HG Openhouse Blog

I’m back in the cupboard again, rummaging around for some candlesticks, or something that can pass for candlesticks and still look nice to decorate the holiday table.  I pulled out some stemware and crystal glasses and played around with them until some fairly fancy faux candlesticks took shape. 

 You easily could do this with the many different types of stemware or glassware you might have, if you’re in need of candlesticks, or if you just want something a little different. It’s just a matter of stacking them and adding some color in or around them that makes them unique. I wanted a little height, so with the help of a few small dots of clear glue-gun glue, I was able to stack two of them and knew they would be sturdy and secure. The glue rubs off the glass when you want to dismantle them.

 I used cranberries to add color and use as filler to hold the candles upright in the glasses. They look festive and made a pretty presentation.

The photo above was a simple but elegant way to add some height and nest a votive-type candle in with the cranberries.

 In the collage…(click on photo to enlarge).

The reverse of the top arrangement, left a wide center section to add cranberries or a pretty flower floating in water.

Two crystal glasses were stacked bottom to bottom and filled with cranberries which supported a taper candle. Repeat the cranberries in the vase of flowers. Fill with water.

Set three stemware pieces as the base and add the forth on top for height. Fill with cranberries and candles.

Turn over a few vases of different heights. Stack the stemware on top of them. Add candles or anything colorful to them.

Try to use dripless candles if they will be exposed to good crystal so you don’t have to clean the melted wax out. Or to keep wax from sticking to the glass, spray on a light coat of cooking oil spray before you add the candle. To make regular candles “dripless”, submerge or soak candles in salt water for 24 hours prior to burning them. Use 2 teaspoons of salt to 2 cups of water. Yes, I know this sounds strange, but for some reason this really works. Does anyone know why???

I’d love to hear if any of you give this a try…dripless candles or making candlesticks. What other things can be used for color and decoration on these candlesticks? These are just my ideas. I’d love to hear yours!

Have fun with your table arrangements and enjoy the holidays!