Tuesday, November 2, 2010

How Do You Like Your Candles?

How do you like your candles might seem like a strange question, but I think after you read this post it might make more sense.

I have a pet peeve when it comes to candles. I was talking to a good friend the other day and we both agreed on this issue.

I love candles and I use them in my home all the time. So what problem could I have with candles. Wellllll, let me show you………..

1 (383x344)Woodland Creatures???? Seriously???
2 (383x344) 
3 (383x344)
4 (383x344)
5 (383x344)
6 (383x344) 
I ask you, “How attractive is it to see a woodland creature, soldier, rocking horse or sweet doves melt right before your eyes.

Did any of you see the movie The House of Wax with Vincent Price? If you did not see it, trust me it is not pleasant to see wax that has been formed into the form of a living being and then melt right before your eyes!!

Okay maybe I am being a bit dramatic, but I really do not like candles in any shape other than, pillars, columns, or tapers.

The other little peeve I have is when candles are displayed, but never lit. I remember Martha Stewart saying you should always have a candle wick blackened from use if it is on display. So ladies light those candles and blow it out if you must, but make it looked like it was used.

I love, love candles in what I like to consider the more traditional form……..
5 (300x357)
martha (360x450)
martha2 (360x450)
6 (392x478)
untitled (500x333)
There is also an ongoing debate on whether to use colored tapers or all white. I like both. I think the white can look classic and the color can look young and fresh. My friend Eddie Ross always does such amazing table settings using colored tapers. I always get so inspired by his talent. Here are a few of his gorgeous tables using colored tapers……….

2 (418x540)
1 (367x540)
3 (375x500)
4 (405x540)
Sooooooo!!! Would you rather have this…………..
7 (800x720)
……………… Or
beeswax (480x640)
This?!
I rest my case!

"Enjoy the Process" Of:

Using your candles and enjoying them!

Kathysue
at

25 comments:

  1. Blondie's JournalNovember 2, 2010 at 8:07 AM

    I love the tapers and pillars...very elegant. The little critters are cute. Too cute to burn!!

    Thanks for sharing these beautiful tables...each one is magical!

    XO,
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kristen WhiteNovember 2, 2010 at 8:12 AM

    I too love candles and have them burning all the time. I'm not crazy about the little animal candles...they are just too cute to burn. There is just nothing like the glow of a candle to add ambiance to a room IMO.
    Kristen

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousNovember 2, 2010 at 8:13 AM

    Gorgeous inspiration! Thank you for including us!

    Xo
    Jaithan + Eddie

    ReplyDelete
  4. La DolfinaNovember 2, 2010 at 8:45 AM

    I'm with you on this!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sixty-Fifth AvenueNovember 2, 2010 at 9:16 AM

    So funny! I totally agree with you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. BabsNovember 2, 2010 at 9:26 AM

    I only use pillars, votives and occasionally tapers... and always unscented if they are to be used on the dining table or if guests or family members have allergies to fragrance. Like you I always light a new candle and blow it out before displaying or using it. Does all this make me a "candle snob"? Just kidding.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Karen Sabrsula November 2, 2010 at 10:34 AM

    The problem with the animal candles or any other theme candle is it does't take it long to look like, well, melted wax and a deformed animal! If only people would throw them out at that stage, but they refuse!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderNovember 2, 2010 at 10:42 AM

    Dearest Kathysue,

    Does no one out there own a candle sniffer? Blowing out a candle never is a good idea... Sniff it so it will not smell or produce soot.
    The fragrant candles are usually not the good ones, made from beeswax so they do produce more soot as well. For a classic presentation I guess that the natural beeswax candles are best, they look great, burn clean and last longer. Using some glass or crystal bobêche with them helps keep a clean presentation at table.
    Personally I am never in favor of any tall table arrangement; flowers or candles. They are just an obstruction for engaging into a conversation with a table guest across from you. It is so odd if one has to bend sidewards in order to 'see' the conversation-partner.
    People are more important than the arrangement and it looks far better on a side table or else.
    Enjoy this romantic season of candle lit evenings and fire place conversations with loves ones...

    Sunny greetings from Georgia,

    MariettesBacktoBasics

    ReplyDelete
  9. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderNovember 2, 2010 at 11:05 AM

    Sorry it is bobèche and not bobêche...

    ReplyDelete
  10. tinyskilletNovember 2, 2010 at 12:14 PM

    I never liked animal or any other pretty shaped items in my candles either, and for that same reason. Who wants to burn them (and yes I did see the Vincet Price movie House of Wax) Ahhh! If you don't burn it then it just collects dust and the dust sticks to it. Yuck!

