Candles article

A Valentine?s Dinner That?ll Knock His Socks Off

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:48:43 +0000

A Valentine?s Dinner That?ll Knock His Socks Off

by: Michaela Scherr

A few years ago I wanted to do something really special for my husband on Valentine?s Day. I didn?t want anything in return, only that the evening was fun and enjoyable, and that was how it turned out.

The look on my Valentine?s face when he came home for dinner was priceless and shall remain with me forever. I?d never seen his eyes or smile so wide!

I?d like to share this special Valentine?s Dinner with you now, it had the effect I wanted including an evening filled with laughter and great conversation.

What you?ll need:

A white table cloth

Approximately 20 silver balloons

Silver ribbon for the balloons

Selection of white candles of differing shapes and sizes (unscented)

Several sheets of red cardboard (thin enough to cut)

Blu-Tack or other safe, removal adhesive

White platter for prawns (substitute if you prefer something else)

Small white plates

Ice and lemons for prawn platter

Two servings of French Fries

Seafood sauce for dipping

Bowl for prawn shells

Finger bowl with lemon slices (to wash fingers when peeling prawns)

Red paper napkins

Forks

Small Gold Stars

Ornamental opaque glass pebbles

Small posy of flowers (in case he forgets)

Small vase

Aromatherapy oil burner

Aphrodisiac essential oils of rose, jasmine and mandarin

Cool, sensual music (soul music is great)

Setting the mood and table

Blow up all balloons, tie with silver ribbon around chairs, ceiling, anywhere in the area you?ll be dining.

Cut out as many love hearts as possible from the red cardboard and stick with blu-Tack (or other safe adhesive ? read instructions first) wherever you can and where you can easily removable it.

To set the mood place water in your aromatherapy oil burner and add some aphrodisiac essential oils; add 3 drops rose; 3 drops jasmine; and 5 drops mandarin. Light the tea light candle approximately 30 minutes before arrival.

Put tablecloth on table.

Using panache strategically group some candles together at one end of table.

Always use caution with lit candles - never leave the room unattended when burning candles, this applies to aromatherapy oil burners.

Strategically place the remaining candles around the room. (I loathe being a killjoy but please ensure candles are not close to any flammable objects)

Position large white platter in centre of table; shell bowl next to platter then finger bowl with lemon slices.

Place red napkins and fork on top of smaller plates and positioned where you?ll be sitting.

Bring out vase and flowers.

Place opaque glass pebbles around candle display on table and several around white prawn platter.

Sprinkle a small amount of gold stars on table for effect.

His gift:

A selection of fine chocolates

Bottle of red wine

2 red wine glasses

Red ribbon

Valentine?s Day Card

Tie the two red wine glasses stem up, with red ribbon to the top of the wine bottle and place with Valentine?s card on table.

Scatter chocolates on table

Just before he arrives:

Light candles

Check aromatherapy oil burner

Place prawns on platter as well as some ice and lemon wedges

Place seafood sauce on table

Have French fries almost ready to serve and waiting in the oven

Turn on the music and program to repeat

Take off apron

Take a few deep breaths and reeellllaaaxxxxx

If this doesn?t impress him, he may be asleep, unconscious or he?s finding a reference point of what is before him!

Here?s to an evening filled with laughter, fun, and romance!

You can visit Michaela Scherr at http://www.michaelascherr.com

About The Author

Michaela Scherr

Copyright requirements are that it remains with Michaela Scherr and for the link to be clickable or ?live? at http://www.michaelascherr.com

Michaela is a Transformational Coach, certified practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), writer and intuitive who is totally committed to helping others create positive and action oriented changes to their lives.

Michaela is the author of several e-books and publisher of a monthly newsletter called From My Desk, and Inspirational Musings, short fortnightly emails to inspire and give food for thought.

Creating A Bath Paradise

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:08:44 +0000

Creating A Bath Paradise

by: Angela Kaciomber

How To Turn Your Bath Into A Spa

The public bath played a very important social role in Ancient Rome. Women weren't permitted to use these public baths. It was a place were men often met in the afternoon. The public bath served more that a place to clean. It was a place to socialize and conduct business. You could say the Roman bath was also a place to network. The Roman bath provide hot and cold water baths and would often a gymnasium and or sauna.

