7-point checklist for choosing the right candle holders
While glass and metal candle holders are the most popular, there
is an absolutely huge variety available, in all sorts of
materials. This handy checklist will help you make the right
choices without having to spend hours on the task. 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?