Rejoice for Candlelight! Candlelight symbolizes joy, romance, tranquility, and merriment. Christmas and the start of Hanukkah fall on the same day this year, December 25, 2024, so the topic of “candles” seems fitting. They have long been integral in celebrations, playing an essential part in the rituals of both Christmas and Hanukkah, and continue to have a magical essence while entertaining.
A handsome Georgian Irish oval, candlelit mirror, c.1790, from Fileman Antiques, England., has transcended time with its classical design.
This holiday season, let's light more candles! They have a unique ability to create significant moments, transforming any gathering into something brilliant and celebratory. From churches to dinner parties and even atop birthday cakes, candles have been part of our celebrations for over 5,000 years.
As my Mummy always said, “A candlelit dinner magically becomes more memorable!” As a young bride, she shared a secret with me: “Candlelight makes whatever you’re serving taste even better!” That was a golden nugget; it has served me well for fifty years!
Here is a candle secret for you for your dinner table! My dear friend, Janice Q. from Palm Beach, shared: "Candles should be tall enough that the flame is above your guests’ faces, so it doesn’t cast shadows. Holly, if you don’t believe me, try lighting a candle in a dark room and look at yourself in the mirror. The higher you place it, the better you’ll look!" I did, and guess what? She is right… an easy and magical way of flattering everyone at the table. Tonight, give it a whirl with taller candles!
A Georgian, candlelit gilt girandole in the dining room at Fox Hall reflects the crystal chandelier in the distance.
GrandMillenial Tips
-Beware of air conditioning or open window breezes, which can wreak havoc on lit candles. I learned this lesson the hard way. An A/C vent in our Palm Beach home blew downward on the dining room wall sconces, causing the wax to drip onto the silk seats of a pair of Hepplewhite chairs. Let’s just say it was a rawwwther expensive dinner party!
Our dinner guest, the Duchess of Rutland, Emma Manners, in our dining room in Palm Beach, discussing the color on the ceiling. (Can you spy the vexing A/C vent above us?)
-Place your candles in front of a mirror to double the effect of your candles. This technique has been used for centuries to create a stunning visual display. Edith Wharton once said, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or… the mirror that reflects it.” While filming my television series with Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, I marveled at the candlelit candelabras in front of a pair of pier mirrors placed between the windows in the private dining room at Blenheim Palace. You can see this in the PBS television series I hosted here.
-For candle wax mishaps on your table, don’t fret! A rubber pancake spatula is forgiving and perfect for scraping wax drips off. It's a small trick that can save you from scratching your table with a knife.
A Forbidden Faux Pas
No-no: To have a white, unblackened wick on a candle. An old-school secret tradition I was taught is that candles should always have their “white wick” blackened before installing them in a candlestick holder, candelabra, or chandelier. This small but traditional secret detail indicates that a candle isn’t just for show— it is meant to be used.
Why are white or ivory candles still the most appropriate choice for formal settings? The reason behind this dates back to candle history. Candles were initially made from tallow (animal fat or oils), but beeswax was introduced in the Middle Ages as a more refined alternative. Beeswax candles have a natural honey color, but they were sun-bleached to a pale shade to make them more affordable. Due to their higher cost, white and ivory candles were considered luxurious and used primarily in noble residences, palaces, and churches. Today, white candles continue to evoke elegance and tradition, making them the perfect choice for any occasion. They are my candle color of choice.
Embrace the beauty of candlelight, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere. May your holidays be merry and bright... with even more candlelight!
Thank you, dear ones, for your continued support and encouragement. I am genuinely grateful to all of you!
Xx
Holly
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