How to Choose Candles

Choosing a candle is like choosing a fine wine, only without the expense. You must take into consideration color, aroma and the occasion.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Candleholders
• Candles
• Scented Candle Set
• Matches

1. Decide whether these candles will light a meal, or provide atmosphere and glow elsewhere in the house. You won't want scented candles at the dinner table; they compete with the aromas of the food.
2. Splurge at least once on high-quality candles make from food-grade parafiin wax - the highest quality and best-burning type of wax. Find out about any additives, dyes or scents that might affect the candle's quality.
3. Match or contrast the candle color with your decor.
4. Consider a candelabra for the dinner table - this multi-candle holder automatically arranges the candles in a pleasing pattern.
5. Choose scented candles for the bedroom or bathroom, looking for scents that are fresh and light, and not heavy with perfumes. Make sure scented candles come with lids, which will cover the candles when not in use.
6. Look for aromatherapy candles in relaxing scents such as lavender and honeysuckle especially for the bath. A modest arrangement of small candles of varying heights will create a warm, romantic and soothing effect, and will provide as much light as a large, more imposing candle.
7. Keep size in mind when selecting your candles. Long, slim tapers suggest refinement; votive candles have a warm and cheery effect; tea lights suggest simple elegance; and tall, thick candles ' especially when brightly colored and decorated - can create a festive atmosphere.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider an incense burner as an alternative to candles for eliminating odors.
• In a store, ask for a demonstration of how a candle burns or ask to see a store display of burning candles.
• Before lighting the candle, trim the wick to 1/4-inch in length. After lighting, check to see that the candle burns evenly and doesn't smoke.
• Because candles are often handmade, subtle imperfections are to be expected.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Check the area where you will burn the candle to make sure there are no drapes, curtains or other flammable items that might blow into the flame and catch fire.

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