Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here!
I have a very strong love for candles, scented or
unscented (depending on the location… I DO NOT put scented candles on a dining
table, the scent will interfere with the smell and taste of the
food), pillar or taper, jars or freestanding… who would guess that there are
so many choices when it comes to a candle.
But, for me, any and all candles are A.O.K.
And as the saying goes, “the more the merrier”. I love to have a scented candle
(preferable jar candle because they are the easiest to contain for safety
factor!) in each and every room. I usually chose the same scent throughout the
house, but this doesn’t always comply to the supply on hand! I guess you could
call me a ‘candle snob’ because I am very… very… very picky when it comes to:
The scent of the candle: the
fragrance oil should be in the wax, not in the wick only. You can tell if it is
in the wick if you burn the candle and a small ball of ‘wick’ starts to form on
the top of the wick. A Big no-no, this process is present in most less
expensive candles, so choose wisely. And I prefer a 'clean' smell to a candle as opposed to a sweet or woodsy smell to a candle.
The burning hours to the cost of the candle ratio: The
length of a candle's burn is stated on the bottom of the a jar of a candle. I
believe that if I am going to spend $20+ on a candle, it should at least last
me a good 100 hours. Double check your label, the info is there!
RULE OF THUMB: How long can a candle last? Candle Burn-time Calculator.
Generally, smaller
candles such as votives with smaller wicks will burn at a rate of 7-9 hours
per ounce of wax used. For example, a two-ounce votive may be expected to burn
for 14-18 hours.
Ok enough on the candles
themselves, lets get to the meat of this post… the candle holder!
Whether your
candles are practical or decorative, ceremonial or stylish, there are a variety
of candle holders to make them easier, safer, and lovelier to use.
Using Candle
Holders
Properly used,
candle holders can minimize the mess from melted wax and are safer than burning
candles on potentially unstable or flammable surfaces. Some candles come with
built in holders, such as jar or hurricane candles, though many candle
aficionados prefer to select stylish and decorative holders to showcase their candles
with elegance and beauty.
Types of
Candle Holders
There are
several types of holders to choose from based on the type of candle and the
purpose for its use. Popular styles include:
Sleeves: These
may be straight or curved glass pillars that enclose candles and keep drafts
from extinguishing the flames. Sleeves may have a base or may be designed to
coordinate with other candle holders.
Centerpieces:
Candle centerpieces may incorporate flowers, pebbles, figurines, platforms,
tiers, or other accents to turn simple candles into lovely decorations. Many
centerpieces are designed for seasonal use, such as holly or evergreen candle
centerpieces for the holidays.
Plain: Plain
candle holders are simple and functional. They may be small cups, trays, or
dishes designed to hold tea lights, votives, or pillar candles. Their
simplicity can coordinate well with any décor.
Bowls:
Floating candles are best displayed in bowl holders so they can float serenely
as a decorative accent.
Jars: Jar
candles have built in holders, or smaller jars may be designed to hold tea
light or votive holders. Many jars are designed as hanging candle holders to
hang from trees, hooks, or pillars for more unusual displays.
Candelabras: A
candelabra is a decorative stand to hold one or more taper candles, though some
candelabra designs also work with pillar or votive candles. These are generally
very ornate, distinctive candle holders.
Candle Sticks:
Single candles can be displayed in decorative candle sticks with patterns and
designs similar to candelabras. Wrought iron candle holders are often designed
as simple sticks.
Sconces: A
sconce is a candle holder designed to be hung, typically attached to a wall.
They can be simple or elaborate designs, and many sconces include hanging
elements or mirrors for more visual interest.
Using Holders
For the safest
use, follow these candle holder tips:
Use
appropriately sized holders to minimize any wax runoff.
 |
| candlestick wax ring This a removable glass ring that can be added to any taper in a candlestick. It comes plain or decorative. |
* There is also a wonderful product on the market that helps control wax runoff
Holders should
be stable and balanced so they do not tip and cause a fire hazard.
Place holders
out of reach of children and pets and away from flammable objects such as house
plants, draperies, and other decorations.
Secure candles
to open holders with a drip or two of wax or by securing the candle on the
holder's spike if available.
 |
| Stick-Um comes in a small tin and is a soft waxy substance. Just a small dab of it can be placed in a candlestick to adhere the candle in an upright as stable position. |
* There is also a wonderful product on the market that helps adhere a candle upright in a holder
Holders will
heat up as candles burn; handle them with care to prevent injuries.
Do not leave a
burning candle unattended.
Yes, I am a candle lover, are you?
