Happy Monday everyone! Today I’m sharing a simple how-to I featured on AphroChic last month. I love paper lanterns and keep finding new ways to incorporate into home decor and table settings. I buy most of my lanterns from PaperLanternStore.com. They come in almost every color, shape and size you could imagine. For this how-to, I used the 4-inch paper lanterns to create a simple table runner. Each color comes in a 10-pack. I chose a pair of complimentary colors from the color wheel (pink and green) and then added black for contrast. This is a wonderful idea for any outdoor and summer parties. For an evening event, you can add battery LED lights for a romantic or enchanting style. It’s a great substitute for votive candles, flower garlands and help add tons of color to an otherwise basic table.
Paper lanterns really have become my go to decor accent, well after flowers. We have them hanging in our living room window, in my studio as props and I always have a few for parties. I like to stick to the traditional style, but I’ve found a few designs with pretty eyelet patterns or irregular frames. I’m fan of non-round paper lanterns too, though they are trickier to find. Definitely need to pick up a few on my next trip to Los Angeles.
Instructions for Paper Lanterns Runner
For assembling the table runner, there are just a few steps:
- Assemble all the paper lanterns by inserting the metal frame that props them open. Be careful not to puncture the paper, but if you do don’t fret!
- Start with the first lantern and tie a knot on its hook. Regular twine is very sturdy and easy to hide for the final arrangement.
- String the lanterns in a sequence like beads, creating clusters of the same color so that the pattern is clearly visible.
- When completed tie a knot on the last lantern. Lay the runner of lanterns on the table. Some may need to be twisted, stacked or pushed together to achieve the right look. Add in fresh flowers or greens for an added spring feel!
My husband half joked about selling these in kits. They are a little time consuming to assemble, especially if you’re using this many lanterns. I think the hardest part is choosing the colors, which I’m sure someone would appreciate. Maybe I’ll open an Etsy shop with party decor one day :)
