DIY: Lighting a Patio for Family Friday Nights with Round Bulbs and Magnetic Clips

DIY: Lighting a Patio for Graduation Parties!

Every season is a great time to hang out with family on the back patio. In Texas, we love bundling up during the winter months as much as we love relaxing with a margarita in the summer heat. The biggest benefit of winter is that there are no mosquitos! In summer we bring out the mist system!

Jeff and Michelle were kind enough to photograph and share photos of their round glass bulbs and cords. Installed for a graduation party, they're continuing to enjoy them all year long. Adding a few feet of bulbs and cords has "transformed their backyard".

Get the Look

MATERIALS

Installation Tips

When working with glass bulbs, order an extra box. Breakage happens.

Test your patio or flashing with a magnet to make sure it doesn't just "look like metal".

Install clips at a rate of every bulb to every 3-4 bulbs

These clips only work with traditional 18-AWG lamp cord style lights. The clips snug onto the bottom of the sockets and the wire loops under the side clips that secure the hold. They aren't a great fit for light strings with multi-wire harnesses.

Now, we'll stop talking and show the photos!!!

In this installation, the homeowner chose to swag alternate bulbs with a clip on every other socket. What a great look!

Using an adapter and an outlet tied to a switch makes it super-easy to power the lights and turn them on and off from inside the house.


The clips.

Ready for the Party!!!

We so appreciate these photos and would love to see yours. Please share them on social @christmaslightsource, #christmaslightsource

Originally published June 14, 2019