How to Create a Votive Candle Centerpiece

Here is an inexpensive way to use flea market or yard sale finds to create a sparkling centerpiece. Using a simple cake stand and votive holders, you can instantly make an elegant candle arrangement perfect for adding drama to the dining room, living room, or bedroom.

Things You'll Need

• Cake stand (preferably glass) or a mirrored tray
• 5 glass votive holders
• 1 taller glass votive holder for center
• 6 tealight or votive candles
• Long barrel lighter
• Scatter (marbles, buttons, stones, glitter, sand, and/or shells)

Instructions

1. Collect or purchase a group of glass votive holders. Hobnail (looks like raised dot design) or etched patterns add the most sparkle effect. You may find these at yard sales, flea markets or in the candle supply section of any craft store.

2. Select and place a cake stand on the tabletop where you plan to display the centerpiece. This becomes the project base. Again, glass versions are preferable for the most luminous look when candles are lit. Look for etched, cut glass or beveled edges for the greatest impact.

3. Place the taller votive holder in the center of the cake stand. This serves as the foundation for the centerpiece.

4. Place the five shorter votive holders to form a circle around the taller one. These could be mismatched or a matching set.

5. If desired, loosely sprinkle the optional marbles, buttons, stones, glitter, sand and/or shells on top of the cake stand between and surrounding the votive holders.

6. Insert a tealight or votive candle into each votive holder.

7. Carefully light each candle using a long barrel lighter and watch the room illuminate with elegance.

Tips & Warnings

• Use scented candles to add aroma and create a mood with the centerpiece.

• Vary the colors of your candles to match the season.

• Consider adding greens and berries, garlands, tinsel, or ornaments under the cake stand to bring a holiday look to your votive centerpiece.

• Alternately, you could use a mirrored tray in place of the cake stand. The mirror will reflect the candle light and add just as much impact.

• Remember to never leave candles unattended when they are lit.

• Replace tealight candles when wax has burned down.

• Trim the wick on votive candles before each use to minimize flaming and risk of fire.