Camping in the dark isn’t fun. Sure, you have a fire, but when you’re sitting around the campsite, especially if you have a canopy or awning, a string of lights not only increases visibility, it creates ambiance.

Now, we’re not full-time RVers with an awning; we’re part-time campers with a canopy set up next to our travel trailer. We purchased the canopy at Dick’s Sporting Goods, and with the help of a coupon, the price was around $50.

We searched various shops for string lights, but the usual fare included Asian paper lanterns, dragonflies, tiny white bulbs and multi-colored globes. We’re low-keyed folk, so we didn’t want a splashy setting.

When we discovered the Smith & Hawken® String Lights at Target, we were smitten. These tiny lanterns have Old-World charm. We wholeheartedly recommend both the canopy and the string lights.

Here’s the description for the string lights:

Bring rustic charm to your porch, patio or backyard with this set of string lights from Smith & Hawken®. Measuring 9 1/2-feet long, this set includes ten C7 bulbs, each covered with a miniature metal lantern. End-to-end connectors allow for easy expansion.

• • • Bulb Type: Incandescent
    • Features: Outdoor
    • Battery: no battery used

Here’s the description for the canopy:

Quest 10 FT. x 10 FT. Instant Up Canopy offers cooling shade when you need it, where you need it. The angled steel frame creates a sturdy base, while the 8 Ft. x 8 Ft. dome top offers 64 square feet of shade to lounge beneath or watch from the sidelines. Its instant up design means set-up is a snap, including 4 ground stakes for extra stability. This recreational canopy folds down to fit inside its convenient wheeled carry bag.

FEATURES

• • • Recreational, instant up dome canopy
    • Ideal for the sidelines, stadium, backyard
    • Top Dimensions: 8 Ft. x 8 Ft.
    • Shade Square Footage: 64 sq. ft.
    • Base Dimensions: 10 Ft. x 10 Ft.
    • Walk-In Height: 6 Ft. 1 In.
    • Peak Height: 8 Ft. x 7 In.
    • Slant-leg, steel frame for added stability at the base
    • Telescopic legs are adjustable up to 2 different heights
    • Leg Dimensions: 25mm. x 25mm.
    • Roof Truss Dimensions: 21.5mm x 11mm
    • 150D silver coated polyester fabric
    • Water-resistant
    • Fire-retardant
    • Included storage bag with wheels and 2 hand grips
    • 4 ground stakes for extra stability

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