Candle light makes any evening special. Soft and glittering, festive, or romantic, candles, in any form, make everyone and everything look better.
While there is no best time of year to use candles outside, having candles and lanterns that shimmer and welcome guests during the holiday season is always high on my list of holiday décor. Even when we are inside, what fun is it to look outside and see black nothingness? A little low light helps illuminate the patio, porch, or garden and gives life and interest to those areas, often enticing people to go outside and wander.
Pillar candles, votives, and tea lights are available in a wide array of sizes and colors in both flame and battery-operated versions. I’m loving the battery operated candles because they are just so darn easy. I like the fact that I don’t have to think about these at all. Insert batteries and turn on.
Some have remote control switches which allow for turning on and off with the click of a button. Others have timers which will turn off after a set amount of time and then, back on again 24 hours later. Of course, the best thing of all about battery operated candles is that there are no harmful flames and no chance of fire so, there’s one less thing you have to worry about during the busy holiday season.
An advantage of real candles is that there are so many scents from which to choose. Baking cookies, apple pie, or fresh greens are a few that will add to the holiday ambiance. Michel Design Works offers several holiday scents which will put anyone in the holiday mood.
Put one near the front entrance so that guests are treated to a holiday scent before they even walk in the door. Fresh green scents are a great choice, especially if you are decorating with artificial greens.
Lanterns are always stunning at night. Group them together and you will achieve high impact and drama.
How beautiful they appear going up a staircase or lined up on a wall.
You can make a candle holder out of many found things and create an original design that will inspire your guests.
Hollow out a log in several places and set tea lights inside for an earthy and natural candle holder.
How about these hanging ladles which have become tea light holders for the evening? So charming and original!
If you have any creative ways to illuminate your porch or patio, or have been the design genius behind a custom created candle holder, please share. We are all eager to see what others have done and to find inspiration for our own homes.