Today the bath is a private affair. Nothing like a nice warm bath to soak away the days tensions. Your bath can act like an oasis away from the days hectic happenings.

A regular bath usually is a tub with shower head attached. That way we can choose whether to take a shower or soak in the tub. More expensive bathrooms have a whirlpool tub with a massage shower head. Some might even have sitting areas and a private skylight.

It doesn't take much to make your bathroom into your own private spa. Why not add more fluffy pillows and towels? Decorate your bath with flowers and candles. It's your bathroom, why not dress it up?

But does your bath need more than candles, flowers and paint?

Two things play a major component in the affect the outcome of your bath remodeling job. The size of your room and budget.

A successful bath remodeling occurs with advance planning. Planning ensures that your layout ideas and fixtures work together within your bath square footage and budget.

Place your fixtures and shelves according to where the sink and tub will be installed. You wouldn't want to ruin your things because you put your shelf too close to the shower. Another thing to consider is the cleaning that goes into it.

Make sure you also install a ventilation system. Thing you want is your new bathroom getting moldy in a few weeks after a remodel.

Are you a bathtub person? Or do you like the shower. When remodeling your bath, keep your preferences in mind. Wouldn't it be a waste if you're a shower person to have installed a whirlpool tub and never use it? Why not splurge on a body massage unit with multiple shower jets?

Like always, with a new bath comes new hazards. Make sure you maintain proper safety measure. Your bath or shower sprays water on various surfaces. Keep electrical outlets away from water and make sure you have the necessary non- slip mats.

Create your bathroom to your liking. Make it plain or as elaborate to your taste. Remember, this is your place to relax.

About The Author

Angela Kaciomber is an interior designer for A Bath Z. Looking to remodel your bath? You can find more tips and articles for your bath at http://www.abathz.com.

Candle Magic - Tips for Decorating with Candles

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:02:55 +0000

Candle Magic - Tips for Decorating with Candles

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. For more information about decorating with candles visit: http://www.crazy-for-candles.com.

Aromatherapy Candles ? Set The Mood

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:51:44 +0000

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? Since paraffin wax candles are said to pollute the air with soot I would advise against it for health reasons. Don?t be discouraged, there are many other types of aromatherapy candles available. Candles can be made with beeswax, soybean wax, vegetable oil or even pure essential oil candles are available. All of these are great choices. They are environmentally friendly because they are derived from natural plant sources. Along with these ingredients, they are also available in different styles, sizes, and scents.

The only way to get the scent in the air is by burning the candles, and you have different ways to burn your candles. One of the more popular ways is to use an oil burner, or the tiered bowl with tea lights, although more expensive, they make great diffusers.

Did you know that the way you burn your candle can effect the life and how evenly the candle will burn? Here are a few basic tips to consider before lighting up for your aromatherapy session:

Wick trimming ?? from top of wax will increase the life of the candle. Another trick to longer life is to refrigerate wrapped candles before use. Last tip but not the least, the first time you burn the candle let it burn for at least an hour before extinguishing. This is what I call conditioning the candle and will help with the way the candle burns. This first burning extends the life of your aromatherapy candle. Take some time to care for them and they will last a very long time.

Hopefully you are well on your way to that moment of relaxation you?ve been longing for. Light some aromatherapy candles and sit to read a book or take a long hot bath by candlelight. Unwind, loosen up and start taking some time for yourself. Start enjoying your newly found serenity?. you deserve it.

About The Author

Sanji Gretta has been practicing aromatherapy for quite a while. His latest website Aromatherapy Source is designed to give novice aromatherapy practitioners a introduction to the wonderful world of aromatherapy. Visit Aromatherapy Source Now. http://www.aromatherapysource.info/.

Bridal Shower Centerpiece

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:19:13 +0000

Bridal Shower Centerpiece

by: Trish Burrell

Your bridal shower centerpiece is often the focal point of your party. It helps set the mood, whether it be soft and romantic, or bright and lively. So, put some extra thought into your choice. Answers to the following questions will help with your brainstorming.

How do I decide what to use?

