The gentle glow of candlelight signifies a warm welcome. We all know this, but sometimes we forget to include candles when having a party unless, of course, it’s a birthday party! Maybe it’s about time to reconsider how we think about candles as something reserved only for that extra special occasion and consider how candlelight makes us feel. The simple answer is that it makes someone feel special for a day. It’s especially significant for children, but let’s face it, when someone goes out of their way to show how much they care, that’s a good day – birthday or not.
The way to think about this burning question is to choose candles that fit your purpose. Adding candles to your Christmas gift list is a good idea because candles are always well received and considered a thoughtful gift. Inviting someone over for a candlelit dinner – that’s really something – is an extra-special way to say “thank-you” to an extra special person. Does it sound too fancy? It need not be. It’s the candlelight that creates that ambience whether you’re a gourmet chef or a home cook serving a crockpot of home-made soup and a store-bought pie. The idea is to create a memory illuminated by the warm glow of your smile and a candle.
“My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends—It gives a lovely light!”– Edna St. Vincent Millay
Celebration
The holidays bring out the party in us, so it’s reasonable to expect that some people fill their calendar to overflowing. Choosing the right candles for a party is as easy as 1-2-3. Traditional taper candles – meet floating candles. 1) Grab a fruit bowl from the cabinet or one of those flea market finds you just couldn’t resist. 2) Add room-temperature water. 3) Pinch the wick of a floating candle designed to float and gently lower it into the water. Got a big bowl? Add a few more candles. Here’s where the magic begins. The candle flame is reflected throughout the water and, if you use a glass bowl, or a reflective metal or ceramic bowl, it also adds a glow to the interior of the container! Like moths to a flame, your guests will be drawn to your centerpiece and this creation becomes the light of the party and a conversation starter.
Look for containers that coordinate with your theme or décor and remember, never leave a lit candle unattended, even a candle floating in water. It is a stunning candlelit centerpiece and you don’t have to reveal that is took you all of about five minutes to put together. It’s beautiful and personal, affordable and easy. Try something new this holiday season!
Ceremony
A candlelight service is a calming way to bring people together for a common cause. Advent candles herald the beginning of the Christmas season and candlelight plays a traditional, significant role as a symbol of reverence. The word Hanukkah translates as “dedication” and signifies remembrance for ancient events in the Jewish faith by the ceremonial of lighting of eight candles. This “festival of lights” honors strength, perseverance and continuity. Candle design, color and fragrance choices aside, always choose quality, well-made candles.
Lighting candles is a way to express reverence for the past and celebrate recent accomplishments; to honor people we respect, love and who live in our memories. It rekindles our spirit and hope for the future.
“Remembrance, like a candle, burns brightly at Christmas time.” – Charles Dickens QCBN
By Denise Jenike
Retail store and candle workshop: 6689 E. 1st Street, Prescott Valley, Arizona, candlefactorystore.com.
Armadilla Wax Works is a retail store and candlemaking workshop located at 6689 E. 1st Street in Prescott Valley. For more information, call 928-772-1898 or visit candlefactorystore.com.
Denise Jenike is co-owner of Armadilla Wax Works with her husband, Kent Buttermann. The business was originally established in old town Tempe in 1971, while both were attending Arizona State University. Denise completed a BA in Art Education. The business is 100% focused on the design, making and retailing candles, along with additional curated quality home décor merchandise. Armadilla Wax Works – new location is 6689 E. 1st Street, in Prescott Valley. For more information, visit candlefactorystore.com.
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