Christmas and the festive season is an important time for many people; whether as a religious celebration or as a special time to spend with family and friends, it is an important date in the calendar that lots of us enjoy. Arguably one of the most important and also fun aspects of any festive celebration is the mood lighting…
Candles and candlelight have been used for centuries around Christmas time, as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem, and whether you’re religious or not it’s hard to argue with the warm, cosy and calming effect that candlelight creates on a dark winter’s night. An instant mood changer, candlelight makes any space feel welcoming to visitors, and what better way to make your guests feel at home than with the power of a flickering flame. Of course candlelight isn’t just limited to the festive season; light up your home in the dark depths of winter and feel cosy and warm.
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WOW your guests
Use candle lanterns and candle holders in the hallway to impress your guests the moment they step through the door out of the cold, and help them feel relaxed and welcomed into the home. Place stainless steel lanterns up the stairs, and the stepped effect will allow the flickering flames to reflect off the shining metal and add a sparkle to your hallway. For a more natural looking effect, also consider wooden lanterns that create the perfect classic Christmas feeling. Why not cluster smaller tealight lanterns on a side table, carefully adding winter greenery around them to create the perfect festive vibe! Consider pieces of fir tree, holly and pine cones, whilst taking care to keep them well away from any naked flames.
2. Candlelit dining
Arguably one of the key features for any winter celebration is the dining table, where everyone gathers for good food and great company. A traditional must have to any family gathering, candlesticks and votives create the perfect ambience, as well as creating a spectacular focal and talking point for your guests and family. Again, use foliage to create stunning table centrepieces by surrounding a tall wooden candlestick, or by using smaller metal candlesticks to create height and depth. Scented flowers and plants are also great for creating soft smells and aromas for your guests to enjoy.
Alternatively use a garland of festive greenery that runs the full length of the table, with beautiful candlesticks placed along the lengths. Just be sure that they are low enough to allow your guests to still see each other. Finish with carefully chosen placemats, coasters and serving boards that match your theme. Wooden serving boards are great for a natural, classic winter theme, and complement them with wicker placemats and coasters; use white to emulate snow.
3. Around the fireplace…
Besides your festive table, other focal points around the home shouldn’t be ignored. A fine example, should you have one, is using your fireplace or mantelpiece to add your romantic candlelight. Shelving above and around the fireplace is simply perfect for displaying candlesticks, tealights and small votives, a simple but impactful way of maximising that cosy feeling without compromising on space. Use symmetry to achieve the perfect eye catching effect, and differing heights around the fireplace will send the eye on a pleasing journey from left to right.
Mirrors are the perfect, if often overlooked addition to Christmas and winter lighting. The reflections they cast from candles and lanterns help bounce the light around the room. Add glass tealights or glass candlesticks for a magnified effect, and the use of different coloured glass will add a beautiful array of colours to your home.
4. Festive gifting
Finding the perfect gift for that special someone can sometimes seem like a difficult task. Give a gift of candlelight with our extensive range of candle lanterns, candlesticks and tealight holders; timeless accessories which add romantic mood lighting to any part of the home both indoors and outside. Light up a life at Christmas with a beautiful wooden lantern or decorative candle lantern to help make their day extra special.
If you’re looking for something for the garden, then also consider oil torches and oil lamps. Differing from candlelight in the fact that they use oil to burn, they are a great alternative to candlelight as they are more wind resistant when outdoors, and cast the garden in a warm, inviting glow. Solar lighting is also great for alternatives to traditional garden lighting, as they only need the power of the sun to charge. They are all great for garden lovers!
5. Tips for candle safety and care
Make your candles last longer by storing them in a cool, dry place. This will make them burn slower, allowing you to use them for longer without replacing them. This can also prevent candles leaning or leaking a lot of wax when lit. Another way to help prevent drips is to gently press the edges of the candles inwards as they melt. Also consider trimming your wicks before use, as this can elongate the flame which will cause the candle to burn quicker and hotter, as well as becoming more of a fire risk. Once you’ve used a candle once, make sure to wipe any dust off to help stop them smoking when lit.
Lastly, candle safety should always be at the forefront of your mind when planning your winter candlelight arrangement and festive displays. Always place them on flat surfaces that are heat resistant, and make sure the room is well ventilated but away from open windows. Also keep the flame away from any flammable materials such as winter greenery, as well as small hands or paws. Always use a snuffer to extinguish a candle to prevent wax or sparks from spreading, as never leave a candle lit in an empty room.
