A new series all about favorite things.
Favorite things are just that. Favorites. From decor to furniture to table setting elements & linens- and even favorite inspirations. I have so many ideas and so many favorite things I am excited about sharing with you and help you to be able to ‘get the look’. This week- it is all about 7 of my favorite things for adding ambiance all year long.
Starry Night
What I love: The ‘twinkle twinkle little star’ feeling that this string of lights brings is magical. I love the glow they have and the warmth they bring anywhere you place them.
Where to Use them: Try them in the branches of a tree for a magical feeling that ‘floats’ in the backdrop. Layer on a garland for a table centerpiece. Use on your Christmas tree during the holidays for an extra sprinkle of magic.
Twinkle Trees
A favorite look that we have up year round- those simple twinkling trees.
What I love: Twinkling lights and lots of beauty- what is not to love about these little trees? Set in the backdrop of a seating area or dining table- they bring a huge amount of ambiance. They are also LED- so you can enjoy them without increasing your energy bill.
Where to Use them: Layer several sizes and styles in the backdrop of any area you want to add ‘magic’. You can enjoy them indoors- we have a couple in front of my daughters bedroom windows to ‘greet’ the neighbors when they drive by. And they are outdoor safe as well- the trees tucked into the clearing behind our fire pit area have been there for several years and are twinkling away almost every evening.
Shop The Look HERE- Birch Trees | Gold Glitter Trees | Snowy Branch Trees
Fairy Lights
Can you ever really have too much magic when setting the stage for a gathering? I am firmly in the ‘more is merrier’ camp. And that means- all the lights. I recently shared how to use fairy lights to bring a little extra something to a table- and I am working on a magic filled styling that is coming your way next week as well.
What I love: I love that extra bit of magic anywhere- and on the table- another layer is incredible. Being battery operated- they are easy to tuck anywhere without the worry of cords.
Where to Use Them: On the table for another layer in a centerpiece. In the branches of a tree. On a fence in the background. On a topiary.
Shop Battery Operated Fairy Lights HERE
Edison Lights
Anywhere. All the time. Those Edison string lights are perfect for adding ambiance to any setting.
What I love: That floaty overhead glow lights up outdoor areas beautifully.
These particular lights have been sold out for awhile- you can find a similar look HERE.
Lanterns
What I love: I love layers of ambiance and adding lanterns is perfect for adding another layer of ambiance and charm.
These particular ones have been sold out for several years- but you can find similar HERE.
Candles & Faux Candles
Candles always add so much ambiance to any setting. Whether you use real or faux-they are sure to add another layer of magic.
What I Love: Faux candles are the safest choice. The realistic flickering ‘flame’ on these LED candles creates and incredible ambiance and glow. And they also have real wax for a ‘real’ feeling. If using real flame candles- Safety First Always- don’t ever leave them unattended- even for a moment.
Shop these LED Birch Candles Here
Fireplace Ambiance
I am a big fan of fireplaces and fire pits and the ambiance they bring. Truth be told- it is SO hot and SO dry in California right now- we aren’t using the fire pit for a fire. So I am sharing a little secret for adding that ambiance if you are in the same no fire situation. Use string lights.
What I love: I LOVE string lights for ambiance everywhere. And this is yet another way to enjoy them. Place them inside the firebox of a fireplace and enjoy safe ambiance even during those hot times of year when you can’t light a fire.
Shop this HUGE amount of twinkle ambiance HERE
I am actually working on another styling using these same string lights and that will be coming your way next week. I hope this gives you some ideas for adding some beautiful ambiance to your home and gatherings all year long. And the best part of all of these things is that they are also perfect for Christmas- so you can use them now and then too. And since we are still knee deep in Christmas in July for another week- don’t miss shopping the up to 50% off sale at Balsam Hill right now. And for those who asked- here is a page with all of THE BEST Deals right now too.
Happy Friday everyone!!
Michelle says
Hi Courtney! Thank you for the fairy lights idea from your Christmas in July post! I ordered from Balsam Hill and did a trial run. They were so easy to use, and added that extra special magic and twinkle that I was missing from their “candlelite” trees. 🤩
Elizabeth says
Love the lights they certainly add alot of charm and romance
Sandra says
Unable to access Capiz Star Garland resource….. FYI
Courtney says
Sorry about that! Sometimes the link doesn’t like to stay there-appreciate the note letting me know! Here you go: https://bit.ly/3gor9v5
Sharon says
I love ALL of your stuff and all of yoyr hints. Thank toy for sharing the magic of God’s beauty.
Karen B. says
What fun to have the fairy-lit trees up year-round. I love the ambiance your rooms exhibit.
Karen