A gloriously handsome Georgian Irish oval mirror, c.1790, from Fileman Antiques in England. While over two hundred years old, its classical design transcends time and hints at a modern aesthetic. Does it hold two or four candles?
“There are two ways of spreading light, to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”
~ Edith Wharton
Candlelight can turn a mundane event into a celebration! A candlelit dinner somehow magically becomes... more memorable. Candles have been integral to celebrations for centuries, from churches to dinner parties and atop birthday cakes. Candles create significant moments.
Mummy always said, “Everything tastes better in candlelight.” And I think everyone “looks” better in candlelight!
What is a simple way to “double” your candlelight?
Place candles in front of a mirror! This technique has been used for centuries. The double reflection of candlelight in a mirror is alluringly majestic.
While filming my television series at Blenheim Palace, England, in the private dining room, a pair of dramatic candelabras doubled the reflected candlelight between resplendent mirrors. Simply magical!
One of a pair of Georgian gilt girandoles in the dining room at Fox Hall reflects the chandelier lights in the mirror. Another reason for mirrors is that they reflect all types of light!
Why are white and ivory candles the most traditional choice of color?
Let’s take a little peek at candle history! Candles were initially made of tallow (cow, sheep, animal fat, or oils). Beeswax was introduced to the Europeans in the Middle Ages as an alternative to tallow. Natural beeswax is the color of honey and was originally sun-bleached for a lighter white, thus making them more expensive. Due to their expense, white and ivory candles were considered a step above any other candle and historically were used in noble residences, palaces, and churches. They are often seen as a symbol of purity and elegance for an inviting atmosphere. A white candle continues to be a timeless, traditional choice, especially for formal events.!
GrandMillenial Tip:
Beware of air-conditioning and/or window breezes... I found out the hard way! The newly installed A/C vent in our Palm Beach ceiling blew downward and onto the dining room table, which caused the candle wax to drip endlessly. And with the windows open at Fox Hall, a summer breeze made the candlelight from the wall sconces drip onto two Hepplewhite silk upholstered chair seats… causing it to be a “rawwwther” expensive dinner party!
How do you get candle wax off a table?
I use a rubber spatula to scrape off the larger bits and a soft cloth with dish soap and hot water to melt and remove the remaining wax smears. The use of a hairdryer will also melt the wax.
How do you remove wax drips from a tablecloth?
Freeze the tablecloth first, and then scrape it off. Or, place a brown paper bag or towel over the remaining wax and iron it on a low setting. The wax will melt and transfer to the paper. Repeat this process until all of the wax is gone, and then wash it, but I prefer to send it off to be professionally cleaned
Forbidden Faux Pas
No-no: To have the white wick visible on a candle.
What is done: A wick must always be blackened, even if the candle is never used. Candles are meant to be used, so blacken the wick on all candles to indicate you know this little, old-school secret.
Xx
Holly
PS: I received excellent advice and wonderfully enlightening responses from many of you about “Sympathy Notes,” worthy of your attention. See my Hello Holly Addendum below, after reading about my amazing sponsors!