The best place to start, is with your bridal shower theme. Try to come up with some creative centerpiece ideas related to your theme. For instance, if it's a kitchen shower, use a utensil holder filled with utensils, and tie a colorful bow around it. This can become a useful gift for the guest of honor to take home when the bridal shower is over.

What if I'm not having a theme?

Use your color scheme. This simple idea has a unifying effect, as it will blend with your other decorations.

What are some bridal shower centerpiece ideas?

? Fresh flowers are always a great choice. They add color and aroma.

? Silk flowers are inexpensive, and come in a variety of colors.

? Candles come in many shapes and colors. Place three or more pillar candles of varying height on a charger plate, and surround with colored marbles. Floating candles in a decorative bowl can also be used.

? A picture of the couple makes a lovely statement. You may also assemble a collage of pictures of them through the years.

? Mylar balloons with a design on them, can be added to any centerpiece for a festive effect.

? Fill a basket with theme-related items, and attach three or more helium balloons.

? Many cakes are very ornate. You may want to use your cake as the bridal shower centerpiece.

Do I only need one centerpiece?

In general, you should have a centerpiece on each table you are using. You may need several, if it is a long table.

Your bridal shower centerpiece should help coordinate your room.

About The Author

Trish Burrell is founder of Bridal Shower Ideas For You. Visit this informational site on all areas of bridal shower planning, at http://www.bridal-shower-ideas-for-you.com.

Crafts for Baby Shower Decorating

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:59:48 +0000

Crafts for Baby Shower Decorating

by: Criss White

Planning a baby shower? Baby showers are a great opportunity for artistic people to make their own decorations and gifts. Here are some fine ideas for baby shower crafts:

1) Baby shower gift baskets - Gift baskets are a great baby shower centerpiece or gift. Many of the items in the basket can be handcrafted. Some ideas include candles, soap, ceramic figurines, and personalized jelly jars.

2) Diaper cakes - A diaper cake is an easy to make gift or centerpiece for a baby shower. This is a great gift idea for the person hosting and planning the shower. Basically, get a lot of diapers and attach them together with pins or glue. You can use towels or blankets to wrap around the outside of each layer and add a teddy bear or other centerpiece on top of the diaper cake. The new mother will have plenty of diapers and gifts she can use from the diaper cake and it looks great as a centerpiece too.

3) Baby Bottle centerpiece - A large baby bottle centerpiece is a great idea for baby showers. The bottle can be filled with candy, nuts, and other treats for your guests. The bottle can be made of clay or ceramics and hardened in an oven. It can then be painted and glazed. You can also purchase plastic bottle centerpieces and then use artwork to design a personalized label.

4) Baby shower candles - Another fine idea for baby shower crafts is making themed candles. A simple way to do this is get some cookie cutters or molds shaped in baby themed items, like rubber ducks or teddy bears. Instead of cookie batter, fill the molds with hot wax and insert wick. The candles can also be painted and make great decorations for the dinner table.

5) Banners and streamers - You can design your own banners and streamers for baby showers. With a graphics program on your computer, play around with different colors and fonts to see which ones look best. You can save your artwork to disk and take it to your local printer to have them print out full size banners. For an added touch, attach pacifiers or mini pacifiers to the banners when you hang them around the walls.

There are so many great ideas for making your own baby shower decorations and gifts. With just a little time and effort, you can make your baby shower a memorable occasion.

About The Author

Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. To see other related items, go to Baby Shower Crafts (www.101babyshowerideas.com/bscrafts.htm) and Baby Shower Favors to Make (www.101babyshowerideas.com/makefavors.htm). Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits above remain in tact and the hyperlinks stay active.

7-point Checklist For Choosing The Right Candle Holders

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:02:15 +0000

7-point Checklist For Choosing The Right Candle Holders

by: Justine van Zyl

While candle holders are obviously key elements in any candle setting, all too often they suffer a sort of benign neglect.

Sometimes they're used "just because they're there", and sometimes because choosing the right candle holder seems a rather daunting task.

If deciding what to use is your problem, then this handy checklist could help to simplify the process.

While glass and metal candle holders are the most popular, there is an absolutely huge variety available, in all sorts of materials.

As you run down the list, you will see that as you make decisions you are led naturally to the right kind of holder and the right kind of candle.

Making your own is also an option if you have the patience and skill - or perhaps just the patience!

