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The best outdoor fairy lights for a warm ambiance

These subtle lights may be small, but you’ll see a huge improvement wherever you choose to place them. Revamp your backyard with our top picks for fairy lights.

You’ll want to consider the length and styles of different types of fairy lights. String lights are great to hang around the perimeter of a balcony, while curtain lights can be hung from a pergola roof to create a wall. Some fairy lights are powered through solar energy or by batteries. This list will help you find the best fairy lights for your outdoor area.

GDealer 4-Pack LED Fairy Lights

Best Overall

If the warm white glow of fairy lights is what you're looking for, try the GDealer 4-Pack LED Fairy Lights. This 4-pack of waterproof and portable lights are powered by AA batteries (not included) and are easily operated using the included remote controls. Adjust the brightness, or switch the lights' setting to wave, flash, slow fade, twinkle, and more—each string of lights measures 16.4 feet long.

Lighting Ever LED Curtain Lights

Best Curtain

For a beautiful, outdoor backdrop or wrapped around a pergola, opt for the Lighting Ever LED Curtain Lights. This 9.84-feet by 9.84-feet curtain of outdoor string fairy lights comes with 18 light strands containing 17 LED lights. Long enough to cover most windows, these are the best curtain lights to hang across sheer drapes for a soft glow effect. To choose among seven blinking modes, including slo-glo, flash, waves, and steady, simply push the transformer button. These lights operate with low voltage, making them safe to touch and heat-free.

Kolpop Solar String Lights

Best Solar

You can light up your backyard while saving money on your electricity bills with the Kolpop Solar String Lights. This 78.7-foot string of 240 LED lights uses solar energy for charging with its included solar panel. Simply stake the solar panel in a spot with access to plenty of direct sunlight, and it will begin to convert and store it into electrical energy. Fully charged, these outdoor, solar-powered fairy lights can shine for up to 10 hours. These lights are waterproof and heat-resistant, meaning prolonged use will not result in overheating.

Omika LED Fairy Lights

Best Color Changing

If you're looking to light up your backyard with more than just a soft white glow, try the Omika LED Fairy Lights, for the best color changing option. The 33-foot string of lights offers 16 vivid color options and settings to alternate between colors or stick to your favorite hue. The included remote control can also change the brightness level and set timer mode.

Add a string – or curtain – of fairy lights to your deck or patio, and you’ll be amazed at how much the ambiance improves. They’re easy-to-use and complement any atmosphere. With one of the products on this list, you’ll be counting down the hours until dusk, just to turn those fairy lights back on!

8 fruits and vegetables you can carve that aren’t pumpkins
Carve these instead of pumpkins this year
A beet on a table with carving tools, including scissors, strings, knives, and a small candle

Carving a jack-o'-lantern by yourself or with friends and family is a fantastic way to get into the Halloween spirit. There are tons of cute designs you can choose, and you can spice up your Halloween display further by carving more intricate or scary designs. If you're bored with pumpkins or want to add a little more whimsy to your display, then you'll be happy to know that there are other fruits and vegetables you can carve.

Not sure where to start when looking for a vegetable or fruit to carve? We’ve got eight great options for you to choose from.
Watermelons

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How to dry gourds: Your complete guide
Dry your own gourds at home for gorgeous fall decor
A basket with fall leaves and small gourds

Gourds, especially pumpkins and squash, make excellent decorations due to their thick shell-like skins. You can carve them into lanterns, turn them into instruments, or simply paint them to match whatever occasion you choose. Unless you’re carving them, though, it’s best to dry them first. Drying helps preserve the gourd and stop it from decaying. Want to learn how to dry gourds at home? It’s surprisingly simple, even for people without much experience. To help you get started, here’s our easy walkthrough explaining how to dry gourds at home.
Choosing the best gourds for drying

The gourd you choose to dry should be fully mature, so their skins are properly hard. Before they mature, gourds have softer skins, which can interfere with the drying process. Smaller gourds will dry faster than larger ones overall, and while larger gourds can dry at home, they are more time consuming.

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6 types of gourds you should know this fall season
Gourds that add seasonal spirit to your fall garden
A variety of squash types set on a black table

From pumpkins to watermelons, there are many incredible gourds you can grow in your garden. While some gourds are ready to be harvested in summer or winter, fall is the season most often associated with gourds -- and for good reason. Some of the most popular fall decorations are gourds, including pumpkins and many types of squash. What should you do if you want something a little more unusual, though? We have a list of six fun and unique types of gourds you should know about to get you started.
Speckled swan gourds

Speckled swan gourds are a type of calabash or bottle gourd, named for their distinctive shape. With a round base and long, curved neck, they resemble swans when placed upright. Speckled swan gourds are typically dark green with lighter green or cream-colored speckles or markings.

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