Integrating Candles into Thanksgiving
The turning of the leaves and the crisp autumn air mark the beginnings of the colorful autumn season, and as the beauty of Mother Nature’s landscape changes, it’s only natural for indoor panoramas to follow suit. Rich, deep hues of red, brown, and orange rejuvenate the senses and lead into a season of family traditions, festive décor, and all-around warmth. One way to set the stage for a festive Thanksgiving holiday is through the use of candles as decorative accents, either as finishing touches on an already well-decorated home, or as the main event.
- No holiday table setting is complete without the warm glow of votives or tapers to complement the bounty of a feast. Elegant tapers in rich autumn colors set the tone for an elegant dining experience, while votives surrounded with greenery and fall blooms, such as sunflowers, marigolds, and mums, bring the outdoors in for an earthy, homespun feel.
- Incorporating pleasant lighting into a home’s décor has long been recognized as a key way to cast a peaceful—not to mention flattering—ambiance in a room. Doing away with overly bright lighting and replacing it with a softer, gentler incandescence can easily be achieved by reducing the electric glow of bulbs and placing warm, flickering candles around a room instead. The inviting glow of the dancing flames is an especially nice touch after a feast is over and it’s time to relax and chat over a piping hot cup of coffee or cider.
- Fragrance is a vital aspect of any feasting experience, often as much a part of a home’s décor as the visual aesthetics. As the intoxicating aromas of turkey, dressing, and bread pudding waft out of the kitchen, the decadent redolence of lit candles releasing scents of rosemary, cider, and other spices are sure to boost anticipation of the meal ahead.
- A candlescape along the mantelpiece is an easy way to create a dramatic look that serves as an unexpected contrast to the traditional hearth below. Well-placed and closely-grouped clusters of monochromatic pillar candles at varying heights and widths set the stage for an intimate holiday celebration, and when intertwined with colorful tendrils of cranberry-hued climbing bittersweet, the effect is whimsical yet sophisticated.
- A charming twist on any harvest centerpiece featuring autumn vegetables, blooms, and grasses can be achieved by adding pillar candles to a festive tabletop vignette. Plain candles trimmed with grosgrain ribbon create a stylish, custom look. Securing small accessories, such as seasonal berries and miniature pinecones, to the base of candles with a touch of hot glue is another great DIY way to create ornamental, polished results.
- Showcasing autumn’s bounty with attractive arrangements at the entranceway to a home gives dinner guests a preview of the festive decor awaiting them inside. Outdoor lanterns with brightly lit candles within are lovely when placed alongside seasonal items, such as pumpkins and gourds. Cascading this arrangement down the front steps or along walkways illuminates Thanksgiving feasting and fellowship into the night.
- Following the dinner course, the aroma of fresh baked goods such as cookies, pies, and cakes is a tantalizing foretaste to dessert hour. While the pumpkin pies, cranberry tarts, and apple crisps are receiving the finishing touches in the kitchen, the gentle candle fragrances of cinnamon, vanilla, and strudel are a delightful complement to the menu of sweets.
- For those who are attending Thanksgiving celebrations at a friend’s or relative’s house this year, one way to show appreciation for the labor-intensive task of hosting a holiday event is to bring a gift for the host or hostess. Something thoughtful and useful will be most appreciated, and candles wrapped in attractive packaging are always a hit. Bundles of tapered candles bound with ribbon and a hand-written thank-you note is one idea; another option is to pair scented candles with a complementing potpourri. Jar candles produce plenty of fragrance and often last the longest. For those who are playing host this year, sending guests home with a candle gift (especially of the scented variety) will allow them to experience the holiday long after the festivities are over.
Even if it’s not yet chilly enough to gather round the fireplace, introducing candles to various corners of the home can usher in a sense of warmth that heralds the impending excitement of the holiday events to come. Introducing candles as a décor accent is one of the oldest and most reliable ways of creating an unforgettable setting when celebrating Thanksgiving Day. From filling a room with luxurious fragrance to setting the tone for a special event, candles are a multi-purpose accessory with endless possibilities.
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Integrating Candles into Halloween
The cool, crisp autumn air and changing of the seasons serves as a delightful precursor to the fun of Halloween celebrations, and while children gear up for a night of dress up and trick-or-treating on All Hallow’s Eve, adults join in on the frightful fun with their own costume parties and events. Such get-togethers would not be complete without a good-natured collection of scary seasonal decorations to charm and entertain, and creative candle integration is the perfect way to set the stage for a festive Halloween holiday.
