by: Bill Wilson
Candles have been used in home settings for centuries.
Originally used for illumination, they were very utilitarian in function, with no thought of appearance or scent.
But with electricity becoming commonplace, the candles role began to change.
Candles became more decorative and were recognized for their ability to achieve a certain ambiance, or mood, in any room.
Candles went from being exclusively for tabletop settings to more designer-oriented sconces and multi-candle wall displays.
But for the traditionalist, a formal dinner table is still not complete without at least a couple of tall tapered candles.
Scented Candles
Scented candles are just wonderful for decorating your home.
Most are offered in attractive styles and decorative shapes, making them easy and fun to use around the house.
Scented candles, especially the ones made rich with scented oils, emit their aromatic fragrance whether lit or not.
Placing scented pillar candles or jar candles in hallways, bathrooms and even kitchens can help freshen the air and eliminate unwanted odors.
These types of candles are offered in a myriad of fragrances, sizes and shapes to meet every candle lovers needs.
Dinner Candles
Long tapered candles on a dining room table are classic.
However, the newest candle displays have taken a different twist.
A table decorated with a collection of small votives in matching holders can be quite a stunning addition to the dinner table.
Try the same idea with an assorted mix of candle containers for a more eclectic look.
Having a dinner party?
Candleholders that also function as place card holders are available and allow you to dazzle your guests with your creativity.
And whether your preference is traditional tapered candles or a grouping of votives, either will cast a special glow over the dinner table at your next party or festive event.
Other Decorative Candles
There is a multitude of specialty candles and candleholders on the market.
Some are very creative with designs in the shapes of your favorite animals, others with more modern or abstract designs.
Whatever your taste in candles, you can almost be assured that a candle is designed with your decorating tastes in mind.
Candle Do's and Don'ts
Uses for modern day candles are only restricted by one's own imagination.
But decorating with candles can have its pitfalls, too.
To help you avoid these decorating ?faux pas?, the following tips will get you started on the road to becoming a candle aficionado.
? If you like grouping your candles, remember to match the scents of all the candles to avoid creating a combined scent that is either too strong or unpleasant.
? Consider mixing like-scented candles with unscented candles in your grouping to help control the overall strength of the scent.
? Never use scented candles on a dinner table.
The scent of the candles will compete with and interfere with the sumptuous aroma of the meal.
Researchers have found that the aromatic smell of food actually is one of the most important elements of the dining experience.
? Candles on a dining room table should always be smokeless.
Be sure to trim the candle wick if it exceeds ? ? to reduce the potential of unwanted smoke.
? Burning a scented candle in your bathroom, or ?powder? room, will eliminate unpleasant odors.
This is a nice touch for your next party or gathering of special friends.
? Always burn your candles in a secure, fireproof holder made especially for candles.
Also, ensure that there are no paper products or hand towels in close proximity to the candle's flame.
Using a tall candleholder with a shorter candle is just plain smart and keeps the flame away from flammable items.
? If the candle holder is an open vessel, like a candle stick, always opt for dripless candles.
Who wants a puddle of wax on your nice table linens?
? When placing lower-flamed candles around a table, make sure it is done in such a pattern that a person's shirt sleeve or clothing cannot pass through or over the flame.
? Don't place your candles too close to flower arrangements.
Candles have been known to wilt or ruin flowers if the flame overheats their petals.
Remember - always practice safe candle burning!
The most important aspect of using and enjoying your candles is to never leave them burning unattended, or where a child could be drawn to the candle and potentially be burned.
Keep it safe and enjoy the magical benefits of decorating your home with candles!
About The Author
Bill Wilson is a writer for decorating publications and online services.
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Aromatherapy Candles ? Set The Mood
Aromatherapy Candles ? Set The Mood
by: Sanji Gretta
Aromatherapy candles are in constant use to help set the atmosphere and improve the ambience in many situations. They can be used in any room of your home and provide a wonderful enhancement.
Our sense of smell has been documented to directly affect our emotions. Part of our nervous system that helps to control our emotions is connected to our nose. Thus, the proof that using aromatherapy candles will have an effect on our mindset and our emotions. The key is in choosing the correct scent to match the emotion or sense you wish to evoke.
When it comes to aromatherapy there are many ways to get the most out of the aroma, but one of the most popular ways is through dispersing it into the air with candles. Aromatherapy candles aren?t all the same, they can be made in a variety of ways, with different ingredients. You can also burn them in different ways.
Which kinds are better for you?...
Aromatherapy Candles ? Set The Mood
Use Valentine Decorations To Make Your House A Romantic Home
by: Nicola Kennedy
One of the best parts about Valentine?s Day is all of the decorations that you can line the house with.
There are many ways in which you can decorate for this holiday.
Of course, the colors of the day include reds, pinks, white and other similar tones.
You can even make a wide selection of these from the kid?s construction box.
Here are some ideas to help get you started.
The Bulletin Board
Need to decorate a bulletin board? Fill it with flowers and hearts in the color scheme mentioned.
Make sure to put a fun border around it and possibly put hearts of all shapes and sizes throughout it.
Include some pictures of family members of the students in a class for a great look.
You can also ad a fun saying or slogan to it. Make it something quirky like ?Be My Valentine? or make it religious such as ?God...
How to Make Sea Shell Candles
by: Patricia B. Jensen
Make sea shell candles in advance and scatter them over the party table for a unique nautical decoration.
