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Decorating With Candles
Candles are intrinsically connected to many events in our lives, such as birthdays,
holiday dinners and religious celebrations. Recently, however, candles have become
a part of our everyday lives adding warmth, style and mood to every room in your home.
Here are some decorating ideas:
- Combine candles of uniform color or varying shades of one color in a variety of shapes and widths, using a unique combination of candle holders. This display can look wonderful even when the candles aren't lit.
- Try different size tapers in a direct line down the center of the table, spaced three inches apart in order of height (put a tall candle in the center with shorter ones going down the line on each side).
- Fill a crystal bowl with water and add a few floating candles for a romantic centerpiece -- the cut crystal will magnify the glow of the candles. When a smaller decoration is needed, put one floating candle in a wine glass filled with water.
- Make a centerpiece by placing a column candle in a pottery bowl and surrounding the base of the candle with smooth stones, or try using a porcelain bowl and surrounding the candle with faux pearls.
- Turn your fireplace into a "candleplace" by filling it with candles. Vary the height with bricks or stone blocks to create the atmosphere of a glowing flame. This is great to do in the spring and summer when it is too warm to light a fire.
- Try asymmetry for a new look. Put different sized tapers together at one end of your mantel. Change the colors and fragrances as the seasons and your moods change. Tapers are an ideal and inexpensive way to change your decor often.
Candle Escapes
Try a 30 minute escape right in your own bathtub! Draw a bath, pour a cup of herbal tea, fill the
bathroom with candles in your favorite scent and escape the hassles of everyday life in the flicker
of candlelight.
Candle Storage and Use
- Always store candles in a cool, dark, dry place. Tapers and dinner candles should be stored flat to prevent warping.
- Clean solid candles with a piece of nylon or a dry or damp soft cloth.
- Remove wax from holders by running very hot water over them. Alternatively, some individuals suggest placing the candle holder in the freezer. This will allow the wax to shrink and easily pop off when the candle holder is removed from the freezer.
- Never use a knife or a sharp object to remove wax drippings from a glass holder; it might scratch, weaken, or cause the glass to break upon subsequent use.
- Votive candles will clean easily if you add a few drops of water to the glass before inserting the candle. Caution: Do not add more than a few drops and do not add water unless you intend to burn the candle immediately afterward. Over time, a candle wick could absorb the water and no longer burn properly.
- Candles will fade if left in the light for an extended period of time. Never put candles in a window or directly expose to bright outdoor light or indoor spotlights.
Candle tips provided by the National Candle Association.
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