    I love the pink tapers on that table with all the different clear holders! I now get soy wax candles, they burn cleaner. I love using the glass containers that I can reuse. I actually do own a can stuffer. If I have any frangrance it's usually spicy, like cinnamon.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Confessions of a Plate AddictNovember 2, 2010 at 12:36 PM

    You are too funny,Kathysue! lol I guess I never thought of the melting woodland creatures before, but I only seem to have regular candles...although I am tempted by those PB doves! I wouldn't burn them, though! I loved your post on color...I love color, too! Maybe a few white accents...but that's it! I need something that hides cat hair! lol Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousNovember 2, 2010 at 1:29 PM

    Oh, colored tapers all the way, for sure!
    And for tapers, or any candle that is part of a table setting, I say NO to any scent! I want to see the light, not smell cinnamon or clove,.... or even lavender!

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownNovember 2, 2010 at 1:41 PM

    I'm right with you....Can't stand "kitchy" stuff like that ( or decorated switch plate covers...which is another soap box all together!)

    ReplyDelete
  14. PinkyNovember 2, 2010 at 1:54 PM

    I hear you and agree! My daughter has tons of candles all over her house but NEVER lights them!!!!!! I just don't get it. It is like keeping the GOOD jewelry in a vault and not wearing it. CRAZY:):)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Acanthus and AcornNovember 2, 2010 at 4:21 PM

    HAHAHA! I agree...candles and creatures are NOT better when combined!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sissie's Shabby CottageNovember 2, 2010 at 5:28 PM

    I wouldn't want to burn those pretty candles either, but we all must do what Martha says for proper protocal! LOL!

    Love the photos. The pink candles are my favorite.

    hugs
    Sissie

    ReplyDelete
  17. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleNovember 2, 2010 at 8:02 PM

    It is true the shaped ones melt down to weir formations. I love the honeycomb candles and I need to find some good ones for new sconces.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Mona Thompson Providence Ltd.November 3, 2010 at 5:56 AM

    I'm in total agreement. I'm totally not in to creature candles. I also agree that candles were made to be lit and in those places where it may be a hazard to leave them lit unacompanied, I always burn them down some so they at least look like they are used. We sell a lot of 100% beeswax candles that have been hand dripped down the sides. These work really well in those instances.

    ReplyDelete
  19. designchicNovember 3, 2010 at 6:45 AM

    I so agree!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. HamptontoesNovember 3, 2010 at 10:15 AM

    Kathysue,
    My oh my, have I missed you since my little break from blogging. I so think the same way as you on this one. I actually don't use candles very often due to little kiddies in the house (especially my 2 year old son who thinks it's funny to grab anything and everything), however for the holidays I will have glow of candles going on the adult table. I love traditional (simple, if you will) candles. They are elegant and create an ambiance, instead of character candles stealing the show. Great post, especially in time for the holidays.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Blooming Rose MusingsNovember 3, 2010 at 2:24 PM

    I agree with you on this. This has always been one of my pet peeves. Great post and lovely images.

    ReplyDelete
  22. vignette designNovember 3, 2010 at 2:55 PM

    Hi Kathysue,
    Great post. I love candles just about any way I can get them. I know what you mean though, the classic pillars and tapers are the best. Can't help like the pine cone candles for special occasions though. xoDelores
    PS: I mentioned you today on my latest post....Let's talk soon!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Linda @ theLENNOXXNovember 3, 2010 at 4:53 PM

    Oh no! I generally don't like candles shaped as anything else than candles either, but I just did an items collage for my giveaway and included not only one, but two animal candles.. And now I feel a bit.. guilty? haha! I don't want to see the silver elephant burn to death now!

    And the MS advice is great! I don't like the forever unlit candle look either!

    ReplyDelete
  24. xinexNovember 3, 2010 at 7:40 PM

    I like all candles, love the glow projected from them but I do love the cute different shapes too. I burnt some candles that looked and smelled like chocolate candies one Valentine's day. I thought they were cute....Christine

    ReplyDelete
  25. AnonymousNovember 4, 2010 at 1:00 AM

    I like candles up to a point. My hubby use to light them all the time,and then fall asleep. Oh yes,,we almost had a fire. This makes me a little crazy when they are lit and I am not in the room. I would rather turn on my fireplace in the bedroom than to light a candle. hehe Kathy

    ReplyDelete

I would love to hear from you, Kathysue