Or, with a little adult assistance, kids can make these beautiful candles to take home as party favors.
A great kids craft activity for a Spongebob party, Luau, Beach or Pool party.
Collecting sea shells along the beach is a favorite kids summer activity. Take it one step further by transforming their seaside treasures into beautiful decorations or kids make-and-take party favors. This easy sea shell candle craft shows you how.
When completed, scatter sea shell candles about your party table along with other beach souvenirs, such as starfish and sand dollars. Larger shells can be used as unique centerpieces, or accent pieces in the bedroom or bath.
The perfect souvenir for a seaside-themed party.
What you?ll need:
Bar of paraffin
Wicks
Metal...
Use Valentine Decorations To Make Your House A Romantic Home
by: Nicola Kennedy
One of the best parts about Valentine?s Day is all of the decorations that you can line the house with.
There are many ways in which you can decorate for this holiday.
Of course, the colors of the day include reds, pinks, white and other similar tones.
You can even make a wide selection of these from the kid?s construction box.
Here are some ideas to help get you started.
The Bulletin Board
Need to decorate a bulletin board? Fill it with flowers and hearts in the color scheme mentioned.
Make sure to put a fun border around it and possibly put hearts of all shapes and sizes throughout it.
Include some pictures of family members of the students in a class for a great look.
You can also ad a fun saying or slogan to it. Make it something quirky like ?Be My Valentine? or make it religious such as ?God...
Bridal Shower Favors
by: Trish Burrell
Bridal shower favors are keepsakes from a special day. Though not necessary, they are always well recieved.
Most people keep items like this forever. So, give your bridal shower favor some extra thought.
Looking to your theme is a great place to start. If you brainstrom with others, you'll be surprised at some of the creative ideas you'll
achieve. Of course, there are plenty of choices both online and in stores, to choose from. If you haven't looked at bridal shower favors before, you'll be amazed at the selection.
Here are some bridal shower favor ideas:
? Candles: votive, jar or floating candles come in a variety of colors and scents. These are both economical and well liked.
? Personalized: anything you can put a label on, can be personalized. You may even know how to do this on your computer.
Some of the items used are mint tins, individual coffee packs, and single...
Bridal Shower Favors
Bridal Shower Favors
by: Trish Burrell
Bridal shower favors are keepsakes from a special day. Though not necessary, they are always well recieved.
Most people keep items like this forever. So, give your bridal shower favor some extra thought.
Looking to your theme is a great place to start. If you brainstrom with others, you'll be surprised at some of the creative ideas you'll
achieve. Of course, there are plenty of choices both online and in stores, to choose from. If you haven't looked at bridal shower favors before, you'll be amazed at the selection.
Here are some bridal shower favor ideas:
? Candles: votive, jar or floating candles come in a variety of colors and scents. These are both economical and well liked.
? Personalized: anything you can put a label on, can be personalized. You may even know how to do this on your computer.
Some of the items used are mint tins, individual coffee packs, and single...
Bridal Shower Favors
Proposed Changes Could Result In Lower Car Insurance Premiums
Proposed Changes Could Result In Lower Car Insurance Premiums
by: Michael Challiner
At the moment, the legal system in Britain forces all personal injury claims to go through the courts and be judged on an individual basis. Many of these claims crawl through the courts at a leisurely pace, the result being expensive court costs. Even worse, for every ?0?51 that is paid out in compensation, it has been estimated that the legal profession receives 40p for their...
Proposed Changes Could Result In Lower Car Insurance Premiums
tax help Candle Magic - Tips for Decorating with Candles Candles 
The Gift Idea Of Bling
The Gift Idea Of Bling
by: Iouri Kroukov
Jewelry is a favorite gift idea to give or receive. Whether the jewelry is costume or the finest gold and diamonds, everyone loves a little bling-bling. This is a gift that almost any woman and many, many men can enjoy.
Gifts of jewelry can range in price from a few dollars into the hundreds of thousands of dollars or even more. Those who are fortunate enough to be able to purchase anything they desire can spend...
jewelry The Gift Idea Of Bling Candle Magic - Tips for Decorating with Candles
LCD TV UK
LCD TV UK
by: Roger Wembley
As recently as just a few years ago consumers needed a different monitor or screen for watching movies, for playing video games, or for watching television and for computing. That?s no longer the case. An LCD TV in the UK with a TV tuner allows you to enjoy virtually all your entertainment and audio-visual devices from one location, saving you space and money. If you live in university housing or a small flat, or if you just want...
LCD TV UK tvs Candle Magic - Tips for Decorating with Candles Candles
Does The Early Bird Get The Worm?
Does The Early Bird Get The Worm?
by: Ken Morris
When people plan and invest for retirement, the decision of when to begin taking Social Security benefits eventually comes up. Social Security is an important source of retirement income for many individuals and, therefore, the decision of when to take these benefits can make a big impact on retirement income.
A retired worker who is fully insured can elect to start receiving benefits at any time between...
Does The Early Bird Get The Worm?
7 Things to Know Before Renting a One Way Truck
7 Things to Know Before Renting a One Way Truck
by: John Mancini
If you are about to buy a house that is a long distance away, you may have wondered the best way to get all of your stuff there. One of the best ways is to use one way truck rentals, this will allow you to rent a truck where you live, load it up and drive to where you are moving to. You then return the truck to the branch of the rental company that is closest to the new house.
1- Call around...
Candle Magic - Tips for Decorating with Candles Candles