How come it seems everyone is encouraging me to buy lanterns this year? All of a sudden every catalogue I receive showcases intricate lanterns on their cover, all drawing me to a seaside escape or vast patio that are far from my reality here in New York City. While I did consider an investment for use as a dining-table centerpiece, I’ve decided that it’s best to let lanterns live in fantasy. So, here is a compilation of all of the awesome ways you can diffuse light at your yet-to-be-realized summer-time escape!

Pottery Barn: Garrison Windowpane Lanterns, $30-95

Restoration Hardware: Santorini Square Lanterns, $20-110

West Elm: Wire Lanterns, $50-58

CB2: Camp Lantern, $24.95

Crate & Barrel: Knox Lantern, $34.95

Wisteria: Square Glass Lanterns, $99-119

Pottery Barn: Casablanca Filigree Metal Lanterns, $47-79

Anthropologie: Driftwood Hurricane, $38

Although not really outdoor inspired, I have to share this awesome tabletop lantern I found at Wisteria:

Wisteria: Tabletop Coach Lantern, $149

And if you’re going to bring light outside why not step up from candles to fire? Restoration Hardware has a whole collection of fire tables, columns, bowls and troughs that run on Citronella gel fuel – now that looks like an escape to me!