5 Winter Wonderlands

Set the Table

Draped over a picnic table, an inexpensive set of net lights (intended for hedges) twinkles beneath a cover of fresh snow, creating an almost polka-dot effect.
James says the key is to install the lights before it snows. This season, look for the net lights with transparent wires to further the dappled illusion. Overhead, lit spheres like glowing dandelion heads finish the picture.

Total cost: less than $75