How to Make Apple Candleholders

To add a bit of country charm to your holiday gatherings, create a group of apple candle holders made from fresh apples set on a bed of evergreens. These quaint candle holders provide a warm glow and release the rich aroma of fresh apples. For a quick centerpiece, these are quick and easy to make and will bring warmth to any gathering.

Things You'll Need

• 6 red apples
• 6 white taper candles
• Cast iron muffin tin
• Evergreens
• Cones
• Orange
• Holy sprigs
• Apple corer/knife
• Vegetable peeler

Instructions

1. Select 6 large hard apples. Choose red delicious to create the traditional apple candle holder, or use any red apple if you do not have access to red delicious. Wash and dry the apple and polish to a shine with a soft cloth. Add a few drops of vegetable oil to the cloth to create a fine gloss.

2. Remove a section of the apple form the stem end with an apple corer or a sharp knife. Check the size by inserting the base of one of the candles in the apple. The hole needs to be deep enough to hold the candle securely.

3. Pour lemon juice into the holes and let them set for 5 minutes. This will prevent the exposed apple from turning an ugly brown and will retard decay, keeping the apple fresh for a longer period. Pour off the lemon juice and let the apple set until it dries.

4. Add a drop or two of melted wax into the hole and insert the candle. Hold the candle straight and erect until the wax sets. Create orange curls with a vegetable peeler or sharp knife and place an orange curl around the base of each candle.

5. Create evergreen swags by wiring evergreen boughs together. Add cones by wiring the base of the cone to a floral wire and attaching to the swag. Attach sprigs of holly with red berries at intervals.

6. Position the muffin tin on a table runner or a section of white lace. Place the apple candle holders in the muffin tin and drape the swags around the base. Add sprigs of evergreens between the holders, leaving a portion of the muffin tin showing.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a large muffin tin for a larger display.

• Arrange apple candle holders on any decorative dish and display singly, if preferred.

• Apple candle holders displayed among evergreens on the mantle make a striking display.