Below are some of our favorite creative ways to implement candles this time of year:
- The most classic use of candles on Halloween is of course the placement of votive candles or tea lights into a hollowed-out jack-o-lantern. Once the scary (or friendly) face of choice has been created, the burning candle within shines through the openings and allows the flame to playfully project light onto nearby surroundings. Rich in tradition, this Halloween decoration serves as a great decoration for a front porch or walkway.
- Candles may also be used to light a walking tour of your own “haunted mansion.” Along with the ghosts, ghouls, and goblins that accompany any proper haunted house, the flickering flame of a simple taper candle when carried down an ominous path will cast ghoulish shadows along the wall, sure to produce howls and shrieks of delight from all who enter.
- For Halloween parties hosted outdoors, one fun and quirky way to light a walkway for guests is through the use of luminaries, which are easy to create and require only a few materials. The look is accomplished by placing a simple tea light or votive candle into a paper bag that’s been weighted with sand. These are then lined along walkways or driveways to provide light for passers-by, and tiny designs cut into the sides of the bags add a customized touch to this quaint and purposeful decoration.
- Fragrance is an important part of any celebration, and Halloween is no exception. With the ambrosial smells of candy corn, chocolates, and other goodies wafting through the air, a scented candle releasing complementary aromas of sugary goodness can serve as the perfect complement to a smorgasbord of sweets. The trick-or-treaters in the neighborhood will be sure to come running.
- For those planning to go all out for a Halloween party at home, candles serve as a dramatic backdrop for a night of spooky diversion. Harsh overhead lights can quickly kill the spooky mood, but the soft glow of candles creates quite the opposite effect. They can quickly put guests at ease or on their toes, depending on the desired effect.
- A candelabra adorned with elegant taper candles adds an excellent touch to any Halloween celebration, and its antiquated look makes a statement all its own. Creamy white or ivory tapers convey the look of an ancient castle, while a mix of black and orange can set a more contemporary, funky tone. Another option is to pair a simple candle with modern, seasonal holders in the shape of ghosts, jack-o-lanterns, or witches’ boots.
- The pageantry of Halloween wouldn’t be complete without the traditional front porch décor that has become a staple for this celebration. Outdoor lanterns lit by pillar candles are bewitching when placed alongside seasonal items, such as pumpkins and gourds. Cascading this arrangement down the front porch steps or along a walkway will illuminate the celebration long into the night.
- If attending Halloween celebrations at a friend’s or relative’s home this year, bringing along a gift for the host or hostess is a one way to show your appreciation and gratitude. Candle gift baskets, candle holders, and jar candles are popular hostess gifts, and the candle is likely to stick around much longer than the season’s candy.
From setting the stage for a spooky event to filling a room with sweet scent, candles can serve in a variety of capacities for Halloween and other special celebrations. The holiday would be far less celebratory without the requisite pomp and pageantry, and candles are just one way to light up the night for a terrifically spooky time that comes but once a year.
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Triple Scented Candles
Having trouble deciding on just one scent? With triple scented candles, you don’t have to. Those seeking a more eclectic bouquet of aromas can mix and match up to three candle scents and combine those aromas into one heavily scented candle, giving them full control over their very own customized fragrance. Triple scented candles help to ensure that you receive a unique aroma to suit your individual personality.
According to consumers, fragrance is given the most consideration when determining which candle to buy, impacting up to 75% of candle purchases.* Among the most popular scented candle types on the market today are smooth vanilla, full-bodied fruits like citrus and apple, lush floral scents such as rose and lilac, relaxing “Zen” scents like sandalwood and eucalyptus, and such baking inspired aromas as coffee, hazelnut, and cinnamon. When choosing the aromatic ingredients for your triple scented jar candle, the possibilities are virtually endless.
Although triple scented candles combine a trio of rich aromas, they don’t contain a surplus of fragrance. Although some candle companies will claim that the best scented candles use the most amount of fragrance, this simply isn’t the case. An excess of fragrance can actually result in a faulty candle that burns inefficiently and produces unattractive black soot.
*Statistic from www.candles.org/about_facts.html
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Summer Scented Candles
Who says you have to wait until fall or winter to bring out your candles? Our summer scented candles evoke all of the luscious aromas that come with the most luxuriant season of all—fragrant blossoms, succulent fruit, lush greenery, and many more summer scents. Long after the sun has set, you can continue enjoying the fragrance of the season in the comfort of your own home.
