How to Pick Candles for Kwanzaa

Candles are essential to the celebration of Kwanzaa. The Kwanzaa set, which also becomes a centerpiece during the last night of Kwanzaa celebrations, requires seven candles: one black, three red and three green. If you need to pick the perfect candles for your set, here are a few tips on how to go shopping for them, what to avoid and how to make the most of them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Choose the Best Kwanzaa Candles

1. Pick good quality, natural candles made of soy wax or high-quality paraffin. This will guarantee that the candles won't smoke and avoid an awkward look and smell at the dinner table. High quality candles can be bought at gift shops, craft stores and special ornamental shops.

2. Read the label and look for candles that have been made with natural coloring to avoid fumes. This is especially important for the black candle, as the coloring used on them can produce strong fumes.

3. Look at the type of candle holder you have before you choose your candles. Pillar candles need adequate support to stand up straight. If the candle holder has very shallow holes, choose short pillar candles (around 6 inches). If the holes are deeper, you can use longer candles (up to 12 inches).

4. Choose non-scented candles. Remember that by the last day of Kwanzaa, you will be lighting three different colors and types of candles. If all of them have a different scent, it can get overwhelming, especially if you place the candle holder in the middle of the dinner table.

5. Buy more candles than you need. Use some additional ones to decorate other areas of the house and keep a few around in case the ones you're using melt completely or break beyond repair.

Tips & Warnings

• Be wary of cheaply made candles. They tend to melt too quickly and give out a lot of fumes.
• If one of the candles breaks on the trip home, don't throw it away. Simply use a lighter or a match to heat the area where the crack is. As the wax melts, push the two halves of the candle together until they stick.
• Black candles may be hard to come by. If you can't find them at local shops, visit specialty craft stores, religious shops and online places. You can also look for a pre-assembled Kwanzaa candle set that includes black candles.
• Shop after-holiday sales to save money on next year's Kwanzaa candles and other decorative items.