CANDLES AND TABLECLOTHS definitely do not come under the heading of cooking; however, when you are preparing a wonderful table of food, candles and tablecloths are present. There is nothing more frustrating than to pull out your fine tablecloth or a special candle and find neither is acceptable. Check your tablecloths ahead of time to make sure they are neatly pressed and your candles look good.
CANDLES require a certain amount of care to insure their longevity. Here are a few tips:
1. Candles fade if exposed to bright light for long periods of time.
2. Fingerprints can be removed by rubbing the candle with a nylon stocking.
3. Keep candles out of draft.
4. Candles burn more smoothly & evenly if refrigerated before using. Wrap candles in plastic or foil to prevent wicks from absorbing moisture.
5. Trim wicks ¼” for longer burning time and smaller flame.
6. Put votives in l/8 inch of water before burning. After votive is extinguished, press lightly on wax to pop remainder out of holder.
7. Burn pillar candles long enough to create a pool of wax across most of the diameter of the candle. The candle will last longer and burn more evenly.
8. Extinguish candles when they burn within 2” of holders or decorations.
9. To remove spilled wax, let it harden, then place a paper towel or brown paper bag on the spot. Gently press with a warm iron. Wax will melt and be absorbed into the paper.
Most of these instructions come with the candles but we don’t even read them. We just light the candle and deal with the results. Hopefully this will help your special candles last longer and stay looking beautiful!!
Gogi