To enhance the sun-ripened fruit gracing your summer table, we offer a range of mouth-watering fruity scented candles, ranging from the lighter aromas of lemon and citrus to bolder varieties of strawberry, raspberry, lime, sorbet, and watermelon. Or, infuse your space with the aromas of a lush garden by creating your very own multi-layered aromatic bouquet—just choose a few of your favorite floral scents, such as rose, lilac, and lavender, and place them at strategic points throughout your home. Use colored candles to enhance your summer décor: vibrant yellows are reminiscent of a bright summer sun, rich greens mimic the lush grasses of the season, and deep blues are reminiscent of the summer sky on a clear day.
One of the delightful things about summer scented candles is that they don’t have to be banished to the indoors. On warm summer evenings, set a couple of scented candles outside on the deck or patio to create a fragrant ambiance for outdoor gatherings. To take it to the next level, you can even select summer scents that complement whatever food or beverage you’re serving. When choosing summer scented candles, the sky truly is the limit.
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Fresh and Calming Scented Candles
Just as green tea is renowned for its capability to soothe and refresh, our green scented candles use nature-inspired fragrances to create a calm, tranquil setting. After a long, hard day, light one of our calming scented candles as the perfect antidote for today’s frenzied, high-stress lifestyles. These fresh scents are equally at home in any room—next to the bathtub, on a nightstand, or even in the kitchen.
For those suffering from allergies or sensitivity to smell, today’s highly scented candles can tend to irritate the olfactory system, and may even cause nausea. Fresh scented candles use only the lightest, subtlest hypoallergenic scents that can be enjoyed by anyone.
Often used by massage therapists and in spa environments, green scented candles are associated with enhanced relaxation and uplifted mood. Among the popular varieties of calming scents are mint, sandalwood, green tea, ginger, and other Zen-like aromas. Now, with All Scented Candle’s collection of fresh online scented candles, you can re-create a resort-quality spa experience in the comfort of your own home. Simply light a calming scented candle, slip into a bubble bath, and let your cares slip away. These richly scented candles also make a great gift idea for the busy professional, the on-the-go mom, or the hard-working student.
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All About Beeswax Candles
If you stroll into any run-of-the-mill gift store that happens to sell scented candles, you’ll likely notice that a wide majority of them are made from paraffin wax—not surprising, given that 95% of the candles sold today are composed primarily of the substance.
While paraffin produces a desirable consistency and appearance for candles, it does have some drawbacks. A by-product of petroleum, it’s been known to produce more soot, smoke, and potential toxins than other types of waxes. Also, because it’s oil-based, melted paraffin wax is tougher to clean up and virtually impossible to remove from carpets and fabrics in the event of a spill. Because of their higher burning temperature, paraffin candles don’t last as long as other waxes, making them a lesser value in the long run.
Fortunately, paraffin isn’t your only option. As the disadvantages of the widespread wax have become more widely acknowledged, many scented candle lovers have turned to alternative blends. Although more expensive in the short-term, these other options provide a more enjoyable, cleaner, and longer-lasting candle burning experience. In addition to the widely acclaimed soy candles, beeswax has grown in popularity among eco-conscious candle enthusiasts in recent years.
The Harvesting of Beeswax
The honey bee works hard to produce this precious wax, visiting and feeding from a staggering 33 million flowers to collect the amount of honey needed to produce one pound of beeswax. After ingesting 10 pounds of honey, the bee then uses the wax to create a honeycomb. To retrieve the beeswax, beekeepers submerge the honeycomb in hot water, which causes the wax to liquefy and rise to the surface of the water. It is then scooped out of the water and allowed to harden. Later, it can be melted and used to make beeswax scented candles.
A Spiritual History
First used during the Middle Ages by aristocrats, beeswax candles have long been revered for their mystical and therapeutic properties. Many consider honey a sacred secretion—in fact, some religious denominations and mythologians believe that all by-products of bees, including honey, pollen, and wax, are holy substances that promote longevity and a closeness to higher powers. For centuries, beeswax has been used during consecrated ceremonies to add an air of piety.
Benefits of Beeswax Candles
Manufactured from purely all-natural materials, beeswax offers a wide array of advantages over conventional paraffin:
- Unique, long-lasting fragrance: Beeswax candles are favored for their distinctive, easily identifiable honey scent, which has been linked to increased feelings of tranquility and overall well-being. Even without the addition of aromatic oils, beeswax candles emit a subtle, pleasing fragrance for as long as they’re burned.
