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Candles: The Natural Accessories Clusters at varying heights or solos floating in a waterbed of lemons, let candles work their natural magic on the home Candles have become a decorating standard – just like houseplants and throw pillows. And why not? They are an affordable luxury, adding a warm, homey glow and a sense of well-being to any room. And, according to aromatherapists, burning candles with essential oils can help alleviate stress, reduce the pain of arthritis and enhance your dreams. Above all, candles can work into any room’s decor. The key is finding unusual ways to display them so that they harmonize with the surroundings. Let me illuminate you: • A grouping of candles will have more oomph when clustered in odd numbers and when the candles are of varying heights and widths. It helps if the candles are all the same color or in the same color family – too many colors makes the arrangement look choppy. Break in the candles by burning the wicks for a minute or two so. A collection of pillars can be corralled on anything flat with a circular, oval or rectangular shape. If you scrounge through your cabinets, you’ll be surprised how many things you can use: a trivet, an old cutting board, a plank of wood, a serving tray, a cigar box, a glass block, a silver platter, a dinner plate, or a large tile or piece of slate left over from a remodeling project. A small mirror, or framed picture also could be laid flat and used to house a grouping of pillars. • Once you’ve found the appropriate platform for your pillars, you can add more interest by snuggling beach pebbles or shells around the base of the candles. You also can nestle the pillars in a bed of sand or potpourri. If you’ll be using the arrangement in the kitchen or dining room, you can cover the tray with cherries, cranberries, or small lemons or limes (toss in a green leaf or two for interest). If you place the candles in your guest bath or on top of your dresser, snake a few faux pearl necklaces amongst the candles. • Give your hurricane candles pizzazz. Fill the space between the candle and the glass with marbles, buttons, stones, seashells, bay leaves, lavender or black sand. Convert a flowerpot into a hurricane lamp by filling it with sand, and placing the candle and glass lens in the pot. • I LOVE floating candles. The possibilities for containers are endless. Anything that holds water will work: a drinking cup, a soup dish, a fish bowl, a shot glass, a salad bowl, a bucket, a wine goblet or even your tub! On a guest room dresser, place a teacup on a doily. In the kitchen, fill a tall, cylindrical glass vase with a water, add several lemons, and float a candle at the top. Or, fill a jar with beach glass, add water, top off with a floating candle and place it on your windowsill. • When candlestick holders are not in use they can be grouped on a bookshelf. They also can be used as mini-vases. If the well that holds the candle is deep enough, fill it with water and place a blossom in it. Candlesticks make ideal display stands for orbs, glass Christmas ornaments or decorated eggs. • Once candles have burned down a bit they lose appeal. Don’t toss them, recycle them! Keep one out on the work bench to rub onto screws to make screwing them in easier. Put a dozen used candles in your emergency kit. Melt down candle stubs to make your own candles. Make gift candles: Pour the hot wax into an antique glass purchased at a garage sale. Or, use a simple clear glass drinking cup onto which you have decoupaged rice paper. • Use candles on your patio, as well. Fill a hanging birdbath with a thin layer of sand or pebbles and arrange several pillars on the feeder. Make your own hanging lanterns by wrapping wire around the mouth of a mayonnaise or mason jars and adding a loop of wire from which to suspend it. Add a bit of sand and a votive candle, or fill with water and add a floating candle. Make your own luminarios by recycling lunch-sized brown bags. Draw a sunburst, flower or other design onto the bag and cut it out using an Exacto knife. Place an inch of two of sand in the bottom of the bag and add a votive candle. • A friend of mine recently held a housewarming party, even though his huge new home held only a bed and couch. No one noticed the sparse décor. Not a single electric light shone. He covered every flat surface with dozens of white votives – the mantel, the window sills, the kitchen counter, the vanity. The faces of his guests were illuminated with a golden glow and the coziness of the candlelight made us all feel welcome.
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Kit Davey, an interior designer based in Redwood City, Calif., helps clients redecorate their homes through the creative use of their existing furnishings. E-mail Kit your questions: 
