Brooke Martin
Candles are a great way to set the mood and create an inviting atmosphere for a dinner party. Whether you're looking for scented or unscented candles, there are plenty of options to choose from. Scented candles can add a unique touch to your dinner, with fragrances ranging from floral and sweet to earthy and woody. For example, the Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Candle has a layered scent with notes of woodsmoke, amber, vanilla, moss, and florals. On the other hand, unscented candles can be a safer option if you're concerned about the aroma interfering with the smell of the food. You can find unscented candles made from beeswax, soy wax, or food-grade paraffin, ensuring a clean-burning experience. When choosing candles for a dinner party, it's also important to consider factors such as burn time, price, and the size of the candle in relation to your candle holders.
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What You'll Learn
Scented vs unscented candles
When choosing candles for a dinner party, there are several factors to consider, including the setting, allergies, and the mood you want to create. Scented candles can be a wonderful way to enhance the atmosphere and create a relaxing or romantic ambiance. However, for dining, unscented candles are generally recommended to avoid interfering with the aromas of the food being served.
Scented Candles
Scented candles can add a delightful fragrance to your dinner party, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. They are ideal for setting a romantic mood or creating a cosy and relaxing environment. Many scented candles contain essential oils known for their therapeutic properties, such as lavender for relaxation or citrus for invigoration. You can experiment with different fragrances to find what resonates with you and your guests. However, it is important to be mindful of how these scents may interact with food aromas. Strong or overpowering scents can detract from the dining experience, especially if they clash with the flavours of the meal.
When choosing scented candles, opt for those made with natural essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances. Natural candles, such as the Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Candle, offer elegant and well-balanced fragrances that can enhance any occasion. The P.F. Candle Co.'s Wild Herb Tonic candle brings earthy, campfire-adjacent smells to the dinner table, making it a versatile choice for any season. For a well-balanced and sophisticated fragrance at a reasonable price, the Threshold Coconut + Honey Wooden Wick Candle is an excellent option, offering a whopping 57 hours of burn time.
Unscented Candles
Unscented candles are generally recommended for dining as they provide a warm and inviting atmosphere without altering the scent of the space. They are ideal for ensuring that perfumey smells do not interfere with the carefully crafted aromas of your culinary creations. Beeswax candles are a popular choice for unscented dinner candles as they are hypoallergenic, produce less soot and smoke, and are biodegradable. They also burn two to five times slower than paraffin candles, making them a longer-lasting option. Food-grade, unscented paraffin wax candles with lead-free cotton wicks are another elegant and safe option.
While unscented candles lack the aromatic benefits of scented candles, they offer a versatile and neutral lighting option. They are perfect for various occasions, including religious ceremonies, weddings, and other events where fragrance may be inappropriate or overwhelming. Research also indicates that unscented candles emit fewer combustion byproducts, making them a healthier choice for indoor dining.
Ultimately, the decision between scented and unscented candles for your dinner party depends on your personal preference and the atmosphere you wish to create. If you opt for scented candles, be mindful of the potential for fragrance overload and choose natural, well-balanced scents that complement your meal. If you prefer unscented candles, enjoy the soft, calming glow while showcasing the delicious aromas of your food.
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Best candle scents for dinner
When choosing candles for a dinner party, it is important to consider the scent of the candle and how it will interact with the smell of the food being served. While scented candles can add to the atmosphere, they may also interfere with the scent of the food. Therefore, it is often recommended to opt for unscented candles, especially for dinner parties where food is the main focus.
However, if you do want to introduce a scented candle to your dinner party, it is best to choose something subtle and not too overpowering. Citrus scents like lemon, orange rind, or zesty lemon are a good option, as are other fresh and clean scents like eucalyptus or tomato vine. If you're looking for something a little sweeter, a vanilla-scented candle can be a good choice, especially if you have a dessert course. For a more unique option, try a candle with notes of warm apple, pear, and whipped cream, like the bespoke candle from Anthropologie.
Woodsy and earthy scents are also a popular choice for dinner parties, as they can complement the food without being too overwhelming. The Hinoki candle by Brooklyn Candle Studio is a popular option in this category, with a scent inspired by the architecture of Kyoto and designed to "evoke the smell of Kyoto after the rain." Other candles in this category include the Wild Herb Tonic by P.F. Candle Co., which combines notes of thyme, orange rind, and pine, and the Amber & Moss Soy Candle by P.F. Candle Co., which offers a subtle, musky, fresh smell with notes of pine resin, moss, eucalyptus, and vanilla.