- Cleanliness and purity: With none of the chemicals or soot of paraffin candles, all-natural beeswax candles emits no toxins or carcinogens into the air, making it an ideal scented candle option for those who suffer from allergies. In fact, it’s been shown that beeswax releases negative ions when burned, which actually work to remove airborne pollutants and improve the cleanliness and quality of the air we breathe.
- Long-lasting value: Beeswax candles burn much slower and longer than paraffin scented candles, and at a lower temperature. Although they may have a higher sticker price than paraffin, their longevity makes them an overall better value.
- Aesthetically pleasing ambiance: With a bright, steady golden flame and warm, creamy wax composition, beeswax scented candles serve as a beautiful source of light and create a rich, soothing atmosphere.
When shopping for a beeswax candle, opt for pure yellow beeswax, which is not treated with the bleaching chemicals of white beeswax. Also, be sure to check the label to make sure yours is blended from pure beeswax, not a beeswax/paraffin blend.
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Using Colored Candles for Meditation
In today’s hectic, fast-paced world, more and more people are turning to meditation as a means of relieving stress and anxiety. Defined as a state of calm achieved by channeling energy on a single, restful focus, meditation has been linked to a wide array of benefits, including deeper relaxation, an enhanced immune system, improved circulation and blood pressure, and alleviation of pain from headaches and other medical conditions. Whether you’re suffering from a chronic illness or just feeling overwhelmed by a sink full of dirty dishes, meditation can help to detract your focus from the source of the anxiety.
There are many different methods of meditation used today, including yoga, breathing techniques, meditative music, and the chanting of mantras. Whatever type of meditation practice you choose, candles can serve as a highly effective and simple accessory for relaxation. Candles are a cost-effective way to add instant ambiance to your meditation space. Try turning off all artificial lighting and using only the illumination from the candles. The soft, flickering flame will help you to achieve a centered, tranquil state of mind, and can even be used as the focal point during meditation. By using scented candles, you can pair your meditation techniques with the widely acknowledged benefits of aromatherapy.
When choosing candles to use for meditation, keep in mind that certain colors correlate to particular states of mind. To achieve your spiritual goals, select the color that’s most in tune with your desired energies and feelings.
- Red: This candle color is indicative of passion, sexuality, and a high level of energy. It’s also associated with the attainment of power in your career and in personal relationships. Burn red candles if you’re seeking an increased level of physical energy and sensuality.
- Green: There are many different advantages linked to burning green candles during meditation. Representative of increased prosperity and wealth, this candle color is linked to the achievement of good fortune, both monetarily and emotionally.
- Orange: Another sensual candle color, orange is a stimulating shade associated with an enhanced libido. It has also been reported to boost energy and emotional healing.
- White: Linked to purity and spirituality, white candles are the most widely used during meditative practices as a means of forging a stronger connection with a higher power.
- Black: Burn a black candle as a way of achieving closure after ending a relationship or after someone close to you has passed away. Although it may imply a dark or foreboding sentiment, black is actually associated with the expelling of negativity and a shielding against physical harm.
- Yellow: If your goal is to achieve a higher level of creativity, awareness, or mental clarity, try burning a yellow candle during meditation.
- Pink: Representative of love and affection, pink candles are ideal for awakening feelings of romance and deepening a connection between two people, making them ideal for couples who meditate together.
- Purple: Believed by many to increase psychic abilities among those with a “sixth sense,” purple candles have been linked to enhanced spirituality and awareness.
- Blue: This candle color can help you to achieve a sense of inner calm and tranquility, and can also help to promote easier, more effective communications with those around you.
- Indigo: Burn an indigo candle to improve the quality of your meditation method and to help you gain the maximum spiritual benefit. This color is also linked to increased power and intuitive abilities.
Using scented candles as a meditation aid can be a highly effective and simple way of achieving your desired level of relaxation and spiritual awareness. Choose the candle color that best represents the emotional or mental state you’re trying to achieve, and then concentrate on getting there. The dirty dishes can wait.
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Tips for Candle-Burning Safety
Truly a universal home accent, scented candles hold a widespread appeal for people of all ages, races, and occupations. Anyone can enjoy their visual appeal and soothing ambiance with minimal preparation, although certain precautions should be taken to ensure a safe, sentient candle burning experience.
According to the National Candle Association, approximately 18,000 fires are attributed to candles each year. The wide majority of these could have been easily prevented by observing proper burning techniques. Below, we’ve compiled a quick list of some of the most important considerations to keep in mind before setting your wicks aglow:
- Before lighting your candle, make sure someone will be in close proximity for as long as the flame will be burning. If you leave the room, extinguish the flame first. Never leave a candle burning while sleeping.
