Summer Chimney Pots

Published November 07, 2012

Illuminate Your Summer Evening

There is nothing like soft candlelight to add ambience to your summer dinner soiree. The soft flickering of a candle really does add a sense of calm and serenity to any dinner party so it’s important to choose the right candle for your evening.

With so many choices on the market these days it can be difficult to know what size, shape and scent (if any) is the best one for you. It really is a personal choice as to how you wish to set your table for the night but there are a few guidelines on what kinds of candles suit particular themes of dinner parties.

It is generally thought that scented candles tend to compete with the aromas of the food on the table so it’s best to shy away from this variety for dining. Scented candles are lovely in the bathroom and bedroom or perhaps outside on a side table where your guest may sit for a cocktail. Choose ones that are fresh and light and not heavy with strong perfumes.

For dining purposes choose from long, slim tapered candles to votives or perhaps a simple tea light. Tapered candles are well suited for an elegant affair, as they tend to suggest refinement. A votive candle is lovely in a small, clear glass container. It’s always nice to scatter a few in and around the sitting area as well as on the table. Tea lights are fun and cheery and suggest a simple elegance. Use them in small containers randomly placed around your floral centerpiece.

Another nice option is to choose small, medium and large pillar candles. These candles are lovely when we have a calm, wind-free evening. If you are able to purchase some hurricane lamps to cover and protect your pillar candles then you will enjoy your outdoor candlelight for a long period of time.

Glass chimney lamps are wonderful for protecting your candles from the wind. Look for these beauties in hardware stores such as Home Depot or Jim’s Hardware in West Vancouver. Use them to protect a simple votive candle in any shape of container you may have around the house. Small plant pots work beautifully when filled with rocks or sand and a votive candle. Place the glass chimney over the votive to protect it throughout the evening.

Remember to always trim the wick of the candle to ¼” each time before lighting and do not burn your candle for more than 3-4 hours at a time. If you only burn your candle to within 3/8″ of the outer edge on the first burn you are more likely to see the candle burn down the center with subsequent use.

Most importantly, never leave a burning candle unattended at any time.