Lockdown restrictions have begun to ease, but large group gatherings are still not possible, forcing folks to get creative or wait it out.  Many brides and grooms have decided to move ahead as planned, but pivoting as needed – changing to an outdoor setting, relocating to a smaller venue or even turning to an at-home virtual ceremony for friends and family to join from around the world.

Wherever a wedding takes place – on Zoom or in your backyard — creating a space of beauty, peace and magic can be done with the simple, yet elegant décor created by candles.  Day or night, candlelight adds to the romantic atmosphere of most any occasion and creates a sense of festivity, even if it’s just a few gathered for this important day.  From garden candles to wedding stairway drama, there are myriad ways candles can create the perfect ambiance for your ceremony or celebration.  A few suggestions include:

• Hanging candle lanterns in trees or on strung lines to add light or provide a visual boarder
• Creating easy to assemble candle campfires with smaller intimate seating areas
• Making a candle light path into the event site or as a romantic walk into the woods or towards the beach
• For more ideas, visit The World Candle Month Pinterest Page at https://www.pinterest.com/candlemonth/

Candles have always equaled romance and, now more than ever, as couples may need to get creative for their nuptials, candles can offer a simple, yet stunning décor option.  Another common tradition are Unity Candles, whereby two outside candles are lit by the parents, representing their lives at the moment. The couple then lights a center candle together, symbolizing the union of their lives.  

There’s a special beauty and tranquility to candles, but a lighted candle is also an open flame, and a potential fire hazard if not carefully monitored. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Never burn a candle on or near anything that might catch fire. And make sure to keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

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Whether you’re spending time with a partner or treating yourself, here are a few ways to incorporate candles into your celebration.

Gift it, and Mean it

According to a recent survey from the National Retail Federation, consumers are spending more money on Valentine’s Day gifts than ever before, with an increase of $60 between 2009 and 2019. This generosity is no longer primarily limited to romantic partners, with more people purchasing gifts for other loved ones such as friends, family, or co-workers.

Plus, those go-to giant teddy bears are starting to get swapped for gifts that tell a story or evoke specific emotions. A quarter of the survey’s respondents plan to give a “gift of experience” this year. This experience-centric mindset is especially popular among the millennial generation, offering the opportunity to create a special and unique memory.

Candles are a great way to give every day experiences or indulgences. Looking to make things extra meaningful on February 14^th? Treat your best friend or significant other to a customized candle, with a personalized photo and message or pick a scent that will evoke a favorite memory.

Ignite Emotions With the Sweetest Scents

Since scent is a powerful trigger of emotion, fragranced candles are a simple way to establish those Valentine’s Day vibes. Patchouli and rosewood fragrances are known for their aphrodisiac effect. Uplifting floral scents can also cause sparks to fly, such as Lavender Lemongrass, Fresh Cut Roses, or Golden Gardenia. Other romantic options include jasmine, honeysuckle, or cherry blossom.

For a masculine aroma, try lighting a stronger yet snuggly scent such as Firewood. No fresh bouquet this year? No problem. Try a scent like Rose Water & Ivy.

Set the Mood With Romantic Lighting

When it comes to creating a romantic ambiance, it’s all in the lighting. The soft flicker of candle light is perfect for a Valentine’s Day dinner date, as it eliminates surrounding distractions and allows you to fully focus on each other.

If you’re planning to enjoy a home-cooked meal, add some extra elegance to your table by mixing candles of different heights and shapes into centerpieces. Scatter red rose petals around the table for an extra dash of drama.

While red and pink candles can help represent love and attraction, white candles will also match well with any table setting. Creative candle vessels are another great way to get into the Valentine’s Day spirit. Try displaying a fun message or showcasing an eye-catching design.

Since there’s no bigger buzzkill than an accidental fire, always make sure you’re following all candle safety measures. Keep burning candles within sight, and make sure all candles are far away from anything flammable.

To keep up with the latest candle tips and trends for holidays and beyond, follow NCA on Instagram.

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That’s where hygge comes in.

Pronounced “hoo-ga,” this concept describes a feeling of cozy satisfaction and well-being through embracing the simple things in life. Hygge was created by the Danish in the 18^th century, and has evolved into an international movement. While commonly associated with winter, the practice is meant to be enjoyed year-round.

Along with promoting a sense of comfort and safety, hygge has been linked to various emotional and physical benefits. These include increased optimism, reductions in stress, and improved sleep patterns.

Ready to shift your focus from stress to simplicity? Keep reading for some easy ways to practice this wellness trend at home:

Create a cozy atmosphere

Hygge décor is all about coziness, so snag a few fluffy pillows and soft blankets for some serious unwinding. A comfy nook is a great way to set aside space for peaceful activities, such as reading a book or enjoying a cup of tea.

Scented candles can also help accompany this uplifting atmosphere. Research finds that a pleasant scent can elevate the mood by as much as 40%.

Try integrating seasonal scents such as Apple Cider or Spiced Pumpkin into your home.  Scents like lavender and jasmine can also complement the ambiance, as these aromas have been linked to improved relaxation and stress reduction.

Curl up by the fire

The sounds of a flickering fire can be particularly effective in creating a sense of warmth and comfort in your home.