1 The event

* Are you going to use the candle holder as an integral part of the event, or do you want the candle to be a minor accessory?

* If it's a seasonal event, such as Easter or Christmas, one of the many plaster candle holders might be suitable.

Once you've got the setting for the event clear in your mind, you can move easily to the next point to consider, which is...

2 Size

* If it's a statement you're after, think big and bold because anything less will probably not achieve the effect you want. But big and bold brings its own problems - solid colors probably won't work.

Think vines, ivy, and espalier multiple candle holders, which lend themselves particularly well to larger arrangements with a number of tea lights or small jars.

If you're going this route, you can probably justify wholesale and/or discount quantities.

* If intimate is your objective, then go with tea lights or small jar or container candle holders.

* If you want to go to the opposite extreme, then chandeliers can add a delightfully unusual touch if you have the right place to positon them, which leads to...

3 Siting

Where are you going to position the candles?

* For instance, if you're going for a combination of scented candles and food (and you should think very carefully about that particular mix) then the holder needs to be off to one side, substantial enough to be noticed and to be left unattended in safety.

You want to please your guests with a suggestion of a fragrance, not overpower them or the food.

* If the setting is more intimate, then smaller is better. Don't force your guests to crane over the candles to hold a conversation.

4 Color

* On some occasions you will want to match the colors in your rooms, and on others you'll be going for contrast.

* You also don't want to restrict yourself to just one color of candle, so you need enough holders to allow you to mix and match.

* Remember that boldly-colored holders are more difficult to match to the candle color and to your decor.

And once you've decided on the right color, you'll be led naturally to the appropriate....

5 Material

Even though you've narrowed down the options, there are still some wonderful decisions to be made.

* You can choose between wood, bronze, silver, crystal, aluminium, metal candle holders, wrought iron, beaded holders, or natural products such as bamboo and coconut.

* Glass is obviously popular. You can either choose a completely neutral holder, or choose a colored holder that will match the candle color. Glass is particularly appropriate for votive candleholders.

* Hurricane candleholders are popular for pillar candles and are wonderful for al fresco dining. Remember to look for one with a handle if you will need to move it while still hot.

Then you only have to decide on ..

6 Shape

* There are a large number of animal and character shapes available, although these have to be matched carefully to the occasion.

Bees, birds and butterflies (particularly pretty when matched to tea light candles) are popular and are available in solid and transluscent colours.

* Consider slate pillar plates for the really big or multi-wick candles; in fact, lovers of pillar candles can find a wide range of coasters and plate holders, some of them beautifully decorated.

7 The candle itself

By now you should have eliminated a whole lot of possibilities; the holders you are still considering will almost choose themselves.

* For instance pillars, which tend to be chunky anyway, require more substantial holders than more delicate candles.

* If you're going to use votive candles, remember that they must be burned in a holder, because votives are really container candles without a container. If possible go for a straight-sided container as long as the rest of the design pleases you.

The straight sides will reduce the wax pool that is formed when the candle burns, and the tighter the fit, the longer the candle will burn.

* And finally, if you're in a languid mood, what about the charming bowls, complete with stands, that are specially designed for floating candles?

About The Author

Justine van Zyl provides information for people who want to make better decisions about the candles they buy online. You can find many more helpful tips at http://www.buybettercandlesonline.com

Bridal Shower Favors

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:21:17 +0000

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 serving cookies.

? Magnets are a great idea. Use a picture of the couple, the simply the bridal shower info, or a theme-related saying

? Personalized candy bars: Who doesn't like chocolate? Wrapers are made with a theme related picture, and the date.

? Fancy guests soaps

? Lotion or perfume

? A small potted plant

Choose your bridal shower favors carefully. They will probably be kept for years to come.

About The Author

Trish Burrell is founder of Bridal Shower Ideas For You. Visit this informational site on all areas of bridal shower planning, at http://www.bridal-shower-ideas-for-you.com.

Candle Making In School As A Fundraiser Activity

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:39:59 +0000

Candle Making In School As A Fundraiser Activity

by: Simon Oliver

Candle fundraiser activities are done by most schools because they are more effective than any other fundraiser strategies. Some schools will sell cakes, cookies, and more, but it?s really not as effective as candle selling. Selling candles is a very effective fundraising activity for your school.

