|
|
|
|
| Christmas Carnivals » Christmas Candles |
Christmas Candles
Nothing quite sets the scene during the holidays like some Christmas candles. The soft glow of the open flame has been a staple during the festive period for hundreds of years, taking cues from Catholic tradition. In the 1500s, when candles were first placed on Christmas trees, they took the reminder of Jesus as light of the world to a different level. No matter what you’re doing, whether decorating for a holiday party or enjoying a quiet meal as a family, a few candles will help brighten the mood.
Here are a few ideas to take your display to the next level:
Add some decoration
It may seem like a strange idea, but you don’t have to leave your candles plain. Search for some non-toxic paints or other embellishments (glitter, for example), then carve shapes into them or use a stencil to apply different colors to the sides of your candle. This will allow you to customize the look of your set-up to reflect your ideas for the season.
Floating votives
One of the simplest ways to give your candles a unique look, fill a mason jar about two-thirds full of water and drop a votive in. You can tie a green and red ribbon around the top for some decoration, a common practice. If you’d like to be a little more original, wrap the container in lightweight, brightly-colored paper to produce a soft glow – just make sure it isn’t close to the flame or you could have an unexpected disaster on your hands!
Lovely luminaria
One place a lot of people ignore when it comes to candles is the outside, but there are plenty of safe ways to display them if you’re willing to set them up appropriately. If you’re hosting a party, consider placing candles at the bottom of wide glass containers that are at least twice as tall. Then, drop some rocks in to provide support along the base. This is a great way to class up the entrance to your home as your guests walk up the driveway.
Mix and match
If you really want to create a one-of-a-kind arrangement, set candles of different sizes and shapes atop candlesticks of varying heights and styles. The important thing, if you decide to go this route, is to provide a sense of unity. You might choose red candles with gold candlesticks, for example, and place them on your mantel in a manner that is less regimented and organized. This will please your guests’ eyes while allowing you to show your flair for dramatic decoration.
Bottoms up
One way to personalize your display is to take regular household items and integrate them in some way. Wine lovers might want to flip a few glasses over and set some candles on the stem. This can go for anything that is stable and, if you choose, you can decorate them with ribbons or beads to create the illusion your goblets are something different altogether.
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
