Candle Etiquette

 Last week I was invited by Fragrance Direct to make my own candle at the Rachel Vosper shop in Knightsbridge. Although the candle making class was amazing it was Rachel’s Candle Etiquette which I found most interesting. I really love candles, especially luxury candles and have been using Rachel’s tips to get the most from all of my candles.

I’ve never really thought of timing my candle burning time but candles should burn for no less than one hour and no more than four. Sticking to this means you allow the entire surface of the candle to burn, allowing for an even burn, with less tunnelling but the candle doesn’t over heat.

Wick lengths are also really important and should usually be kept to 6mm however if you’re going to be burning the candle for over three hours than it’s worth cutting the wick even shorter. If you’re going to be relighting a candle then always allow it to cool and solidify before you do so.

Then of course there are the basics, never leave a candle unattended and always keep them out of the reach of children and animals. One which I think it obvious but people seem to forget is to really consider what is going on around the candle, be careful with curtains or lose papers which can easily be flown into a candle. Also be careful with what the candle is sitting on too, not burning the candle all the way to the bottom will protect the candle vessel too.

Another cleaver tip for anyone who, like me, likes to use empty candle vessels to hold makeup brushes or someone that likes to refill the candle; place the vessel in the freezer overnight to shrink the wax. In the morning using hot (not boiling) water, rinse the vessel and polish with a soft cloth.

I love candles in autumn and winter, I’ve been burning a candle daily and a have a few waiting to be used. Of course I love Diptyque and Jo Malone but I’ve been trying out a few different ones recently. I haven’t had a chance to burn my Rachel Vosper candle which I made yet but I went for the Sandalwood & Cedar scent as I find it really warming. The Lucy Annabella Niaouli & Lavendar candle is the perfect evening candle as it has a really beautiful relaxing scent. The White Company Fresh Figs is the one I have been burning the most recently throughout the day and is a really lovely all year round candle. I’m patiently waiting for Christmas to burn La Montana Winter Oranges and the 100 Acres Candle. La Montana Winter Oranges has a really christmasy orange, cinnamon and clove scent which I love as it’s christmasy without the sicky sweet scent the lots of christmas candles come with. The 100 Acres candle comes in the most beautiful vessel, perfect for Christmas in any room.

What candle are you currently burning?