Lighting is one of the most important things to think about when you are throwing a party. It doesn't matter if the party is inside or out, creating an atmosphere is very important. Getting it right with lighting is the easiest and best way to create the environment for a good party. There are a few considerations to be made and some choices to be decided beforehand so allow yourself plenty of time to plan. Lighting can be as inexpensive or as costly as you would like as there are a range of options available. Read on to find out how to create the right party atmosphere with the best party lights.

Novelty lights are a great way to couple decoration with atmosphere. There is a huge choice available these days and novelty lights can often be bought for either inside or outside. "Fun" lights such as chilli peppers, Halloween lanterns or flags are available from a range of party shops and online retailers and come in a variety of budgets. This can cost a little more however than you may be prepared to spend, particularly if there is a large area to cover. Often it is better to avoid these types of lights altogether rather than hang a very small number that don't make an impact.

Outdoor party lighting can be carried out with simple fairy lights and strings of bulbs. The garden can be lit up beautifully in this way and provides an instant party atmosphere. Wrapping lights around tree trunks works well as does highlighting various features in the garden using up lighters and spot lights. A popular method of creating fun party lights is to use fairy lights in the branches of a tree. This lights up the tree and produces a starry canopy under which you can place your tables or even a dance floor. Often people choose to leave their lights up in the garden after the party as they can't bear to take them down! When you are throwing a party outside, think about lighting up the pathways and walkways as people may be unfamiliar with the garden and won't know where to go otherwise. Also think about where people will be hanging out and chatting as this will need some lighting. If you are having a BBQ then this area will also need good lighting so the cooks can see what they are doing!

Indoor lights can be good fun too and with a little creativity just the right atmosphere can be created. Fairy lights can be used to adorn the walls or be used to frame a centrepiece in the room. Alternatively they can be strung through the branches of indoor plants, wrapped around the banisters or used to frame the doorways. However you choose to display them, fairy lights provide a great party atmosphere and are inexpensive and simple to assemble too. Make sure the main lights in the house are off during the party, leaving on just one or two lamps where appropriate. Too much light is an atmosphere killer, but a room that is too dark is just as bad. If there will be eating at the party then ensure a light enough area is provided, and the same goes for any cooking that needs to take place.

If you want to create just the right atmosphere at a party, then some planning and preparation of the party lights need to take place beforehand. Novelty lights can work well, but just as effective are outdoor fairy lights or battery operated lights of any description. Lighting up both the house and the garden with just enough light will ensure the perfect atmosphere is created and the party will go with a swing.