How to Make DIY Tiki Bottle Torches

Today, I’m joining my friends Cindy and Mary Ann to discuss how we use our outdoor spaces. And I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share an idea for making DIY tiki bottle torches. 

We have a tiny property steps from the Long Island Sound. So even though it’s a small space, we can still entertain family and friends in the backyard or on the porch all summer. We make up for house and property size with small details like these charming DIY tiki torches. I always say this, but it is all about the little things. Making friends and family feel welcome is all about the small extra touches we do to create a lovely outdoor space for entertaining. 

This post contains affiliate links. You can read my complete disclosure statement here.

Items you need for easy outdoor entertaining

Before we get into the easy instructions for homemade tiki torches using French vintage bottles, let’s discuss the rest of the details for outdoor entertaining, from tables and chairs to candlelight and throws. All of these details make for a comfortable and fun summer evening. Size doesn’t matter when entertaining; it’s the details that count! 

We have the Terrace Teak Dining Table, chairs, and bench from Terrain. Plates, linen tablecloth, napkins, colored bee wine glasses, and the over-the-table iron rod are also from Terrain.

• Comfortable seating – Depending on the number of guests determines the table. I like bringing dining room chairs from inside when setting a long table or two to seat 10-12 people. It makes it feel special when you bring the inside out. Plus, often dining chairs take up less space. I also love to use benches with throws. Benches are an excellent option for saving space and seating more people.
• Relocate the table—If it’s just for a small dinner party, consider moving the table to a unique location, like the garden or the yard—just for the night! We moved our table to the backyard by the hydrangeas in full bloom!
• Create conversation areas – with drink tables, pillows, and throws. We moved the larger coffee table to make it easier to move around and used stools as drink tables. 
• Create a temporary potted garden—I pulled pots from other yard areas to hide the basement window under the shelf in the conversation area, creating a small potted garden. I added some brass lanterns to make it extra cozy. 
• On the shelf – Potted plants with tea lights in crystal shot glasses add flickering light all evening.
• String lights – Nothing says outdoor entertaining like patio string lights with incandescent bulbs. 
• Create a Drink Station – We set up a bar using the potting bench and a large vintage copper preserving pan. (Available in the shop).
• Over-the-Table Iron Rod—An over-the-table rod from Terrain is one of my favorite entertaining tools. You can see more in this post. It takes about two minutes to install! It’s so easy! I used Stargazer lights and glass jars using DIY jar slings on the rod for decor and atmosphere with the cozy lighting.

Now let’s talk about how easy it is to make DIY tiki torch bottles

You will need a few supplies from the hardware store or order online from Amazon. You will need old glass bottles or repurposed liquor bottles.

​Supplies needed:

• Old bottles 
• Tiki torch wicks (sold as tiki replacement wick)
• Brass adapters in various sizes (I found mine at Home Depot)
• Caps with chain (optional)
• Tiki torch fuel (or if using indoors like an oil lamp instead of a candle, make sure to buy clean burning fuel).

What are the best bottles to use for this DIY project?

Repurposed liquor bottles work well for this project—especially tequila bottles like Patrón. The bottom of the bottle is wide, making it safer than a wine bottle that would tip over easily.

Any heavy glass bottle that’s not too large would work. A repurposed bottle found at a thrift store or any bottle with a mouth can fit with an adapter to hold the wick in place. Glass mason jars would probably not be the best choice for that reason.

Empty wine bottles are not the best option as they are tall, and the risk of them tipping over is too great. 

For our tiki bottle torches, I used vintage liquor bottles from France. We have several of these in the shop and look for them at flea markets all over France. I think they make a pretty tabletop decor piece for this easy project!

Here’s how to make them

1. Wash and dry the empty bottles that you will be using.
2. Find brass adapters (available at the hardware store) to fit inside the opening of your bottle. You may want to take your bottle(s) to try different sizes. I needed two different sizes for three bottles (as shown in the video).
3. Put the tiki wick into the adapter and place it inside the bottle. Trim the wick low enough that the open flame won’t be too large. The bottom of the wick can touch the bottom of the bottle.
4. Remove and fill each bottle with citronella oil. The amount of fuel depends on how long you want it to burn. It is not necessary to fill the bottle.
5. Replace the wick inside the bottle and allow it to draw up the liquid before lighting. This takes just a minute, but you should wait that minute or two before lighting. 
6. SAFETY – This goes without saying, but never leave a flame unattended. Extinguish with the metal cap if stepping away and relight when you return to be safe. I would not use these around children.

Wait until you see Cindy and Mary Ann’s gorgeous outdoor spaces.

Cindy Hattersley Design

Classic Casual Home

You may also enjoy these posts on outdoor spaces

How to Create a Simple Garden Party

Easy Steps for Making Simple DIY Glass Jar Slings

How to Create a Beautiful Organic Tablescape

Pin for Later