Candlelight That Will Have Hyacinth Bucket Green With Envy
The warm glow of a candle…is there anything that can change or enhance the atmosphere in a room more quickly than lighting a candle? The only thing I can think of that even comes close is the dancing flame of an open fireplace. But what about those warm spring and summer days when a hot fire is just not practical?
Prior to the advent of electricity, candles were a necessity, especially during the wintertime with its shorter days. Fortunately today, candles are more of a luxury…something we often use to celebrate those most special days: birthdays, anniversaries, and candlelight dinners...à la Hyacinth Bucket, pronounced "Bouquet" if you please. :)
I say…why not make every day feel special? A well placed candle is beautiful to behold, even when not burning. An unlit candle is an open invitation, beckoning you to slow down a bit and enjoy the moment. If you have little ones or children of the four-footed variety, no need to worry. There are some fabulous ways you can enjoy the flickering glow of candlelight with none of the concerns inherent with a live flame. Take a look at the lovely ways houzz members are using candlelight in their decor.
Prior to the advent of electricity, candles were a necessity, especially during the wintertime with its shorter days. Fortunately today, candles are more of a luxury…something we often use to celebrate those most special days: birthdays, anniversaries, and candlelight dinners...à la Hyacinth Bucket, pronounced "Bouquet" if you please. :)
I say…why not make every day feel special? A well placed candle is beautiful to behold, even when not burning. An unlit candle is an open invitation, beckoning you to slow down a bit and enjoy the moment. If you have little ones or children of the four-footed variety, no need to worry. There are some fabulous ways you can enjoy the flickering glow of candlelight with none of the concerns inherent with a live flame. Take a look at the lovely ways houzz members are using candlelight in their decor.
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| Candles are beautiful in almost any tablesetting. Now's the time to start stocking up for all those upcoming holiday dinners. I like the combination seen here using pillars atop open holders and a large single glass-enclosed pillar for the center of the table. |
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Welcome family and friends into your home with the warm glow of a big beautiful candle. Choose a scented one to leave a lasting impression.
by Nicole Hollis
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Candles don't always have to be on the table...they can be high above it, too. Do you think these candles are real? Flameless pillar candles are available now...made out of real beeswax. They have a flickering LED light and when turned on, you'd never know you weren't looking at a true burning candle. This lighting must be positively spectacular all aglow for an evening meal. You could be dining on t.v. dinners and the evening would feel magical beneath this lovely candlelier.
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| Here's another great example of a beautiful faux candlelier. Just think, once upon a time these would have been real burning candles and this fixture would have been on a pulley system allowing it to be lowered for the lighting of the candles. I remember as a child seeing one in an historic home in my neighborhood. The doctor who lived there would often demonstrate how it worked for those who were interested. :) Fond memories. |
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| When grouping candles that are all of a similar size, if possible, place them at different heights by either using different size candleholders or by placing them on books, tea caddies or other objects at varying levels. It will make for a much more interesting arrangement. |
by Global Living
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Here's another great example of using candles of varying sizes to create a wonderful vignette or grouping. Notice how the candles are somewhat randomly placed...with irregular gaps between them. The random placement again makes for a much more interesting look than if they were all perfectly and evenly spaced.
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Even a single candle makes for a lovely vignette. This is such a great look for summer. Come fall, a pumkin scented candle could be substituted for the green one. The starfish could be tucked away for next summer and a small pumpkin or bowl of clove-studded oranges would make a nice replacement.
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| This is such a clever idea! If you try this, be sure to place a hot pad or something under the muffin tin so the surface below will not be damaged by the heat of the candles. |
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Have an open area or shelf space between two rooms? Here's a lovely way to fill that area. These must be beautiful aglow come evening time.
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by French Larkspur
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| Even candleholders minus their candles create a lovely display along a mantle. Note the beautiful candlelier overhead in this room. |
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by Christie Thomas
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| Candles are perfect for your outdoor spaces, too. In fact, they are just about the best lighting you could have for a nice evening on a comfy porch. |
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| Do you love having a fire in your fireplace but just not crazy about the expense and messyness of burning wood? Think candles! |
| They will give your room the ambience and warmth you seek, without the fuss. They especially look great when staggered in different rows/heights as shown here. |
Can you just imagine what this must look like with all the lights turned off in the evening? Candles, rose petals and champagne...what could be more romantic?
Don't wait for Valentine's Day, an anniversary or your special someone's birthday to set a romantic scene with candlelight. To quote one of my favorite poets, Emily Dickinson: "Forever is composed of nows."
I would love to hear how you use candles in your home. Do you prefer scented or unscented? Please share
Don't wait for Valentine's Day, an anniversary or your special someone's birthday to set a romantic scene with candlelight. To quote one of my favorite poets, Emily Dickinson: "Forever is composed of nows."
I would love to hear how you use candles in your home. Do you prefer scented or unscented? Please share
Ideabook updated on Dec. 28, 2010.
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Great post and lovely ideas.
Mary
Best wishes,
Natasha.
Natcus...I so agree!
I love hearing about all the different scents y'all like. I think my favorite is cinnamon...even though it's really more of a Christmastime scent. Have you noticed that all cinnamon scented candles do not smell the same? You really have to give them the sniff test before you commit and buy them. :)
You meant for us to pronounce that "Buquet" and not "Bucket" right? lol. I always loved that show and I'm so glad to be reminded of it today.
Great post, love all the photos, especially the entry way.