Use candles to brighten the
night and to compliment
social gatherings.

Ambience

1. Fire. Since the dawn of time, humans have been attracted to fire. It's not just something to keep us warm or to cook our food, it's also a beacon for social interaction or personal introspection. Candles create a warm and inviting mood, while a lighted fire in the garden is every bit as enticing as one indoors. To hold that fire, you have the choice of a permanent fireplace, portable outdoor hearth, clay or iron chiminea, and a fire pit. You can choose between wood-burning and gas-fired units, some also come with attachments that allow you to grill.

2. Lighting. Outdoor lighting has a dual personality: It's great for adding sparkle and ambience to the night, but it's also important for safety. After all, you don't want to be tripping over things in the dark. Torches and candles set a casual mood, whether they're lining a path or standing sentinel around a patio. But if you go for artificial lighting, it doesn't have to look artificial. There are many ornamental fixtures available. Pair them with lightbulbs that cast a warm glow, and you have magic.

3. Fragrance. Retailers learned long ago that certain scents make good business sense. The same flowers and herbs that go into the potpourri, causing you to linger at the gift boutique, can be grown in your garden. Why not put them to use near your favorite seating area? Lilacs, roses, peonies, and many other plants will make dilly-dallying a common occurrence.