We use solar path lights which we put on pvc pipes (use the correct size so the light bottom mount fits) painted to match the lights giving them more height in the garden. We leave them on year round, they have been in place for about five years and still look like new, they are metal with glass. I also have some hanging solar lights that hang from a tall double shepherds hook plant stake for even more height. I also put the solar light stakes (they come in different shapes like butterfly, birds, crackle globes) in potted plants on the patio since our children give us some these are stored away over winter.
When we first started with solar lights we bought some plastic ones and mounted them on wood dowels for extra height. The plastic lasted a couple years then got brittle and broke, it is worth buying the metal and glass lights they last for years.
They now have solar lighted patio umbrellas that would add some nice night time ambience. When ours needs replacing we will get one for our patio.
