Candles have an ability to reach something inside us in a way that few things in our modern world can. There is an emotional trigger to that small flame that enriches our lives. The following tips will help you display your candles to their best advantage.

• Group candlesticks of different heights for more visual impact.
• Place a floral arrangement or gathered natural materials around candelabras, and candlesticks. Use this only with tall candle holders. For safety the candle socket must be well above the florals to keep them out of the flame zone.
• Votives - always burn votives in votive holders for best results and longest burn times. Votive holders are available in a wide variety of styles and colors, more elaborate ones are decorative elements without any additional work. A more elaborate arrangement can be made with multiple votives. Try arranging them around the bath, bedroom, or hot tub for a romantic mood setter. This works best with lots of votives.
• Large floating candles in the pool can really set the mood for your next party. Remove all flammable items from the pool and its edges first.
• Floating Candles - wax floats, and any candle wider than it is tall should float upright. A pedestal fruit bowl makes a beautiful container to display floating candles. Let some matching flower blossoms, or petals float with them. Floating candles always look best in multiples. Really shock your guests at your next party - put some floaters in the bath (only if no young kids are present).
• Group same color candles of varying shapes and sizes for an interesting effect.
• Choose a candle holder for its own style. Being able to burn candles in it is just an added benefit.
• Add some visual warmth to that unused fireplace in the summer by grouping some candles inside.
• Parties / Showers / Weddings - Use floating candles as table centerpieces. Themed candles make great favors.

DO IT YOURSELF
Here are some tips for making your own candle holders and displays. Take care that any flammable materials used are out of the flame zone.

• Terra Cotta flower pots and saucers. - Plug hole with putty before using. The inside must be sealed with mod podge to seal the pores in the clay - failure to do this may result in a fire. Can be decorated with paint, stucco, decoupage, etc... Stack for interesting variations. Use clear silicone adhesive to bond together. Interesting groupings can be made with different size pots.
• Large Saucers - Fill with Gravel or sand as a base for one or more candles. Fish tank gravel works well and looks great. Add other objects to create a theme such as sand, driftwood, and seashells. Any flammable objects should be positioned a safe distance from the flames.
• Luminary Lantern - Drill a pattern of holes in a tin can. Spray paint. Looks great in the garden.
• Emergency Candle Holders - Have a blackout and need more candle holders than you have on hand? Put some table salt in a cup and place the candle in it. The salt won't burn, and will protect the cup from any wax drippings. Sand from your kid's sandbox will work too. Important: Remember that just because you need the candles for light you can't ignore the safety rules - do not leave burning candles unattended.

What about Accidents???

Spilled Wax on Clothing and Furniture. Always allow wax to harden before attempting to remove it. Gently remove the hardened wax by hand.

Spilled Wax on Carpeting. Use an iron set on low and an old towel. Place towel over the spilled wax and press warm iron on top of towel. The wax will be absorbed into the towel. Repeat this step with clean parts of the towel until all wax has been removed from the carpet.

Any remaining wax should be allowed to harden, brush and them vacuum. Carpet cleaner can be used to remove any dye that still remains.

Spilled Wax on Metal or Plastic Objects. Place items in freezer to harden the wax. The wax may then be crumbled off the item by hand.