News - Inspired entertaining light up your evenings with style

Lighting sets the tone for entertaining, whether you’re creating a cosy dinner indoors or an atmospheric evening outdoors. A thoughtful lighting plan transforms any gathering space into an inviting setting where guests can relax and linger

To see our previous article in this series: Inspired Entertaining: Seasonal Table Styling

For the outdoors, start with practical outdoor lighting. Pathway lights, wall-mounted fixtures, and spotlights keep your space safe and functional. From there, layer in ambient options. String lights draped across pergolas or wrapped around trees add charm, while solar lanterns and LED candles offer eco-friendly, flexible solutions. For a touch of drama, uplighting plants or architectural features creates striking focal points. 

Indoors, your foundation indoor lighting usually comes from ceiling fixtures. A chandelier or pendant light above the dining table creates a central glow, while dimmers give you control over brightness. Complement this with softer layers — table lamps in corners, wall sconces for balance, and candles for intimacy. 

Candles remain a timeless accessory. Outdoors, use wind-resistant lanterns to keep flames protected. Indoors, cluster pillar candles or opt for elegant LED versions if you prefer a safer option. Either way, the flicker of candlelight adds instant ambience. 

Task lighting also plays an important role.

Outdoors, bright lighting is needed during cooking or braaing, but you can dim it or switch it off once food is served. Whereas indoors, brighter lights are helpful when serving or clearing but can be replaced with warmer options once guests are seated.

Smart lighting solutions are worth considering for both environments. They allow you to adjust colours, tones, and brightness with a remote or app, making it easy to shift from vibrant parties to soft, relaxing evenings.

Ultimately, the goal of lighting is to blend functionality with atmosphere. Outdoors, it extends your entertaining into the night, while indoors, it creates intimacy and warmth. By layering different types of lighting, you’ll ensure every gathering — whether under the stars or at your dining table — feels inviting, memorable, and beautifully styled.

To see our next article in the Inspired Entertaining Series: Accessories for Effortless Hosting