Turn Dollar Tree Punch Bowls Into A Glowing Garden Feature With This Easy DIY

There's something magical that happens when you put twinkling lights, glass, and flowers together. Whether you're embracing the trending fairycore aesthetic or channeling a sense of whimsy, the combination really brightens a porch, patio, or garden room — and not just because of the tiny bright bulbs. One way to channel this vibe outdoors is through a fun feature: the luminary planter. While the project might sound complicated, it's actually pretty simple to pull off. Plus, it's surprisingly affordable. There are plenty of common household items you can turn into beautiful planters, but this particular DIY uses a few glass bowls and solar lights from Dollar Tree. Ready to make a glowing light fixture for outdoor living in just a few easy steps?

If you're looking for DIY features to turn your backyard into a secret garden oasis, this is a great starting point. The beauty of this project hinges on the faceted translucency of the discount Dollar Tree faux glass bowls, which makes the lights twinkle. Specifically, you'll need to buy three of the store's Caterer's Corner Crystal-Cut Plastic Punch Bowls and four of their Clear Plastic Fluted Serving Bowls. You'll also need some hot glue and two solar lights. If the nearest Dollar Tree branch doesn't have anything suitable, get the Mainstays Solar-Powered Column LED Path Lights from Walmart. Don't forget to buy a potted flowering annual of your choice — whatever's available at the nurseries or big box retailers will do just fine.

Once you've got all your materials and tools, it's time to begin. If the solar lights you bought have stakes, remove them. Usually, they simply screw off. Glue one of the light heads inside to the bottom of one of the punch bowls. Turn a matching bowl upside down, and glue them rim to rim. This is your first sphere. Repeat the same steps to create your second and third spheres using fluted serving bowls. Glue the spheres together, alternating types, then glue the remaining punch bowl to the top, right side up. Place your potted flowering annual inside and move your whimsical, fairy-like light tower to its permanent location outdoors. It's perfect for your next midsummer's garden party or for brightening a dark, snowy porch.

But why stop here? There are lots of ways to personalize this project. Add more spheres to make the fixture taller. Or imitate the look of sea glass by painting the interior of each bowl with a mix of Mod Podge and food coloring before adding the solar light and gluing them together. Give the fixture a nautical theme by wrapping thick jute rope around the sections between each sphere. Not interested in caring for real flowering plants? Dollar Tree sells bunches of Floral Garden Assorted Artificial Summer Dahlias that you could arrange in the top bowl. You'll get the same effect with none of the care. This DIY isn't just useful for outdoor living spaces — it's an outdoor walkway lighting idea that adds ambiance and makes your yard safe. Make a few luminaries and position them along your garden path.