Candlelight and magic

Rich deep colours are big trends in candles this season, according to the U.S.-based National Candle Association. Look too, for more subtle, complex fragrances, Asian influences and textured and tone-on-tone finishes in both candles and holders.

There’s a strong organic influence showing up in candle colours — earthen browns, deep reds, purples and blue-greens — making it easy to add a hit of colour to your décor – especially during the holiday season. I’d love to see, for example, ruby red (or glossy black) candles on these baroque candle holders from Urban Barn. I also love the Mercury glass candleholders from Pottery Barn(see pic below). Another easy idea – add tea lights to cut crystal glasses or snifters and scatter them around the room to create a flickering glow.

I advise against using scented candles in the dining room – I think the fragrance interferes with how food tastes. Use them instead in the bathroom to enhance a long soak – perfect for a guest bathroom — or leave them unlit in a powder room to subtly scent the air.

Of course, we can’t talk about candles without talking about safety, so here are a few tips, also from the National Candle Association. A full list is available on their website:

 

Keep burning candles within sight.
Keep candlewicks trimmed to ¼ inch.
Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times.
Never use water to put out a candle — it can cause wax to splatter or a glass container to break.
Never use a candle during a power outage to look for things in a closet, or when fueling a lantern or kerosene heater. Use a flashlight instead.