Before tasting the food or hearing the music, your guests will receive their first impressions of your fete from the type, placement, and amount of lighting chosen for your event.  The best party atmosphere takes into account the different zones which inevitably will form.  There should be good light at the entrance, while in the rest of the space, the levels should be brighter at first and then dim for intimacy, darken for dancing. If the space is available, try to spread out the bar, food, music, and entrance, and arrange spaces for intimate conversation. Lighting should complement and shift with these areas.  Add color to your lighting by using colored bulbs in hanging lamps attached to the underside of your table, or discreetly hidden behind a paravan or piece of furniture.  Candles mixed in size and height make for lovely centerpieces on food display tables. Strands of white Christmas lights can signal a fun festive atmosphere or draped in organza or chiffon can be used in the most formal endroits.  Creative lighting will contribute to your overall atmosphere and like music, may need to be changed or modified as the party progresses.  Restaurants with bars often do this well. As the evening goes on, the lights should go down and the music go up. One way to do this is to have candles and lights going early then turn off some lights as the party progresses.  Don't use standard overhead room lighting in hopes of setting any sort of ambience.  Dim the lights if possible and consider using alternative sources such as votive or tea light candles, soft or low wattage bulbs in lamps,  or candle wall sconces as festive additions. As the sun sets, you will most likely need to increase your amount of lighting.  A guest's stumble can be embarrassing and a trip to the hospital for X-rays can be downright party pooping.  Don't forget to have lighting in all areas your guests may be.  Try using small tea lights to light your stairs or walkways, a scented candle in the bathroom is also a nice touch.  Again, candle wall sconces are indispensable and perfect for lighting the hallway or pathways.  'Forever Candle' globes outside are both unique and practical (against a light breeze), or float tea lights in bowls of water or use larger floating candles in the pool or pond.  Outdoor parties are always more festive with various lanterns strategically placed throughout the garden and Tiki torches are a classic way to add height to your lighting.  Whatever you choose, a mix is best and remember to consider safety precautions when using open flames in the presence of young children and draping fabrics.  When safety is a concern, in place of actual tea lights, artificial battery-operated flickering tea lights are available in most craft stores. Inside of a frosted-glass votive or partially-burned pillar, they look perfect. The coin battery is replaceable and lasts 60 - 75 hours.