I have a particular weakness for home decorating trends. When I find something that is growing in popularity — faux animal heads, empty elaborate picture frames, vintage suitcases and old, chippy doors — I tend to jump all over the idea and incorporate it into my home’s interior design. My latest find, albeit a bit late to the game, is the farmhouse lantern.

I snagged a great deal on two beautiful, rustic lanterns recently and so I’m eager to find ways to both incorporate them in my current interior design, as well as find ideas for dressing them up for the holidays! Here are a few of my favorites that incorporate lights, seasonal flair and tablescape ideas. For more, visit our Design on a Dime board on Pinterest.

Light it up

When looking for simple ideas for decorating with lanterns, why not pull inspiration from the original use for the trending decor enhancement — light. Strings of fairy twinkle lights twisted and woven through the lantern create a simple-yet-elegant effect. With strings of fairy lights now operational via remote control, this beautiful look is easy to make and maintain.

Candles — the fat, round pillar style, or even tapers on wooden or antiqued candlesticks — can also capture a stunning, elegant look inside your oversized lantern. Whether out on your front porch or on the hearth of your fireplace, lighting these candles will instantly ignite a warm, inviting feeling in your home.

Seasonal flair

That lantern can easily be decorated for nearly every holiday — Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Independence Day and even Thanksgiving. Fill the lantern with festive Christmas ornaments, adorably creepy spiders and googly eyes, pounds of conversation hearts, cobs of Indian corn or even wood-crafted “fireworks” to fit all your favorite seasonal celebrations.

With Easter just around the corner, I’m already thinking of ideas for capturing a bit of spring for my lanterns. For example, treat your glass lantern like a cloche. Artistically design a scene featuring porcelain bunnies, hand-carved eggs, bright orange carrots or beautiful spring flowers for a whimsical spring design to fit with your other Easter decor.

Tablescape inspiration

With lantern styles ranging in size from six inches to upwards of 4-feet height, lanterns can either anchor decor on a patio or fill an empty corner of your family room. They can also enhance a sofa table or credenza. When coupled with other items like vases, clocks, plants and even antlers, these lanterns create a beautiful focal point.

Having recently returned from a beach vacation, I was struck by the beauty a lantern brings to ocean- or beach-themed decor. Fill the lantern with beach finds like starfish, sea glass and sea shells. Place near a piece of treasured driftwood, a trio of sea foam-colored candles and a collection of your favorite beach vacation photos for a dreamy escape.