How to Decorate With Paper Lanterns Inside a Tent

Think of the theme you want to use for your tent. Draw a sketch of the type of ambiance you would like to create. Consider the size of your tent and the time of year it is.

Attach strings of white lights, like those used at Christmas, with wire to the tent poles on one side of the tent, then attach the other end in the same manner on a tent pole on an opposite wall of the tent. Attach several strings of lights in this manner. Get strings with the bulbs that sit further away from each other than others--this way the lanterns won't hang so close together. Hang white paper lanterns from the bulbs using fishing line, or 16-gauge wire, wrapped to the light cable or tent poles. Opt to use lanterns in different shapes and sizes to add interest to the tent.

Emphasize certain areas of the room by hanging a brightly colored, red-papered lantern in that area. Hang neutral-colored lanterns, like white or tan, in other areas of the tent. The single, brightly colored paper lantern will add a focal point to the room.

Add dimension to the room by adding paper lanterns equally distanced from each other throughout the tent. If using battery-powered paper lanterns, hang them further apart from each other since they won't need electrically placed lighting. Hang the lanterns with fishing line from the tent ceiling to give the appearance of the lanterns floating over the guests.

Create a more interesting design by interspersing the paper lanterns with other paper decorations like paper parasols or tissue paper flowers. Use wiring to hold the lanterns and other decorations, or use suction cups to affix these decorations. Hang garlands of paper flowers, then hang the paper lanterns from the garlands.

Hang strings of colored lights from the roof of the tent down to the ground. Use wire to hold the strings to the roof poles. Place the bulbs at different distances from each other, and place the paper lanterns over the colored bulbs at different distances; the color from the bulbs will shine through the lanterns.

String strands of white Christmas lights from one wall of the tent across the room to the opposite wall. Hang small paper lanterns from the white lights for a festive atmosphere.