Creating the Perfect Custom Candle Centerpiece
- A grouping of decorative candles is the focus for any special occasion and the finest way to introduce the warmth of candlelight into your unique home decorating style.
- When using pillar candles, select a variety of heights for optimum interest. As in flower arranging, it is recommended to use an odd number of candles and preferably those with a uniform circumference.
- Consider your guests when designing a centerpiece. Keep the height of the candles above or below their eye level. This will allow for ease of conversation and easy viewing of others across the table.
- Don't be hesitant to mix candle forms. Votive candles are easily combined with tea light candles and pillar candles. They complement each other and add interest to the overall design of an arrangement.
- When arranging a group of pillar candles, take care to place them at least 1½” apart. Any closer and the heat from one may melt another.
- Always start with a stable heat resistant surface for your custom candle arrangement. Consider a glass serving plate or a raised cake plate. Mixing heights is easy to achieve with the wide variety of glassware available.
- Consider using mirror tiles as a base for your centerpiece. Typically available in squares, these tiles can now be obtained in a variety of shapes. The home interior candles will reflect beautifully in the mirror creating added warmth to your party décor.
- Add votive candle cups, tealight candle cups and hurricanes for an even more dramatic effect. If using your centerpieces at an outside event, pillar candles beneath hurricane glasses is the best solution.
- Always use a candle holder specifically designed for candle use. It should be heat resistant, sturdy and large enough to hold a pool of melting wax. This is particularly true when using votive candles. The correct size holder will accommodate the melting wax and increase the candle's burn time and performance.
- Consider unique glassware to showcase the candles in your centerpiece. Tealight candles are stunning in champagne or wine glasses and those large Mexican glass goblets are ideal for votive candles. Do take care to adhere to all of the important safety rules for burning any candle.
- Taper candles and formals make a striking and elegant centerpiece when holders of different sizes are used. Be sure that the decorative candles are placed firmly and securely in their holders. Arrangements of taper candles are most appropriate for a more intimate dining experience. Walk by traffic can cause a draft, and cause the flame to flicker which results in poor burning performance. Learn more about achieving the best possible candle performance.
- Candlesticks used for your arrangement do not have to match. It is recommended, however, to use those similar in style and finish – such as all crystal, all ceramic, etc.
- Complete a mood or theme by using decorative materials in the most appropriate shapes, colors and sizes. The list is endless. Pebbles, glitter or confetti, smooth river stones, shells, sea glass, faux gems, even varieties of dry beans for a Southwest party.
- If using custom candle centerpieces for multiple tables, and if working with a color scheme, we recommend that you use just one color per centerpiece. The variation throughout the room will achieve the dual color scheme you are seeking.
- Richly scented candles are not the most appropriate for celebrations where food will be served. Unscented candles are the preferred candle form. They will never conflict with carefully selected floral arrangements and delectable menu choices.
