How to Decorate Your Home for the Holidays With Candles

From the star that led the wise men to the manger to the candle in the window that welcomes weary travelers, light is one of the most important symbols of the Christmas season.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Candleholders
• Votive Candleholders
• candles in various shapes, colors and sizes

1. Take a look around your house and figure out where candles might go. They should be out of reach of children and pets; somewhere near eye level so they'll be seen (rather than sat on); far away from anything flammable (including tree branches used for holiday decoration) and not on anything wobbly.

2. Buy or make candles in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. Look for candles that leave a seasonal scent when burned, such as bayberry or spiced orange, and in warm holiday colors like rich burgundy, forest green and warm vanilla.

3. Situate them around the house for effect - one large one in a corner, a cluster of scented votives in the bathroom or brightly colored tapers in the kitchen.

4. Light and test the candles. Make sure the ones in the kitchen and dining room aren't so heavily scented that they conflict with food smells, for example. Make sure the fire is in the right place - that candles are not so close to the walls they'll scorch your new decorative paint job.

5. Check candles frequently for even burning and make sure no one's jostled them or knocked them over.

Tips & Warnings

• If you've got small children or young animals in the house, strings of lights are probably a better choice than candles.

on 11/22/2005 The new electric candle warmers (similar to a small hot plate) warms the candle and releases the aroma of the candle. You can also light the wick to provide the flicker of the flame. For those who don't like to have candles lit, this provides the ability to have a wonderful smell of the season.

on 11/22/2005 Small plug-in or battery operated candles and nightlights are a safer alternative to traditional candles where constant monitoring is not possible. I use them in luminaries, centerpieces, and other indoor holiday decorations. The single battery or electric candles are my first choice, but sometimes they are too tall for the object I want to illuminate. Then, an inexpensive nightlight and an extension cord or a 10 light string of battery powered mini-lights provides nice lighting. A little bit of holiday scented oil on the bulb can be used if desired.

on 11/22/2005 Store candles in the freezer. They'll burn more slowly.

on 11/22/2005 Be sure to trim the wicks down to 1/8". Candles need to burn at least two hours or you will have problems with uneven burning that could lead to "wick-drowning."