Abstract: Described herein are a lantern holder for affixing a lantern to a supporting member such as a rail or fence and a method for using same. The lantern holder includes a mounting portion that is shaped to mount on to the supporting member; first and second bracing portions each extending from the mounting portion and shaped to contact the sides of the supporting member to help brace the mounting portion; and a lantern retainer that is configured to retain the lantern. The mounting portion can be composed of first and second adjustable pieces that are movable relative to each other such that the mounting portion can be mounted on to supporting members of different depths.