CasaSugar

How-To: Create Festive Fall Votives

CasaSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:30:22 -0800

Want to add some pretty autumnal style to your Fall Thanksgiving table? Then try this great, simple trick from Better Homes and Gardens for transforming a holiday Autumn table. For a beautiful twist on boring old votives, collect colorful leaves from your backyard or nearby park. Then, tie the leaves to the votive with ribbon, twine, or yarn. Voila! You have a no-cost centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. Just be careful not to get any of the leaves close to the flame. While I do love the fiery reds of Autumn leaves, I don't actually think that I want them on fire.

For another votive idea, read more.

If you have some extra time, you can also decoupage leaves onto the votive's exterior. This will give the votive a frosted effect, and will illuminate the leaves.

Source

Do You Float Candles in Your Bathtub?

CasaSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:00:46 -0700

I think that floating candles in a bathtub is absolutely romantic, but when it comes down to it, who has the time? I can imagine doing so on a romantic vacation, but it's not my style for a weekly bath at home.

Source: Flickr User Monsieur Gordon

Casa Quickie: Locate Leaks With a Candle

CasaSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:30:17 -0700

If you live in an old house, chances are that you might have some drafts coming in through window and door frames. To find out for sure, light a candle, and hold it along the frames (just don't get too close to any curtains). If the candle flame flickers or smokes, there's a leak. To fix, use caulking or weather stripping in that area.

Have you tried this technique before to locate leaks?

Fall Style: Dress Up Simple Votives

CasaSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:30:43 -0700

Want to add some easy Fall style to your next table setting? Then take this tip from event designer extraordinaire Preston Bailey. Glue Fall leaves (especially desiccated ones, like these) to the exterior of plain glass votives. The candlelight will add a beautiful glow to the table, and illuminate the shape and details of the leaves.

Do You Light Candles by Your Bedside?

CasaSugar — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:00:58 -0700

Candles can be a calming addition to your nighttime routine. I know that lighting some delicately scented soy candles at night definitely gets me ready to settle in for some shuteye. Do you light candles to help you settle in for a good night's sleep, or, perhaps, set the mood for romance?
Source

How-To: Rid Your Candle Holders of Wax

CasaSugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:00:00 -0700

I recently hosted a dinner party lit by dozens of candles, from votive holders on the coffee table to candlesticks in the dining room. Part of cleaning up after a candlelit soiree involves getting rid of all that wax. Thankfully I've learned a few tricks and tips over the years to make it easier. Here are a few of my favorite wax-removing solutions.

Before placing a candle in a votive holder, fill it with 1/4 inch of water. This way the wax won't stick to the glass and will be easier to remove.
If you skip the water step, after the party, put your wax-coated candle holders in the freezer for a few hours. This will allow the wax to shrink so you can easily pop it out with a screwdriver or other tool.
If the frozen wax doesn't pop out right away, try placing the candle holder upside down while it returns to room temperature, then try again.

Get three more tips.

Love It or Hate It? Vulcan Salute Hand Candle

CasaSugar — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 06:15:57 -0700

Need a new candle that will have your guests doing a double take? Then perhaps you should add a Vulcan Salute Hand Candle ($61) to your coffee table. Cast from a real hand, this candle is approximately 10 inches tall, and will burn for three hours.

Do You Ever Place Candles on Your Stairs or Floor?

CasaSugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:30:26 -0700

I love how utterly romantic this image is. It's straight out of a romantic foreign film. Practically, though, I'd worry about fire hazards associated with having candles within kicking distance.

Source

Roundup: Hurricane Lamps

CasaSugar — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:00:23 -0700

Last night, I was disappointed to see that HBO ran a previously aired episode of True Blood. Watching this show, from Alan Ball, who also created Six Feet Under, is definitely a guilty pleasure. Tara Thornton, played by actress Rutina Wesley, is one of my favorite characters on the show. She's been taken under the wing of Maryann (Michelle Forbes), who's been adding some Greek mythology to the already fantastical set.

While I have my suspicions about Maryann's intentions, I must admit that her house is totally crave worthy, as are her fabulous breakfast spreads. I love the casually elegant al fresco breakfast setting here. Hurricane lamps are a must-have item for outdoor meals, as the tall glass cylinders will protect candles from flickering out. While a light source isn't needed for an outdoor breakfast, the hurricanes add to the elegance of the setting.

Want some hurricanes of your own? See my favorites when you read more.

Source

10 Ways to Light Up the Night

CasaSugar — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:00:35 -0700

If you're hosting guests or hanging out in your backyard late into the night, you're going to need some illumination. Whether you craft your backyard lighting or buy it, you want to keep your lighting pretty, as well as durable. I've found some lighting choices that provide great ways to add some illumination to your Summer outdoor dining or entertaining experience.
Source

View Slideshow ›

Mirrored Hurricane Lantern - $128.00	Pixie Candleholder - $9.95
Woven Hurricanes - $12.00	Jaipur Hurricanes by Michael Aram for Waterford - $165.00
Smoke Circle Mosaic Hurricane - $79.95	Williams-Sonoma Classic Glass Hurricane - $68.00
Recycled Glass Hurricanes - $78.00	Blissliving Home Mini Hurricanes - $10.00
Mikasa® Hurricane - $39.99	Alhambra Hurricane, Ivory - $49.00
Recycled Glass Hurricanes - $49.00	notNeutral NotNeutral Season Hurricanes - in white - set of 2 - $28.00