Great garden features

150+ ways to create your best backyard

19 ways to make your garden glow

Candles, hanging lanterns, chandeliers, and string lights add magic to evenings outside

Wendi Nordeck

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July 4 decorating ideas

Secret garden night lights

Eden Rodriguez, owner of End Design in Santa Rosa and Mill Valley, places garden stake lights or a small battery-operated camping lantern under tablecloths.

To hide an electrical cord, she parts the grass, tucks in the cord, and stakes it with a U-shaped piece of wire. If you're using electric lights, keep fabric 2 feet from the bulb.

For extra shine, you can create a table covering from brightly colored ― and inexpensive taffeta. Use fusing tape to secure panels together and tuck unhemmed edges underneath.