The Warmth of Candle Glow
Holiday Candles - ever popular and even indispensable in many
homes - winter weather can create havoc with electrical systems
and power sources. Candles - just about the purest and warmest
Christmas light - a glow that illuminates and lingers - a symbol
of friendship and love and at the very center of many memories.
A white pillar candle surrounded with cinnamon sticks tied
gently with raffia - surrounded with holly, berries, and
pomegranites. At dinnertime, their glow brightens the table and
reflects the joy in those sitting around and truly enjoying the
entrees presented. Many candles are scented and bring pine,
ginger, and other aromas to your home. Use these abundantly on
mantels, tabletops, and shelves, but should not be used on
dining tables. The scents can interfere with the wonderful odors
of foods cooked lovingly and presented in spectacular dress. Let
the food shine in its own right, while the candles embrace and
respond to rave reviews in other places in your home.
Candles can be wrapped in metallic gift wrap, stain glass paper,
and other decorative holiday accents. They can even be stenciled
- plain candles can join an elegant celebration with a touch or
whimsy using stencils and spray paint. A bit of lace and ribbon
and a Victorial candle emerges from a simple taper. Candles can
even be sponged with patterns and motifs that can range from
Shaker to dramatic.
Filigreen candles protect the flame and create patterns of light
with the punched holes and as the candles burn they glow with
the decorative lines, curly swirls, glass nuggets, and
jewel-like beads inserted in the holes. From glass to metal,
tiny multi-colored baubles add dimension and a rainbow of
colored lights to dark corners and areas whre a bit of cheer is
needed.
Even the holders themselves can be decorated and "aged" to keep
in step with the Holiday theme you have selected for your home.
A bit of paint and patina can mellow candle holders that you
found at tag sales and resale shops. Gold paint, crackle
varnish, and antique wax - a few supplies and your candles will
be cradled in holders reminiscent of a bygone era. A candle ring
can use the greenery, fruit and vegetables of the season. From
spicy cinnamon sticks to sliced and dried fruit, dried
cranberries to gooseberries and raspberries, ivies, and
Christmas roses, your imagination can transform a bit of wire
and floral foam into accents that resemble royalty and are
beautiful to behold.
Ribbons of green or red tartan, frosted cherries, and leaves
touched with a kiss of snow, as well as pinecones, sprigs of
evergreen, cedar, or pine, and not only are the candles a focal
point but they emit the scents of a Holiday that can warm and
enthrall family and guests.
Whether simple or elaborate, candles are a decorative touch that
can be inexpensive, but add a wealth of beauty to your home.
ENJOY!