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Candles Create Affordable Holiday Magic
That’s why candles are taking the center stage in holiday decorating and entertaining plans for 2009. For a modest expenditure, candles can create an inviting home and unmatched holiday ambience. Design TrendsThe timeless reds and greens of Christmas are at the heart of this year’s decorating palette, but in distinctive combinations that either evoke memories of holidays past or suggest a more contemporary flair. For traditional homes, deep crimsons and dark greens are often paired with rich golds and creamy whites reminiscent of an Edwardian holiday scene. For a more casual and modern feel, look for ruby reds and peridot greens paired with silvers and bright white. Whether your style is contemporary or traditional, you’ll find swirls, patterns and texture adding an artisan touch to the look of this year’s holiday décor…from candles and candleholders to tree ornaments, tableware and even gift wrap. Scented candles remain the most popular and affordable way to infuse your home with holiday ambiance. This year’s favored fragrances are the traditional yuletide scents – berry, cinnamon and evergreen – highlighted by sophisticated notes of pear, apple, ginger, currant, mocha and vanilla.Decorating with Candles Mantels are typically the focus of most holiday décor arrangements. They’re the perfect spot for groupings of tapers or pillars in metallic candlesticks of varying height, surrounded by a sweep of evergreen boughs. Consider using red or white candles to offset the foliage, along with handblown or patterned ornaments for additional color, sparkle and focal interest. Holiday meals – from informal family get-togethers to formal dinner parties – are at the heart of most holiday celebrations and the natural setting for candles. Dinner table arrangements shouldn’t compete with the enjoyment of food or conversation. That means arrangements that won’t block your view of others at the table, and unscented candles that won’t vie with the aromas of your meal.
Make Your Holidays SafeAccidental candle fires increase four-fold during the holiday season, so the National Candle Associations urges all consumers to take special care with candles during the holidays.Always keep a burning candle within your sight. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire. Be especially careful with flammable decorations or placing candles too close to Christmas greenery or Christmas trees. Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use. The holder should be heat resistant, sturdy and big enough to collect dripping wax. Never place pillars or any candles directly on furniture, whether glass or wood, or directly on greenery. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Trim candlewicks to ¼ inch before lighting or re-lighting, and keep the wax-pool free of wick trimmings, dust, matches and debris at all times. Too-long wicks can cause uneven burning, smoking and dripping. Click here for more candle safety rules.
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How do Americans plan to celebrate the holidays when the economy is still struggling and money is tight? By focusing on the simple traditions that make the holiday season both magical and comforting.
Create a festive note of welcome in the entry hall or foyer with a large white or red pillar on a footed hurricane with berried holly leaves nestled around the base. 
For formal dinners, there’s nothing more dramatic or pleasing than a table that sparkles. A simple but elegant centerpiece might incorporate an oblong glass bowl of ornaments, or greenery and pinecones, surrounded by tealights in faceted glass holders and set upon a mirror. Dim the lights, light the candles and allow the faceted glass and mirror reflect the glow of the candlelight for a radiant shimmer. 
