Non-Traditional Holiday Lighting

Holiday Lighting Alternative #1: Faux Tabletop Candles
Everyone loves the look of a long table filled with family and aglow with dozens of tea lights, but open flames can be a bit dangerous. Thankfully, you can now incorporate LED lanterns and tea lights into your table setting, which create the same cozy atmosphere, without the fire hazard.

Photo Credit: Paul Ferney for Oh Happy Day

Holiday Lighting Alternative #2: Ball of Light
A surprising way to bring a glow to your home, a literal ball of light is also really easy to make. According to Real Simple, all you'll need is a bunch of strands of lights in any color you choose, and a dark plastic or rubber kid's ball about 12 inches in diameter.

Photo Credit: Thomas Loof for Real Simple

Holiday Lighting Alternative #3: Strings of Light
No longer reserved for wedding receptions and college dorm rooms, twinkle light strings are making a comeback in interior spaces, mostly in thanks to the increasing number of styles available. Some fan favorites include strings of paper lanterns, as well as more sophisticated styles like crystal and chandelier-type designs.

Photo Credit: For Me, For You

Holiday Lighting Alternative #4: Fireplace Candles
If you're the proud owner of a non-working fireplace, you can still create a warming effect with a display of burning candles. You can create your own candle platform from pieces of flat wood and a standard log rack. Or you can simply place candles of alternating heights directly on the floor of the fireplace.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Holiday Lighting Alternative #5: Glowing Luminaries
Opaque jars or votives make great holders for tiny tea lights that will instantly warm up a space. We love the look of long rows of luminaries lined up along a windowsill or mantel -- a modern (and safer) twist on the classic look of holiday candles.

Photo Credit: Etsy/KLRDesigns

Holiday Lighting Alternative #6: Lights in a Jar
Simply pile strings of white holiday lights into colored glass vessels and turn them upside down on the table. Another idea: Purchase a battery operated string of lights (any color will do) and bunch them into an oversized candle hurricane or mason jar.

Photo Credit: Lulu Carter