DIY Fairy Canopy How To

Written by: Claire Sugden

Fairy Light Canopy How-To:

This DIY is a real showstopper. Perfect for al fresco gatherings, garden parties or even bijou wedding celebrations, our step-by-step guide is your shortcut to creating a beautiful fairy light canopy to add softness and sparkle to any outdoor dining scene.

Step 1.

Choose your spot

For this DIY, you’re going to want a flat, even area where a dining table or picnic blanket will fit. You’ll also want ground where stakes and poles can be easily inserted, so a lawn or grassy area is best.

Step 2.

Construct your frame

Using bamboo canes or similar, begin to build a simple, four-point frame. You’ll need a sturdy pole at each corner of the square, four poles creating a square at the top of the frame, and then two diagonal poles running corner-to-corner for extra stability. Push the bamboo poles firmly into the ground – if in doubt, you can double-up on poles for extra sturdiness. Secure the poles with wire, rope or strong twine.

Step 3.

Add your lights

Using strings of connectable LED fairy lights, begin creating your canopy by looping the strings around the external poles of the frame and swagging back and forth. We used battery powered lights for maximum flexibility. Be sure to use LED bulbs rather than traditional filament bulbs, as LEDs will remain cool to the touch so are safe to be used next to fabrics.

Step 4.

Drape your fabric

Gather swags of gauzy or linen-type material and drape over the edges of the frame – however you fancy! We chose to use two separate lengths of material at opposite corners of the square, but you could also drape an extra-long length diagonally across the top of the frame.

Step 5.

Add even more lights

Weave additional strings of LED fairy lights in and amongst your hanging lengths of fabric – the effect of the bulbs shining through the linen is pretty and delicate in daylight, and will bring a real wow-factor come nightfall. Next, add lanterns, candles and tiki torches at the bases of the four corner poles – cluster them together in mismatched groups for an informal feel.

Step 6.

Hang some fabric lanterns

Hanging tassel solar lanterns in shades of sand, linen and seafoam blue will bring an easy, breezy vibe to your scene. Hook onto the bamboo poles and let the sun charge them by day for a warm overhead glow come twilight.

Step 7.

Add your finishing touches

Add soft furnishings, table linens and flatware in summery tones, then bring more light to your tablescape with LED candles and small, battery powered lanterns. As a final, rustic twist, we sourced a pair of antique oars and added them to the corners of our frame. Get playful with it! Vintage finds, rattan details and quirky, handmade rugs are all great additions here.