper sense of purpose.

Fair warning: Some references feel dated (as expected from a book written over a century ago), and the writing style is formal, with long-winded passages that take their time. But if you love reading about the why behind the craft, and if historical context inspires your creativity, you’ll enjoy this as much as I did.

I especially loved how she emphasized that needlework should be both beautiful and useful—something I’ve been trying to keep in mind as I mend old clothes or embroider reusable linens.

Chats on Needlework isn’t a flashy how-to or a Pinterest-ready pattern book. It’s more like sitting down for a fireside chat with your great-great-grandmother—one who had strong opinions on silk floss and medieval tapestries.

If you love textile history, appreciate slow crafting, and want to understand how embroidery was viewed before it became a hobby, this book is a little gem. It’s also great for anyone researching historical needlework for reenactments, costume work, or just creative inspiration.

Would I recommend it?
Absolutely—for the thoughtful, curious stitcher who wants more than just pretty stitches. It’s not for everyone, but for the right reader, it’s pure gold (or at least goldwork).

4.5 out of 5 samplers.
(Minus half a point for the occasional archaic ramble—but honestly, that’s part of the charm.)

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Have you read?