Manufacture of candles declined after the invention of the lightbulb in 1879.
Despite this advance in lighting technology, we still use candles to brighten our homes, to create a cosy atmosphere or to impart fragrance.
There is still a sense of something magical about burning candles. This perhaps comes from various religious and ceremonial uses that we can still remember.
You can use candles to make a beautiful centrepiece to your table at formal family meals – like Christmas dinner. Or, you can dot them around the home in designer holders to create a wonderful festive atmosphere.
Here are some of our favourites and where to get them:
- Yankee Candles has a huge range of candles of all kinds. Their candles are in jars and pillars, so they impart their relaxing and evocative fragrances without getting melted wax all over the place. Winter Glow, Berry Trifle and Christmas Cookie pillar candles are a favourite. Visit www.yankeecandle.co.uk for more.
- John Lewis stocks all the popular candle brands. Its website lets you shop by fragrance as well as brand. As well as candles the retailer also has ranges of diffusers, candle holders and gift sets to choose from.
- If you are looking for simplicity in design but a wide range of relaxing aromas, then the White Company could be for you. It has candles, votives, pillar candles and tealights galore. Visit its website for more.
- Stylish British parfumier Jo Malone of London has a nice range of candles for the home.
- Going even further up market and for something a little different – particularly if you have money to burn – give Selfridges a try.
