Integrating Candles into Thanksgiving
The turning of the leaves and the crisp autumn air mark the beginnings of the colorful autumn season, and as the beauty of Mother Nature’s landscape changes, it’s only natural for indoor panoramas to follow suit. Rich, deep hues of red, brown, and orange rejuvenate the senses and lead into a season of family traditions, festive décor, and all-around warmth. One way to set the stage for a festive Thanksgiving holiday is through the use of candles as decorative accents, either as finishing touches on an already well-decorated home, or as the main event.
- No holiday table setting is complete without the warm glow of votives or tapers to complement the bounty of a feast. Elegant tapers in rich autumn colors set the tone for an elegant dining experience, while votives surrounded with greenery and fall blooms, such as sunflowers, marigolds, and mums, bring the outdoors in for an earthy, homespun feel.
- Incorporating pleasant lighting into a home’s décor has long been recognized as a key way to cast a peaceful—not to mention flattering—ambiance in a room. Doing away with overly bright lighting and replacing it with a softer, gentler incandescence can easily be achieved by reducing the electric glow of bulbs and placing warm, flickering candles around a room instead. The inviting glow of the dancing flames is an especially nice touch after a feast is over and it’s time to relax and chat over a piping hot cup of coffee or cider.
- Fragrance is a vital aspect of any feasting experience, often as much a part of a home’s décor as the visual aesthetics. As the intoxicating aromas of turkey, dressing, and bread pudding waft out of the kitchen, the decadent redolence of lit candles releasing scents of rosemary, cider, and other spices are sure to boost anticipation of the meal ahead.
- A candlescape along the mantelpiece is an easy way to create a dramatic look that serves as an unexpected contrast to the traditional hearth below. Well-placed and closely-grouped clusters of monochromatic pillar candles at varying heights and widths set the stage for an intimate holiday celebration, and when intertwined with colorful tendrils of cranberry-hued climbing bittersweet, the effect is whimsical yet sophisticated.
- A charming twist on any harvest centerpiece featuring autumn vegetables, blooms, and grasses can be achieved by adding pillar candles to a festive tabletop vignette. Plain candles trimmed with grosgrain ribbon create a stylish, custom look. Securing small accessories, such as seasonal berries and miniature pinecones, to the base of candles with a touch of hot glue is another great DIY way to create ornamental, polished results.
- Showcasing autumn’s bounty with attractive arrangements at the entranceway to a home gives dinner guests a preview of the festive decor awaiting them inside. Outdoor lanterns with brightly lit candles within are lovely when placed alongside seasonal items, such as pumpkins and gourds. Cascading this arrangement down the front steps or along walkways illuminates Thanksgiving feasting and fellowship into the night.
- Following the dinner course, the aroma of fresh baked goods such as cookies, pies, and cakes is a tantalizing foretaste to dessert hour. While the pumpkin pies, cranberry tarts, and apple crisps are receiving the finishing touches in the kitchen, the gentle candle fragrances of cinnamon, vanilla, and strudel are a delightful complement to the menu of sweets.
- For those who are attending Thanksgiving celebrations at a friend’s or relative’s house this year, one way to show appreciation for the labor-intensive task of hosting a holiday event is to bring a gift for the host or hostess. Something thoughtful and useful will be most appreciated, and candles wrapped in attractive packaging are always a hit. Bundles of tapered candles bound with ribbon and a hand-written thank-you note is one idea; another option is to pair scented candles with a complementing potpourri. Jar candles produce plenty of fragrance and often last the longest. For those who are playing host this year, sending guests home with a candle gift (especially of the scented variety) will allow them to experience the holiday long after the festivities are over.
Even if it’s not yet chilly enough to gather round the fireplace, introducing candles to various corners of the home can usher in a sense of warmth that heralds the impending excitement of the holiday events to come. Introducing candles as a décor accent is one of the oldest and most reliable ways of creating an unforgettable setting when celebrating Thanksgiving Day. From filling a room with luxurious fragrance to setting the tone for a special event, candles are a multi-purpose accessory with endless possibilities.
Topics: Notes From Us |