What makes a party that special one-of-a-kind event? There are the people, of course, the food, the drinks, the music, but there's also the matter of the lights. The fact is that party lights go a long way towards creating that magical party ambience which leads to everyone having the time of their lives. Here's your complete guide to party lights and how to use them to make every party special.

The first thing to bear in mind is that different types of party require different lighting. If it's a quiet, intimate affair, you'll want soft lighting and muted colours. If it's a jumping event, you'll want to be able to choose flashing and pulsating lights in many bright hues. Then again, you may want to change the mood of the party as the night progresses. Party lights offer you the ability to be able to quickly and easily create any mood or theme you wish.

To help you create the right mood, you can get lights in such designs as lamp post lights, umbrella lights, wall sconces, string lights and hanging lanterns. Also you can get fairy lights, connectible string lights, net lights, curtain lights, rope lights, or lights shaped into 3D animals and figures.

The possibilities are endless. Just browse the catalogue of an online party lights vendor to get ideas for lights that will create the mood for the type of party you're planning. Then you're only limited by your creativity. If you have trees in your garden your options are greatly enhanced as your can spread your lights around on the branches. Rope lights are perfect for lining the paths and walkways for your party.

A great way to spice up parties is to use connectable lights. These are lights which can be joined together. With some systems, you can link up to 30 sets of lights. You can also mix up white and multi coloured lights to create whatever kind of effect you want. One great benefit of these types of lights is that your only need one electrical socket to plug in the whole string of lights.

One special touch with rope or connectable lights is to create lighted walkways or pathways to guide your guests in and out of the premises and between the various parts of the party, for example the buffet, bar and dance floor. You can use some type of removable posts to hold your lights and lanterns and lighted torches always add a nice atmospheric touch. Rope lights are available in rolls of 44 metres which can be used to make up to five separate rope lights.

Another way to get parties going is to use multi effect lights. Lights are of two types - static lights stay on constantly, and multi effect lights which offer a wide range of options making them perfect for parties. Multi effect lights feature a controller which allows you to select a range of light sequences such as twinkling, slow fade, flashing, even static if you choose. This makes them perfect for quickly changing the mood of a party.

For outdoor events, you have a wide range of options when it comes to party lights. You could, for example, add wall sconces on the outside wall of your home. This will illuminate your garden or patio with just enough light for your guests to relax in.

When it comes to power, other than connecting to the mains, solar or battery powered models also work well and are safer if there are children around. In fact solar powered party lights are perfect for any occasion. Just allow them to absorb the sun’s rays during the day and they'll give you all the light you want throughout the evening.

Party lights come in two main types – incandescent (standard filament bulbs) and LED lights. Led lights are more expensive to buy but far more economical in use - they last longer and use less electricity. They're also cooler which makes them safer. For outdoor events, you should get lights with IP44 and IP64 ratings which mean they can be used outdoors in all weathers.

The next time you're planning a part whether indoor or outdoor, be sure to choose the right party lights. Atmospheric lighting is just the thing to make your party into the special event of a lifetime. You can find all your lighting needs online. Just place your order with a reputable vendor for fast delivery.