We’ve had multiple snow storms here in Maine- the snow is falling again as I”m writing this:) The snow we got last weekend was perfect for making a snow lantern. The snow has to be Kramsnö (direct translation from Swedish: Hug-snow), that is snow just right for making snowballs. Snow lanterns are fun to make and they look so pretty when lit in the dark (which around here is already in the late afternoon) We used to make them when I was a kid in Sweden and I made them with my kids when they were younger. Here are the steps for making your own snow lantern:

1. Make a ring of snowballs (on the ground, on a big rock or on a metal garden table)- I made mine with a diameter of about 18″. Make sure to pick a spot that can be seen through your windows, so you can enjoy seeing it from inside your house.

2. Stack another layer of snowballs on top of the bottom ring but place the second layer slightly closer to the center.

3. Keep stacking layer upon layer. By placing each layer closer to the center, you’re creating a conical shape. The last layer will just be one snowball. Make sure to leave one hole open in the second or third layer; big enough for you to get your hand in to place the candles.

4. When you’re ready to light your lantern, light tea candles and place them in the middle of the lantern through the hole.

5. If the snow isn’t good for making snowballs and you’d still like to make one, here’s another idea: find/make a large pile of snow. Scoop out a hole from the side and hollow it out like an igloo. Place lit tealights inside the hollowed out area.

You could make a whole bunch of lanterns around your garden- that would look very festive! Enjoy the snow!