| Candles have been used in home settings for | | | | Uses for modern day candles are only restricted by |
| centuries. Originally used for illumination, they were | | | | one's own imagination. But decorating with candles |
| very utilitarian in function, with no thought of | | | | can have its pitfalls, too. To help you avoid these |
| appearance or scent. But with electricity becoming | | | | decorating "faux pas", the following tips will get you |
| commonplace, the candles role began to change. | | | | started on the road to becoming a candle aficionado. |
| Candles became more decorative and were | | | | 1. If you like grouping your candles, remember to |
| recognized for their ability to achieve a certain | | | | match the scents of all the candles to avoid creating |
| ambiance, or mood, in any room. Candles went from | | | | a combined scent that is either too strong or |
| being exclusively for tabletop settings to more | | | | unpleasant. |
| designer-oriented sconces and multi-candle wall | | | | 2. Consider mixing like-scented candles with |
| displays. But for the traditionalist, a formal dinner table | | | | unscented candles in your grouping to help control |
| is still not complete without at least a couple of tall | | | | the overall strength of the scent. |
| tapered candles. | | | | 3. Never use scented candles on a dinner table. The |
| Scented Candles | | | | scent of the candles will compete with and interfere |
| Scented candles are just wonderful for decorating | | | | with the sumptuous aroma of the meal. Researchers |
| your home. Most are offered in attractive styles and | | | | have found that the aromatic smell of food actually is |
| decorative shapes, making them easy and fun to use | | | | one of the most important elements of the dining |
| around the house. Scented candles, especially the | | | | experience. |
| ones made rich with scented oils, emit their aromatic | | | | 4. Candles on a dining room table should always be |
| fragrance whether lit or not. | | | | smokeless. Be sure to trim the candle wick if it |
| Placing scented pillar candles or jar candles in hallways, | | | | exceeds ¼ " to reduce the potential of |
| bathrooms and even kitchens can help freshen the | | | | unwanted smoke. |
| air and eliminate unwanted odors. These types of | | | | 5. Burning a scented candle in your bathroom, or |
| candles are offered in a myriad of fragrances, sizes | | | | "powder" room, will eliminate unpleasant odors. This is |
| and shapes to meet every candle lovers needs. | | | | a nice touch for your next party or gathering of |
| Dinner Candles | | | | special friends. |
| Long tapered candles on a dining room table are | | | | 6. Always burn your candles in a secure, fireproof |
| classic. However, the newest candle displays have | | | | holder made especially for candles. Also, ensure that |
| taken a different twist. A table decorated with a | | | | there are no paper products or hand towels in close |
| collection of small votives in matching holders can be | | | | proximity to the candle's flame. Using a tall |
| quite a stunning addition to the dinner table. Try the | | | | candleholder with a shorter candle is just plain smart |
| same idea with an assorted mix of candle containers | | | | and keeps the flame away from flammable items. |
| for a more eclectic look. | | | | 7. If the candle holder is an open vessel, like a candle |
| Having a dinner party? | | | | stick, always opt for dripless candles. Who wants a |
| Candleholders that also function as place card holders | | | | puddle of wax on your nice table linens? |
| are available and allow you to dazzle your guests | | | | 8. When placing lower-flamed candles around a table, |
| with your creativity. And whether your preference is | | | | make sure it is done in such a pattern that a person's |
| traditional tapered candles or a grouping of votives, | | | | shirt sleeve or clothing cannot pass through or over |
| either will cast a special glow over the dinner table at | | | | the flame. |
| your next party or festive event. | | | | 9. Don't place your candles too close to flower |
| Other Decorative Candles | | | | arrangements. Candles have been known to wilt or |
| There is a multitude of specialty candles and | | | | ruin flowers if the flame overheats their petals. |
| candleholders on the market. Some are very creative | | | | Remember - always practice safe candle burning! The |
| with designs in the shapes of your favorite animals, | | | | most important aspect of using and enjoying your |
| others with more modern or abstract designs. | | | | candles is to never leave them burning unattended, |
| Whatever your taste in candles, you can almost be | | | | or where a child could be drawn to the candle and |
| assured that a candle is designed with your | | | | potentially be burned. |
| decorating tastes in mind. | | | | Keep it safe and enjoy the magical benefits of |
| Candle Do's and Don'ts | | | | decorating your home with candles! |