Candle season has officially begun

Now that the evenings start so early, I always light candles at the dinner table. It bathes the room in  a warm, cozy glow and makes me feel as though I'm cuddling my family in warmth. This week's Hot Home Products column looks at the variety of beautiful candles out there, including the lovely candles from Imageglow, which have designs screened onto the exteriors that last throughout the burn life of the candle (see pic below).

Just as candle styles differ widely, so do the materials from which they're made. Typically, you can find parrafin, soy and beeswax candles at various price points. What's the difference? Parrafin is a petroluem -based product and as such, is increasingly passed over by consumers who are concerned about the use of fossil fuels, or about indoor air quality. Soy is often their preferred choice. According to Catherine Rust, of BEC Green, soy doesn't require fertilzer to grow. Beeswax, however, may be the utimate choice, as it's "low-energy, clean-burning and pleasant-smelling," suggests Rust.

Another increasingly popular choice are pillar candles with a wax-like finish that house flickering LED lights. They're a good choice for families with small children or for putting in spots that won't be monitored, such as powder room or an entry hallway.

One last easy decor tip. Float tealights in water in a shallow bowl (cut crystal would be nice) and add sprigs of seasonal greenery, fresh cranberries, and sprigs of fresh rosemary.