Lighted and draped columns make lovely decorations for a wedding reception or prom or any party. They can be made in various heights, but in general, will be smaller in diameter the taller they get. The fabric used should be lightweight and allow light to pass through easily. A fabric, like organza, which possesses a sparkly sheen works nicely. Pleated fabrics, which are more expensive, can also add a nice, fluted column look. Or you may prefer to use slightly stretchy fabric because it will often hang with fewer wrinkles.
Instructions
1. Cut a wooden circle (out of thin plywood) the size of the column desired. Cut notches into the edge of the circle for threading through the lights. Place the notches as close or as far apart as desired. Closer notches will require a lot more lights to fill.
2. Nail the circle atop the wooden pole. Make sure it is centered. And affix the bottom end of the pole into a floor stand. Make sure the construction is secure and doesn't wobble.
3. Thread the stringed lights up and down, taping them to the floor at the bottom and hooking them through the notches on the top. Thread up through one notch, across to the next and thread back down to the floor, then come up to the following notch and so on. Make sure the plug can reach an outlet or extension cord. You will likely use more than one set of stringed lights.
4. Drape the fabric around the column. Attach it atop the wooden circle with staples. If the top is above head height, you can staple it around the edge, but be careful not to pierce the lighted strands. If the top can be seen, you'll have to gather and staple it to the center and fan out. If the column is short enough, and the fabric is wide enough, you can simply drape it over the column like a tablecloth.
5. Neaten up the bottom by folding in excess cloth underneath and inside the column.