- If you’re burning a scented candle that’s not self-contained, be sure to place it in a non-flammable candleholder or on a heat-safe surface to catch the melted wax and prevent the risk of fire.
- Keep lit candles at a safe distance from anything that might accidentally catch fire, such as plants, curtains, bedding, books, or other flammable items.
- Avoid burning candles in very small spaces or non-ventilated rooms.
- To prevent burning candles from getting inadvertently knocked over, don’t leave them within reach of children or pets, and avoid placing them on unsteady or small surfaces.
- To prevent smoke, soot, and dripping wax, keep candle wicks trimmed to approximately ¼” in length. After trimming, remove any snipped wicks instead of letting them fall into the candle. One sign that a wick needs trimming is an excessively long or wild flame.
- Use the candle’s size to determine its maximum burning duration. As a general rule, a candle should burn for 1 hour for each inch of diameter to help ensure clean, even burning of the wax.
- Avoid placing scented candles near open windows, ceiling fans, or any source of drafts to prevent uncontrolled flames or the blowing of flammable items into the candle.
- When grouping candles together, be sure to leave adequate space between them to allow for proper ventilation and to prevent the excess heat from melting the adjacent candles.
- Know when to extinguish a flame. When there’s only an inch or two of remaining wax, you should retire the candle rather than burning it to the very bottom. Another clue that a candle should be snuffed is excess sputtering or an uncontrolled flame, which can indicate a defective candle.
- When it’s time to put out the flame, do so properly. A candle snuffer or a wick dipper is the best way to extinguish a candle, as blowing can produce excess smoke or cause hot wax to spill out of the candle. Water should never be used to put out a flame, as it can cause a hot jar or candle container to crack.
According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System, nearly 85% of fires involving candle flames were the result of improper burning, lack of supervision, or contact with flammable items. Educating yourself on proper burning techniques can help to minimize dangerous situations. Following our recommended tips will help to ensure that your scented candles burn safely and cleanly.
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Vanilla Scented Candles
The right candle does more than just deliver flickering illumination—it can evoke a mood, enhance a home’s décor, and create a soothing ambiance. When paired with a well-formulated fragrance, a scented candle creates a sensory-rich experience, using the power of smell to stir up old memories, evoke the magic of a season, or complement a flavorful meal.
Ideal for kitchen use, our aromatic collection of baking scents are almost as mouth-watering as the main course. Including the ever-popular vanilla candles as well as a wide range of spicy and sweet scents, these highly scented candles set the stage for a delicious meal. For almost a decade, vanilla scented candles have been the most widely demanded aroma among candle consumers. Also popular are such scrumptiously spicy scents as pumpkin, apple pie, mocha, coffee, gingerbread, and hazelnut. Even if you’re not the consummate cook, these sweet scented candles will infuse your kitchen with the aroma of the real thing. Whether you’re hosting a festive Christmas gathering, a traditional Thanksgiving meal, or just an intimate dinner with friends, the perfect richly scented candle sets the stage for the delights to come.
With the hundreds of candle varieties on the market today, many of which claim to be the best scented candles available, it can seem impossible to determine which are the right scent and quality for you. We’ve done the research for you! All Scented Candles works with the finest manufacturers to hand-select food scented candles that use only the best wax blends and essential oils to deliver the richest aromas available. Unlike cheaply produced versions, their vanilla scented candles deliver many hours of fragrant burning without emitting any toxins.
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Spring Scented Candles
Today is the first day of spring! Refresh your home with breezy spring scented candles, specially formulated to enhance the renewal of the budding spring season. Choose from a bouquet of fruity aromas, including citrus, orange, and lemon, or opt for such nature-inspired spring scents as ocean breeze, fresh rain, and pure cotton. Light floral scents are ideal for this time of year, too—from lavender to lilac to rose, our candles fill your rooms with the botanical fragrance of a verdant garden. As nature blossoms outside, let our spring scented candles infuse that same sense of fresh revitalization throughout your home.
In addition to freshening spaces with pleasingly breezy aromas, these fine scented candles can enhance your spring décor when used in creative ways. Pastel-hued pillar candles strike a harmonious note nestled among your Easter centerpieces, or place our elegant taper candles in glass sconces flanking a mantel. Float pale pink or green tealight candles in water along with spring blossom petals for an added touch. A yellow jar candle placed in a windowsill effects a sun-kissed accent.
When it comes to the season of renewal and cleanliness, there’s nothing quite like a high-quality scented candle to bring the freshness of the outdoors into your home.
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