This time of year, candles seem just as much a part of the holiday season as gifts, evergreens, and shiny ornaments.
However, the lanterns are no longer just for the winter months, but are constantly made in the house design throughout the year. These days, candles can be found in almost every conceivable size, color and scent, with something to suit every taste.
The sight and smell of lanterns can be habituating and soothing to the senses, which may explain their rising popularity in our society.
Candles are the best way to put a scent in the house,” said Janet Ostarello of Salinas, California, senior unit manager for PartyLite, a Direct Sales< A company that specializes in candles. PartyLite, one of the fastest growing companies in the United States, sells candles for home parties. "It's like no other direct selling company right now," Ostarello said. He thinks that even in the current economic climate, people will buy candles because it will add something special to their homes for a minimal investment. "It's an affordable luxury," Ostarell said. Some people want burning lamps. Others don't often light them, but prefer to have them as part of the interior because they match the decor. But not all candles are made alike. Especially for those who light candles, it makes a difference which candles you buy and how you procure them. Rosa Brittain, manager at Wicks & A wax candle store in Carmel, California, said that not all candles are good candles. Poor candles, which are usually very cheap, will burn too fast and too hot. "You need to have the right wax for the size of the thread," he says. "It's okay to try some to find out what burns the most." Stores like Wicks & Wax, which specializes in candles, has a knowledgeable staff who can recommend the best brands. And once you find a brand that you like, stick with it so you know what you deserve. Britain also prefers candles made from natural materials rather than paraffin, a petroleum derivative. In addition to the traditional wax and berry, candles made of soy wax are increasingly available. Less common, but sometimes seen, are candles created from palm and other vegetable waxes.
There is a lot of enthusiasm for soy candles, which are less expensive than those made from wax, but still offer. a natural alternative to paraffin. SOY produces less soot than paraffin wax and is considered healthier for human lungs and the planet.
SOY also has a lower melting point than other waxes, so candles don’t burn as brightly, making them last longer than other types. It is said that soy candles release more odor into the air because of this fact.
Britannia makes soy candles and sells them at Wikes & Candles under the name Carmel Candle Co., as well as through its website, www.carmelcandle.com.
Ostarellus also notes that he can make a difference from lichens. Party lanterns use cotton wings that contain no chemicals or metals, which help the candles burn longer and cleaner.
No matter what your candle is, there are styles and types galore. In addition to traditional candles and small tea lights, the lamp is an ever-popular pillar of decoration in the home.
A group of candles or pillars can add some dramatic look to your home, in complementary shades or in the same color with a variety of candles.
For an Asian or spa look, place candles in a fire bowl or several columns and surround the candle base with small river rocks. Or glass stones
Candles can also be placed in the fireplace for the sake of the hearth, or even in the hearth for building a fire. There are also candles used mainly in the fireplace.
But prayer is not only consideration. Ostarellus said that for many candle owners, scent is the primary factor in their selection. And everyone is different, what they prefer.
Candles candles are classified according to five types: fruity, sharp, floral, fresh and bright, herbal/nemosy.
“Every nose is different,” he said.
On the other hand, they prefer scattered candles, especially for dining room, so that the smell of the candle does not interfere with the food.
PartyLite also sells flameless candles, another new trend in candle decoration. These candles do not lead to a burning, but to a lamp through luminal but pretend. The light illusion line features this type of candle in the style column.
“It’s an iron cylinder of wax with a light embedded in it,” Ostarello said. “It’s a nice warm glow.”
Other candle lamps mimic real candles quite closely, with black filaments and flickering lights.
If you prefer real candles – which most people do – there are a few ways to make your candles last longer and look better.
Ostarello recommends dropping the candles down the sides of the column after the flame has exhaled, but the wax is still soft, to help it last longer.
“If you knock down the sides, you won’t have that big crater in the middle,” he said.
The British notes that the thread will keep the cut to the finger to keep the candle smoking. In addition, your lamp will appear neater if you clean the debris or what falls into the wax pool.
She also recommends watching the candles carefully to see if they burn while they burn. which is a sign that there is a draft in the room, that the candles may drop.
“The flame has to go up straight, or you’ll have holes and drips,” said Brittannia.
They also keep lit candles away from vents, ceiling fans and air currents, all of which can cause uneven candle lighting. If the candle continues to smoke or flame, or the flame becomes too high, put it out and let the candle cool before twisting the wick.
Sources:
Personal interview with Janet Ostarello and Rosa Brittain, November 2009
www.partylite.com
www.candles.org (National Candle Association)
