Light up the night with the soft glow from these handmade lanterns. Hot summer nights mean eating and entertaining outdoors and what better way to shed an attractive light on the proceedings than with hanging lanterns inexpensively made from glass jars. These candle holders are both decorative and practical, as the candle flame is magnified through the glass and shielded from the wind.
To make your own, wrap the lip of a glass jar with wire to create a handle, then fill the bottom of the jar with sand to catch the dripping wax. Sand will also help to steady the candle so it won't fall over – a good idea if you would like to hang the lantern and let it swing. Use the jars and candles in an assortment of colours and sizes and place them around the garden, courtyard, verandah or wherever the night takes you. And, if mosquitoes are a problem, use candles made from citronella oil, which is a natural repellent.