Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Candles For Every Day

Many of us save candles for a special occasion, such as romantic dinners. However, candles really belong to the everyday. They can infuse magic and romance into our daily rounds. More importantly, candles also have a number of very practical uses. They can:

1) Deodorize. Scented candles often get rid of undesirable odors far more effectively than room sprays and deodorizers. If a room smells musty, try lighting a scented candle or two for a few hours – you will be amazed at the results.

2) Set a mood. Candles can transform any room into a warmer, cozier spot. In fact, jet-setting celebs often travel with their own candles, so that they can transform impersonal hotel rooms into pleasant environments.

3) Decorate. Candles are a fast and inexpensive way to decorate. They can change the look of a room without much effort or cost. Best of all, when you want to change the look of a room again, it is so easy and inexpensive to just change some candles around again for a refreshed appearance!

4) Get rid of pests. Some scented candles can actually keep flying critters – including mosquitoes away.

With all these benefits, you will want to include candles in your every day life. Why not try these ideas to start:

1) Place candles on mantelpieces, dressers, and nightstands. Just find some great candleholders or buy jar candles.

2) Use unlit candles as bookends. While you certainly don't want flame anywhere near your books, unlit pillar candles look fabulous beside or piled on top of books. If you have large, heavy candleholders or large, heavy pillar candles, you can even use them to prop up books. Just be sure to remove the candles before lighting them.

3) Group candles on top of coffee tables. This is a great look that instantly makes your home look more personalized.

4) Set up candles outside on the deck. Use candles to keep away mosquitoes and other flying insects. Also, create a great atmosphere for a barbeque by setting up groups of candles on the deck or on the picnic table.

5) Group candles on the edge of the bath. This will create a wonderful haven for bath time, especially if you use scented candles with aromatherapy benefits. Just be sure that the candles are grouped so that you cannot accidentally knock them over.

6) Create a special spot in your home with candles. In the nineteenth century, women created special rooms called boudoirs. These rooms were a haven where busy women could relax, dream, and completely pamper themselves. Although we are busier today than we have ever been, we often don't have special spots in our homes. You can change this today. Set aside a spare bedroom, or a corner, or even just a small shelf or bench. Place a few favorite photos there, some fresh flowers, and some scented candles. This can be a great place to retreat when you need time to read or just relax.

Article source: http://candles-utopia.blogspot.com/2007/10/candles-for-every-day.html