TORCH LANTERNS

Picture a night scene from a beach movie or a South Pacific island. We’ve all seen them. Sand, grass skirts, hula dancers, and…Tiki torches. While the movies and postcards may not always be completely accurate, the use of Tiki torches for summer outdoor lighting has become a staple. These torches are usually tall, although table top models do exist, with a lantern set on a bamboo or metal pole. Fuel is often paraffin oil with citronella added to keep the bugs away. As tempting as it may seem to set up some of these torches around your campsite, they are dangerous. Flying sparks or a tipped-over pole could start a serious fire. A much safer alternative are solar-powered Tiki torches. These still create the ambience of tropical luxury, without the danger of real-life fire.

Set of Three Bamboo Torches

Bamboo torches come in many packages, but this set of three is particularly popular. Standing 32 inches tall they are decorated with seashells and a raffia bow. You’ll need a clean burning fuel, such as paraffin oil, for them—be sure to check the package for recommendations. And always remember these are for outdoor use only.

Solar-Powered Tiki Torches

Letting the sun charge up your after-dark outdoor lighting makes a lot of sense. How green can you get? Just set out your torches during the day, and forget about them. Come dark, flickering LED lights take over and recreate the look of flaming torches. Most models run several hours on a full charge, and batteries may last up to seven years. Solar Tiki torches are available from several manufacturers. Malibu makes a two-torch set that stands just over five feet tall and runs for 10 hours.

Tabletop Torches

If you like the look of torchlight but you’re worried about getting taller torches to stand securely try a tabletop style. These are generally shorter, ranging from 13 to 22 inches. There are free-standing Polynesian-style bamboo models with seashells and a raffia bow that come two to a package. Another style features a torch on the end of a stake that is set securely in a bucket of sand.