Candle making is being taught in some schools, so it is a good way to start the candle fundraiser because the students are already trained on how to make unique candles with their own styles. You might wonder if people are interested in buying candles throughout the year. Well, candles are not usually bought for lighting. People buy candles for their collections and decoration purposes.

If you want to start a fundraiser in your school, make sure several students will cooperate with the activity. Each member should play their own part so that you have a lot of candles to use for your fundraiser. Candle making is not hard and you can come up with some great designs that will be suitable for the whole year. Those who have tried fundraising through selling candles have proved that is a profitable way to raise funds because of its relatively low cost. Teach the students a standard design or you can let them make out their own designs and styles. This activity does not only aim to raise funds, but it also aims to boost the creativity of the students and give them a sense of inspiration that they can do anything. It will also promote friendship with the other students.

It is important to plan your fundraiser activity near the holidays because they will surely sell. It is also the perfect time to apply the decorative designs to the candles.

You need to instruct your students properly on how to make the candles. The procedures should be explained to them step-by-step so that the candles will be perfectly made. Make sure that every student knows what they are doing and that they know how many they should make in order to promote the fundraising activity.

Although you can also buy candles from a company that makes candles, and sell it with a little additional profit, making your own candles is still the best choice. The students will love the activity, and they will surely learn from it.

In making the candles, you must come up with different varieties and sizes. Make small and big candles so people will have choices. Candle fundraisers are always a good option for fundraising activities because you are sure to sell every single candle. Everyone loves collecting candles especially the scented ones. You just need a little patience, and you will surely get the amount of donations that you wish to achieve.

About The Author

Simon Oliver has an interest in Recreational Activities. To access more articles on candle fundraising http://www.eucandlefundraiser.com or for additional information and resources visit this candle fundraiser http://www.oocandlefundraiser.info related website.

Changing Your Lighting On A Budget

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:09:24 +0000

Changing Your Lighting On A Budget

by: Karen Hughes

We aren?t all blessed with bucket loads of money to throw at improving our living space. Here are a few tips that can change the way you feel in your home by simply changing the lighting arrangements.

Buy yourself a lamp. They?ve been around forever but when was the last time you looked at the vast range of lamps that are available today? The form of lamp that most people are familiar with is that old favourite the table lamp. The electric table lamp has evolved from generations of oil and gas lamp. It is versatile and portable, as far as the flex will reach! It gives out a pool of light that is usually directed down and creates a warm and cosy atmosphere. Lamps are available in many forms with bases that can be made from glass, stone, metal, wood and even ceramic. Shades also come in many shapes and sizes and a wide range can be found online. You don?t even have to travel to the store to get your new lamp it can be purchased online and delivered direct to your door.

Consider using candles. For many years candles were an expensive luxury that most people could not afford. They relied on the light given off by their heat source, usually the fire in the hearth, or simply retired to bed at dusk when sunlight faded. Nowadays candles are very affordable and available from many different stockists. Try using a tall candle in an elegant candlestick to bring a touch of class to your dining room or a short broad candle to bring intimacy to the bedroom. You?ve not extracted the full pleasure from a long soak in the bath until you?ve led there in flickering candle light.

Buy a clip spotlight. These are essentially a bulb attached to a giant clip. They plug in to your electric socket and can then be clipped to curtain rails or other suitable mount. Be careful though, the wires do trail from the socket to the light and it?s easy to trip over them and pull the spotlight away from where it has been secured.

Add silver or gold paper to the inside of a lamp shade. Gold paper makes the light shining from the lamp feel warmer whilst silver paper gives a cooler feel. Make sure the paper you use is fire proof though as shades can get hot.

Make the most of the natural light that falls into your room. A blind at the window can help to reflect light into the room whilst a large mirror carefully positioned can greatly increase the general brightness in any area. Ensure that drapes are held well back from a window as bunched drapes hanging in front of the glass when pulled can drastically reduce the natural light entering a room.

Whatever you decide to do it will be a lot cheaper than a major refit.

About The Author

Karen Hughes is an interior decor consultant, get further lighting ideas at Lighting Capital this is your first stop for information about lighting.

lighting-capital.com