You can get umbrellas with LED lights that are solar powered I would start there you can even get the lights and install them in your umbrellas . As for the rest of the yard solar powered lighting is what I would use.

We have the string lights and that’s what we are looking to put up. I’ve seen the lights in umbrellas but they aren’t really what we want. I’m trying to find a way to hang the strings of lights but not sure how.

What is at the top of those stairs? Show also the distant view as taken from top of stairs.

Our coveted deck. We have a bbq, sectional and table and chairs there. We don’t want the lights up there if it can be avoided because we already have lights on a dimmer up there.

You might have to build some sort of metal or wood frame/pergola around the perimeter of your patio to hang the lights. Alternatively, a couple of tall posts on the far end of the patio toward the grass would allow you to hang the lights from the roof of the deck to the posts.

We did something similar for a client. The lights are strung from the house to the posts on the far end:

Pacific Heights Renovation: Outdoor Deck · More Info

Yes that is one of the ideas I mentioned above. But I’m concerned creating a pergola would create a line/barrier as you walk down the stairs or look from the covered porch. It’s open and nice now and I’m worried a pergola would impact that.

What are the metal poles attached to in your pic? The railing?

They are attached to the deck support. In your case, you'd just have to drill post holes into the grass and anchor them with cement, probably.

After much debate we decided to leave the lower patio clear. We can get some frameless candles and lanterns and that be ambience in evening.

We will add the string lights in the covered porch which will actually be stunning during dinners :)

That was our first thought but I’m just not sure about them being permanent fixtures on the patio/lawn. Thank you though!

Just reviving this thread. We added infratech heaters on the coveted deck and now we won’t be putting the lights on the covered deck part. So back to wanting them to light up below. @Yardvaark in your pick would the strings connect or just one on each side?

Just wanted to update as we are finally done! Took awhile to decide what to do and how but here it is and we love it.

Thanks for the update!