Outdoors, it's now dark and gloomy by 5 p.m. But indoors, it's a fabulous opportunity to create a festive, moody ambience for the holidays.
"Lighting is so important, especially when we do most of our entertaining in the evening when it's dark," said designer Marsha Hunt of Haute Flower Boutique.
The latest battery-operated string lights and flickering flameless candles, which come in more varieties, sizes, shapes and colors than ever before, offer more versatility when illuminating holiday vignettes.
"If you don't have a nearby outlet, battery-operated strings really come in handy," said Cindy Wellman, a designer at Gertens.
Now it's easier than ever to weave a string of twinkle lights in garland draped over an armoire, to illuminate a dark foyer or add sparkle to a buffet table. Although battery-operated lights are safer than old-fashioned wax candles, "You just can't match the ambience of candles with a real flame," said Hunt.
We asked Hunt and two other designers to fashion holiday vignettes that intermingle both types of light, using materials found at garden centers, craft stores and florist shops.
The key is to use indoor lights sparingly for a soft and moody effect, say the experts. Don't overwhelm arrangements with eye-blinding orbs.
"Mood lighting can transform your home," said Renae Keller of Renae Keller Interior Design. "It can feel festive for a holiday party or intimate and comforting for just reading a book."