Using candlelight
Ornamental votives, sconces, hurricane lanterns and candelabra suffuse dark, wintry nights with a flickering, warm light
HOW TO MAKE IT WORK
•A candelabra in burnished gold creates an eye-catching centrepiece that exudes a warm, welcoming glow.
•Candles in a variety of glass holders arranged on a cake stand, ensure a striking decorative display.
•Mirrors and coloured glass bounce candlelight around a room, intensifying its shimmering effect.
•Arranging identical tapering candles on a reflective surface with minimal decoration lends a contemporary feel.
THE CANDLE CODE
•Before lighting a candle, trim the wick to 5 mm. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning and dripping, as can wicks that are spindly; to avoid, buy good-quality candles that have wider wicks.
•Leave at least one metre between a candle and the surface above it.
•Always place candles on a heat-resistant surface. Tealights can become hot enough to melt plastic.
•Try to keep candles away from draughts as they can cause uneven burning of the wax.
•Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room and never leave burning candles unattended.
•Smouldering candles can start a fire, so double-check they have been extinguished properly.
•Refrigerating candles before use will help them to last longer and keep the fragrance of scented candles fresh.
•Put scented candles in a glass or metal holder; they have to turn to liquid to release their fragrance
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How to use candlelight
