by Doug Deloss

Created on: February 15, 2007   Last Updated: March 28, 2007

ALL ABOUT CANDLES
Be prepared for the Holidays!

Candles come in many shapes, sizes & fragrances, especially for the holidays. Using candles can give a warm inviting touch to a special dinner. The following will give you the latest information and safety on how to buy, burn & store your favorite candles.

WHAT TO BUY

Shapes & Sizes - Holiday candles, birthday candles, candlesticks, pillars, votives - what should you buy for what!

First, decide what you will be using the candles for, i.e., a dinner party, holidays, mood enhancer, etc. To choose the proper candle, it is important for you to decide how long you will want the candle to burn, if you want a fragrance, color, or a certain size to fit your candle holder. Also, give some thought to the fragrance of the candle, you wouldn't want a strong perfumed candle to interfere with the smell of your fresh baked peach pie!

High quality candles tend to burn cleaner and longer & some turn into a liquid while burning, but they may cost more. You can attend a candle party to purchase the higher end candles and see how they burn and get ideas before purchasing.

You can get the cheaper candles just about anywhere, but know that they very often give off black smoke, burn unevenly and very quickly.

Because of their shape and/or size, some candles are for decorative purposes only and should never be lit. Just because a candle is beautiful does not mean it will burn properly.

Safety - Always place your candles on a safe, fire-proof surface.

The plastic surface of a TV or computer is not a safe area because the heat build-up from the candle can cause the plastic to melt or scorch. Be very cautious when using glass containers - thin glass containers may crack from the intense heat and the melted wax may leak out or cause a fire.

Be sure to trim the wicks to inch, not only when they are new but also after each use. If you don't keep them trimmed, the wick gets too long and may pull up too much fuel resulting in a too-high flame.

You should keep your candles at least 3 inches apart; otherwise they can actually melt one another. Candles that are too close while burning may cause a draft and the candles around them will burn improperly.

Burn a candle for no more than 1 hour per every inch of the candle's diameter - you should only burn a 2-inch candle for 2 hours.

There are many choices when it comes to buying candles, but you should be aware that many are just not safe to burn. Cheap candles are sometimes made with unsafe materials and when burned may give off noxious gases that can cause headaches and/or sickness!

Aromatherapy - Of all of our senses, smell is the most primitive and the most closely linked to our emotions and memories.

Some fragrances will help you drift off to sleep, some will energize, some will relax and ease away stress; others will give you a comforting feeling. Different aromas are used for healing in aromatherapy. Lavender is used to ease headaches, relax & soothe, while Patchouli is very sensual.

A red candle will invoke passion, energy, vitality, & success, light blue is for spiritual harmony, healing & peace. Purple will bring good luck, fortune & is used when facing a legal matter. Pink is for friendship, love, loyalty & romance.

Take care in selecting your candles and be sure to buy high quality. To get the most enjoyment from your candles, remember, you do get what you pay for!

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