Lovely lights for summer nights

In honour of May, and because harnessing the power of the sun for our energy needs is such a no-brainer, my Hot Home Products column this week focuses on outdoor solar lights. But while I was researching it, I also came across some rechargeable outdoor lights that are just too cool not to share. The funny little Candela Tooli lights (at left) make me think of day-glo alien babies, and they’d add a funky touch to an outdoor décor. Definitely a notch up from a plastic gnome! A set of two sells for $65 at BonaVista LeisureScapes. Classically cool Glow Lights  would make a lovely alternative to candles for the table (especially on a breezy night) and sell for $110 (set of four). I’m also coveting the rechargeable Luau lanterns (at right), which stay lit for six to ten hours and provide illumination equivalent to a 50-watt bulb. They’re also dimmable, so you can turn them down way to create a soft, candlelit glow. Beautiful, no? You’ll have to save up, though, as they sell for $270 each. Now all we need are some warm evenings! Pssst  — this just in —  BonaVista is having a pre-season sale this weekend (May 2 and 3) with 20 per cent off the lanterns, 25 per cent off Dedon furniture and lots of other bargoons.