June 3, 2007

Candle Magic - Tips for Decorating with Candles

Tip! Cold candles will burn more slowly. Wrap them in foil or cling-film to prevent the wicks from absorbing moisture then pop them in the fridge for an hour.

Candles have been used in home settings for centuries. Originally used for illumination, they were very utilitarian in function, with no thought of appearance or scent. But with electricity becoming commonplace, the candles role began to change.

Candles became more decorative and were recognized for their ability to achieve a certain ambiance, or mood, in any room. Candles went from being exclusively for tabletop settings to more designer-oriented sconces and multi-candle wall displays. But for the traditionalist, a formal dinner table is still not complete without at least a couple of tall tapered candles.

Tip! Place Votive Candles on the coffee table to create a warm glow in the center of your living room.

Scented Candles

Scented candles are just wonderful for decorating your home. Most are offered in attractive styles and decorative shapes, making them easy and fun to use around the house. Scented candles, especially the ones made rich with scented oils, emit their aromatic fragrance whether lit or not.

Placing scented pillar candles or jar candles in hallways, bathrooms and even kitchens can help freshen the air and eliminate unwanted odors. These types of candles are offered in a myriad of fragrances, sizes and shapes to meet every candle lovers needs.

Tip! Organic Candles - are non-toxic and biodegradable candles made of wax from palm and soy beans.

Dinner Candles

Long tapered candles on a dining room table are classic. However, the newest candle displays have taken a different twist. A table decorated with a collection of small votives in matching holders can be quite a stunning addition to the dinner table. Try the same idea with an assorted mix of candle containers for a more eclectic look.

Having a dinner party?

Candleholders that also function as place card holders are available and allow you to dazzle your guests with your creativity. And whether your preference is traditional tapered candles or a grouping of votives, either will cast a special glow over the dinner table at your next party or festive event.

Tip! Paraffin Candles - Paraffin wax is the commonly used material in making candles because it can easily be molded into desired shapes.

Other Decorative Candles

There is a multitude of specialty candles and candleholders on the market. Some are very creative with designs in the shapes of your favorite animals, others with more modern or abstract designs. Whatever your taste in candles, you can almost be assured that a candle is designed with your decorating tastes in mind.

Candle Do’s and Don’ts

Uses for modern day candles are only restricted by one’s own imagination. But decorating with candles can have its pitfalls, too. To help you avoid these decorating “faux pas”, the following tips will get you started on the road to becoming a candle aficionado.

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1. If you like grouping your candles, remember to match the scents of all the candles to avoid creating a combined scent that is either too strong or unpleasant.

2. Consider mixing like-scented candles with unscented candles in your grouping to help control the overall strength of the scent.

3. Never use scented candles on a dinner table. The scent of the candles will compete with and interfere with the sumptuous aroma of the meal. Researchers have found that the aromatic smell of food actually is one of the most important elements of the dining experience.

4. Candles on a dining room table should always be smokeless. Be sure to trim the candle wick if it exceeds � ” to reduce the potential of unwanted smoke.

5. Burning a scented candle in your bathroom, or “powder” room, will eliminate unpleasant odors. This is a nice touch for your next party or gathering of special friends.

Tip! Extinguish candles by pushing the wick into the liquid wax (don’t use your fingers � a used matchstick is a good tool for this). Leave it for about a minute then re-center the wick.

6. Always burn your candles in a secure, fireproof holder made especially for candles. Also, ensure that there are no paper products or hand towels in close proximity to the candle’s flame. Using a tall candleholder with a shorter candle is just plain smart and keeps the flame away from flammable items.

7. If the candle holder is an open vessel, like a candle stick, always opt for dripless candles. Who wants a puddle of wax on your nice table linens?

Tip! Pick your favorite clear or colored bowl and fill it with water, then let some candles float on it.

8. When placing lower-flamed candles around a table, make sure it is done in such a pattern that a person’s shirt sleeve or clothing cannot pass through or over the flame.

9. Don’t place your candles too close to flower arrangements. Candles have been known to wilt or ruin flowers if the flame overheats their petals.

Remember - always practice safe candle burning! The most important aspect of using and enjoying your candles is to never leave them burning unattended, or where a child could be drawn to the candle and potentially be burned.

Tip! Fill up your fireplace with candles to make it the centerpiece of the party.

Keep it safe and enjoy the magical benefits of decorating your home with candles!

Bill Wilson is a writer for decorating publications and online services. For more information about decorating with candles visit: http://www.crazy-for-candles.com

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