No fireplace? No problem! Wooden candle wicks give off a soothing crackling sound, just like a fireplace or campfire. By clustering candles of different sizes and shapes into individual glass votives and grouping them together, you can also create a similar look of a fireplace.

Let there be light

Warm, soft white light is an essential component of creating a sense of hygge in the living space. This creates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere, in contrast to the harsh effect of bright white bulbs or fluorescent lighting.

Rather than using overhead lights that can be overly bright for the space, try using floor and table lamps. Candles are another great way to emit a warm glow, offering a relaxing and inviting ambiance for both solo time and socializing. Just make sure that all candles are placed up high and kept out of reach of children and pets.

With these simple tips, your home will be hygge-friendly and extra inviting. For more on candle care and best practices, check out our foolproof guide.

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Keep the bugs away.

Mosquitos can put a damper on a sunny day or relaxing evening, but citronella candles might be able to help. Citronella is a naturally occurring oil that repels insects. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, the oil works to mask scents that are attractive to insects.

Since citronella concentrations in candles are small, don’t expect to avoid the bugs completely. However, these candles can complement your primary mosquito repellant and offer a more pleasant aroma.

Add an Extra Glow to Your Summer Celebration.

Candle light is a great way to enhance the décor and ambiance of outdoor celebrations, such as summer weddings. A candlelit altar, tablescape, or pathway can help build a peaceful and romantic setting. You can also incorporate creative candle containers into your reception décor for some extra flair. Some creative options include Mango Wood, Pineapple Hurricane Lanterns, or Brass Vintage Candle Holders. These containers can be used to line walkways, or even hung from tree branches.

Colored taper candles are a classic centerpiece choice, offering a wide selection of styles to best fit your theme. They also add height and interest to floral arrangements and other table décor. Try mixing and matching the shapes and sizes of your candles and include an assortment of taper, votive and pillar candles. Votive candles are great for special events, as many have longer burn times. Scented candles can also complement your overall event theme. For instance, a beachy wedding could feature nautical accents, colors, sea salt, or beach plum scents. Fitting beach scents include Bahamian Coconut or Cool Wave.

Safety tips

As beautiful as your outdoor candle setup may be, safety should always be your first concern. A burning candle should never be left unattended, or burned on or near anything that may catch fire. At gatherings, always make sure candles are out of reach of children or pets.

While we encourage the use of creative candle holders, always use one that is specifically designed for candle use. The holder should be heat resistant, sturdy, and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax. Always place your candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface to avoid heat damage and prevent glass containers from breaking.

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As consumer preferences shift, the candle industry is constantly evolving in response to these changes. Last month, the National Candle Association hosted its annual Conference and Expo, one of the largest tradeshows for candle makers and suppliers in the country. Check out some of the top trends from this year’s Expo to keep an eye out for as you browse the shelves:

Personalized Touches

As individuals with a unique set of preferences and needs, consumers love the ability to customize their products. Brands such as Yankee Candle offer customers the freedom to select their own fragrance, and add a personal touch like a photo or quote to the container. This is a popular option for graduations, birthdays, or weddings – adding an extra thoughtful touch to an already popular gifting item.

E-Commerce Offerings Expand

Online shopping has taken precedence over brick and mortar retail in a majority of industries, with candles being one of the few exceptions. Since fragrance is a top factor in consumers’ decision to purchase specific candles, most shoppers prefer to sniff before they buy.

However, candle brands are innovating to use e-commerce to match products to each customer’s preferences and purchase history. Companies like Luxillume also sell “sample-sized” 4-ounce tin candles in a variety of bundles like “Masculine” or “Fruity Fun,” that allow customers to test drive scents before purchasing

Popular subscription boxes offer monthly indulgences of everything from beauty products to books to dog toys, and candles are a perfect addition to this category.  There has been an onslaught of companies offering curated monthly deliveries of candles, with many putting their unique spin on the concept. These include exclusively American-made candles, or themed services that celebrate your favorite movie or TV show.

The Rise of Wooden Wicks

When it comes to the next big thing in the wick world, wooden wicks are having their moment. Wooden wicks are desirable because they create a uniquely visual and audible experience. As a candle burns, it gives off a soothing, soft crackling sound reminiscent of a fireplace. Wooden wicks also provide a modern, flat horizontal flame and do not ‘mushroom’ or produce excessive carbon. Unlike traditional cotton wicks, wooden wicks are offered in a variety of colors, or printed designs.

Unexpected Scents and Nostalgic Connections

There has been a major trend toward the scents that we all know and love, but may not typically associate with candles. (Until now!) Surprising fragrances such as tomato, Jim Beam Bourbon, tobacco cedar, and leather have all risen in popularity – especially as more men become candle buyers and prefer more masculine scents.

Fragrance is particularly powerful due to its ability to evoke memory. Candle companies are capitalizing on this value, by giving candles descriptive names like Summer Camp or Friday Night Football that further induce nostalgia by allowing the consumer to reflect on past experiences.

Unique Vessels

Following fragrance, a candle’s container is one of its top selling points. Companies like the Himalayan Trading Post have experimented with using reusable vessels such as wooden serving trays and galvanized iron pots that extend the life of a candle well after it is burned. Materials like concrete, metals, and even tree bark also appeal to consumers looking for candles that complement their home’s décor.

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