Candles in a row at one height look like a restaurant. Candles at heights that don't agree look like a home.
A fall candle centerpiece, mixed tall and short, with a few dried leaves and small gourds scattered between, gives a table more warmth than any flower arrangement. It's also easy to put together from what you already own.
Three heights
- Tall: tapers in candlesticks, 12 to 18 inches.
- Medium: pillars 4 to 6 inches tall on small plates.
- Low: tea lights in amber glass.
Scatter them along the center, mixing heights so no two neighbors match.
Candle colors
- Ivory and cream: classic, goes with everything.
- Rust and brown: warm and fall-like.
- Beeswax: golden and faintly honey-scented.
Mix two colors at most.
Holders
- Mismatched brass candlesticks: thrifted, different heights.
- Small stoneware plates under pillars.
- Amber or smoked glass for tea lights.
Fill between
Dried copper beech leaves, a few small gourds, acorns or chestnuts. Keep them low and away from flames.
Unscented at the table
Scented candles compete with food. Use unscented candles on the dining table and save scented ones for other rooms.
Safety
- Stable holders.
- Dripless candles.
- Leaves and dried material at least a few inches from flames.
- Never leave candles burning unattended.
Place settings
Simple cream plates and linen napkins let the candlelight be the focus.
Candles for different tables
- Long table: a line of mixed candles down the center.
- Round table: a cluster in the middle.
- Kitchen table: three pillars on a board.
Removing wax from linen
If wax drips on a tablecloth, let it harden, scrape off what you can, then place a paper towel over it and press with a warm iron. The paper absorbs the wax.
Arranging the candles
Set the tallest candles in the middle of the table and step down in height as you move out toward the ends. Group them in odd numbers, like three or five, rather than an even row. Leave a gap between groups wide enough for a serving dish so the centerpiece works while food is on the table.
Light the candles about 15 minutes before guests sit down. Tapers look best once the tops have softened a little, and pillar candles need that time to form an even pool of wax.
Candles and greenery together
A thin line of greenery under the candles softens the arrangement. Eucalyptus, olive branches and magnolia leaves all work. Keep the greenery well clear of every flame, at least 3 inches below and to the side of the wick. Dried leaves and grasses burn fast, so use fresh ones near candles and save the dried material for the ends of the table.
For glass hurricanes, the greenery can wrap right around the base, since the glass keeps the flame contained.
Choosing candle sizes
Tapers come in 10 and 12 inch lengths. For a dinner that runs three hours, 12 inch tapers are the safer choice. Pillars in 3 by 3 or 3 by 6 inch sizes are the easiest to group because they sit flat and burn for many hours. Tea lights last about four hours, so put them in holders you can refill quietly.
What it costs
- Tapers: $10 to $25 for a pack.
- Pillars: $5 to $15 each.
- Tea lights: $5 to $10.
- Thrifted candlesticks: $2 to $10 each.
Mistakes to avoid
- All candles the same height.
- Scented candles at dinner.
- Dried leaves touching flames.
- Matching candlesticks.
Fall candle centerpiece FAQ
How do you make a candle centerpiece for fall?
Mix tall tapers, medium pillars and low tea lights, and scatter dried leaves and small gourds between.
What candles are best for a dining table?
Unscented, dripless tapers and pillars.
What colors of candles for fall?
Ivory, cream, rust, brown and natural beeswax.
How do you get candle wax out of a tablecloth?
Scrape off hardened wax, then iron through a paper towel.
