September 2010  |  Volume 3, Issue 8

Dear Candle Lovers:

Fall Into the Candle Habit

The economy today . . .” is frequently used as an expression.  When one hears this phrase what comes to mind?  Bills?  Money issues?  Loss of jobs?  Higher debt?  Lower income?  What about cutting expenses?  By utilizing candles for light, even minimal light as needed, can lower your electrical cost significantly.  Below are some candles to consider.

CANDLE HOLDERS: COMBINING DECORATIVE FLAIR WITH SAFETY

No matter what your candle preference – tapers, pillars, votives, or a grouping of various candles – make sure every candle is placed in or on a fire-resistant candle holder.

Although candle holders are a basic must-have for safety, they’re also a great way to add additional decorative flair to your candle arrangements. Here are some of our favorite ideas for making the most of your candle holders.

Candlesticks. Candlesticks allow tapers to stand securely upright, and are most often used for the dining table or on the mantle. Grandma’s candlesticks were probably ho-hum holders that dutifully held a taper but didn’t make much of a decorating statement.

Votive Holders. Votives liquefy when burned, and a votive cup or holder is designed to contain all the liquefied wax and keep it away from anything flammable. Votive holders can be made of any fire-resistant material, but are most often made from glass to allow the candlelight to shine through. Tea lights can always be placed in votive holders.

Pillar Plates are a subtle way to enjoy the beauty of the pillar candles safely. These flat plats are typically made of stone, metal or ceramic. Rectangular or square stone or ceramic pillar plates in deep earth shades are perfect for creating candle-scapes.

Candelabras can add a dramatic touch to any setting, such as a formal dining table, coffee table, mantel, a fireplace, or on a grand piano in Liberace style. Candelabras hold multiple candles in a single apparatus and can be made from a variety of materials including ceramic, metal and glass.

Lanterns and Hurricanes are a great way to use candles in high traffic areas or in breezy areas of a home. A typical lantern or hurricane surrounds the candle with glass or metal to block the elements from coming into contact with the flame.

http://www.candles.org/media_pr.html

SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHT Grapevine Pillar Candle Holder

Normal Price:  $12.95 / Sale Price:  $11.65

The classic combination of grapevines and candlelight lends

special sophistication to your next gathering!

Simply add a pretty pillar candle to this

graceful stand for an instant centerpiece.

Candle not included.

TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

Development of Candle Waxes

During the latter half of the 20th century, several synthetic and chemically synthesized waxes, including gels, were developed largely for specialty candle uses. Two vegetable-based candle waxes - soy wax and palm wax - were developed for commercial use in the candle market during the late 1990s by hydrogenating soybean and palm oils, respectively.

Paraffin is by far the most frequently used candle wax on a worldwide basis today. Beeswax is also used around the globe, although in significantly smaller quantities. Stearin candle wax is largely limited to European use. Soy wax, palm wax, gels, synthetic waxes, and synthesized waxes are also now used in candles, as are a variety of wax blends and customized wax formulations.

http://www.candles.org/elements_wax.html

Guide to Popular Candle Fragrances:

Relaxation/Spa Category - This category includes fragrances such as ylang ylang, mint, ginger, green tea and eucalyptus, which are often used in day spas and resorts to create a sense of calm and well-being. Ylang Ylang is believed to decrease anxiety, slow breathing, lower blood pressure, lift the mood, improve circulation and reduce insomnia. Sandalwood, which also falls into this category, is believed to help regulate one’s mood, treat insomnia and reduce nervous tension.

COMING NEXT MONTH

Candle Wax Facts  -  Holiday Ideas:  It is Never Too Early!