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There’s no shortage of reasons to spend as much time outside as possible during the summer. Maybe you’re floating in the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or having dinner out on the patio. But as much as we love those long, warm summer evenings, early fall might actually be the best time to be outside. Once the heat of July and August starts to ease, the cooler temperatures make lingering in the yard feel a lot more comfortable.
The only downside is that the sun starts clocking out earlier, too. That’s where having outdoor lighting makes a difference. Right now, Amazon has Starsoul Solar Hot Air Balloon Lantern for $19, down from $24 when you clip the on-page coupon, discounting it by 21%. It adds a decorative glow to your space during the evening without requiring an outlet, so you can keep enjoying the patio, porch, or backyard even after daylight starts disappearing earlier.
Starsoul Solar Hot Air Balloon Lantern, From $19 (was $24) at Amazon
Courtesy of Amazon
Priced at just $19, the dragonfly version of this lantern is the most affordable of the 12 nature-inspired designs, which range from floral motifs to frog-themed variations. The shape is modeled after a miniature hot-air balloon, with a rounded glass chamber suspended between a metal cap at the top and a tapered metal section at the bottom. A series of black metal ribs runs vertically around the glass, dividing it into individual curved panels and giving the piece a stained-glass-lantern look. A chain attaches at three points around the upper rim, while three additional lengths of chain hang from the bottom to suspend a small metal basket underneath.
The dragonfly-and-flower artwork covers nearly the entire glass body. Large dragonflies appear across the panels with elongated, dark bodies and translucent-looking wings, surrounded by oversized blossoms in saturated pink, red, and yellow. The flowers have layered petals and raised-looking yellow centers, while curling green stems and leaves fill the spaces between them. Some of the artwork overlaps the seams between the glass panels, so the motifs don’t read like isolated decals; instead, the garden scene appears to wrap continuously around the rounded form.
The 5.9-inch-wide globe is compact, but the hanging chains extend the overall height to nearly 18 inches, giving it a long, suspended silhouette rather than the squat shape of a traditional lantern. Below the glass balloon, the dark metal section narrows toward the bottom before meeting three chains that hold the openwork basket. The basket has its own decorative construction, with a repeating scroll-like metal pattern and a small circular opening at the top, creating the visual impression of a miniature passenger compartment beneath the balloon.
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Inside, a solar-powered light source was designed to create a flickering flame effect after dark. The solar panel charges during daylight hours, with the manufacturer estimating that it will offer six to eight hours of illumination at night. Because it operates without wiring, the entire piece can hang from a tree branch, porch, or pergola without needing to be positioned near an outlet.
The “whimsical” and “beautiful” design earned plenty of attention in the reviews section, with Amazon shoppers saying this lantern makes a “gorgeous addition” to any yard, providing “hours of illumination at night.” One reviewer wrote, “This solar hot air balloon is so cute, and you will be mesmerized by the flame at night.”
Related: Amazon’s ‘Powerful’ $25 Solar Light 2-Pack Is Perfect for Brightening Up Late Summer Nights
If you’re planning to squeeze every last bit of outdoor time out of the season, this little hot air balloon is an easy place to start. Clip the on-page coupon and shop the Starsoul Solar Hot Air Balloon Lantern for $19 at Amazon while it’s 21% off!
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