In addition to the scent, there are other factors to consider when choosing candles for a dinner party. The type of wax can affect the burn rate, smell, and safety of the candle. Beeswax candles, for example, are hypoallergenic, produce less soot and smoke, and have a naturally subtle, sweet scent. They are also biodegradable and burn slower than paraffin candles, making them a longer-lasting option. However, they can be more expensive. Soy wax and food-grade paraffin are more affordable alternatives to beeswax.
The appearance of the candles can also be important, especially if you are creating a particular aesthetic or atmosphere. Tapered candles, for example, can add a touch of elegance to the table, and coloured candles can be used to match a theme or colour scheme. If you're looking for sustainability, consider buying used candles from local thrift stores or garage sales, or opt for plant-based options like the Maison Balzac Chandelles, which are made from RSPO-certified palm oil.
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Candle safety and health considerations
Candles are a great way to create a romantic and elegant ambiance for a dinner, but they can also be a fire hazard if not used safely. Here are some important candle safety and health considerations to keep in mind:
Candle Placement and Supervision
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn, including flowers, cards, decorations, and other combustible materials. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 60% of home candle fires occur when combustible materials are placed too close to candles. Place burning candles at least three inches apart from each other to prevent melting and drafts that can cause improper burning.
Candle Holders and Containers
Use sturdy candle holders that are specifically designed for candle use. The holder should be heat-resistant, large enough to catch any dripping wax, and have a wide base to prevent tipping over. Avoid tapered candles in ornate holders as they can be a fire hazard if left unattended. Instead, opt for hurricane votive holders or scented candles in glass containers.
Wick Maintenance
Before lighting a candle, trim the wick to 1/4 inch to prevent uneven burning, dripping, or flaring. If a candle flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly, extinguish it, let the candle cool, trim the wick, and check for drafts before relighting.
Candle Disposal
Do not burn a candle all the way down. Discontinue burning a container candle when 1/2 inch of wax remains, or 2 inches for a pillar candle. Burning a candle all the way down can be dangerous, and it is also not advisable to blow out a candle when it gets too close to the holder or container.
Alternative Options
If you are concerned about the risks of traditional candles, consider using flameless, battery-operated candles instead. These candles can create the same soft lighting without the risk of fire. Alternatively, opt for candles with longer burn times, such as the Voluspa candle, which offers a range of size options and provides excellent value for money.
Health Considerations
Be mindful of the potential health impacts of candle usage. Keep candles away from areas where people with allergies or respiratory issues may be affected by strong scents. Avoid using candles if oxygen is used in the home, and never leave children unattended in a room with a burning candle. Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
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Candle holders and aesthetics
When it comes to candle holders and aesthetics, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to choose the right size candle for your candle holder. Most American and European dinner candles have a standard diameter of ⅞ inch, so it is a good idea to verify the diameter of the candle holder's opening to ensure a proper fit. If you have odd-shaped candle holders or narrow candles, you can use candle adhesive to secure them in place.
Another aspect to consider is the type of wax used in the candles. Beeswax is a popular choice for dinner candles as it is hypoallergenic, produces less soot and smoke, and has a subtle, naturally sweet scent that won't overpower your cooking aromas. Beeswax candles are also slower-burning and safer than those made with other types of wax. However, they can be more expensive. Alternative options include soy wax, food-grade paraffin, and plant-based stearin wax, which is derived from RSPO-certified palm oil.
The colour and appearance of the candles can also enhance the aesthetics of your dinner setup. While monochromatic candles can create a sleek and symmetrical look, a mix of shapes, sizes, and soft colours like white, cream, grey, and blush can add a natural and charming touch to your table setting. For a unique and colourful option, Maison Balzac Chandelles offers 10-inch hand-poured chandelles in a variety of pastel and powdery tones, including smoke, bubblegum pink, amber, mint, and sky blue.
If you're looking for a more sustainable option, consider buying used candle holders from local thrift stores or garage sales. Antique and vintage candle holders can add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to your dinner setup. Additionally, you can embrace the charm of drippy candles, which can even spark interesting conversations during lulls in the dinner party. However, dripless candles are also a popular choice as they have a sleeker look and are less messy to deal with afterward.
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Best candles for different occasions
When choosing a candle for a dinner party, it's important to consider the season, the food you're serving, and your guests' preferences. While some people enjoy scented candles during dinner, others find that certain fragrances interfere with the smell of the food or are too overpowering. If you're serving food with a delicate aroma, it's best to opt for an unscented candle or one with a subtle, natural fragrance.
For a summer dinner party, a light and fresh scent like citrus or tomato vine can be a delightful choice. The Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle is an excellent option for those who want to neutralize kitchen odours without overwhelming the room with a sweet scent. Flamingo Estate's tomato candle, with notes of tarragon and pepper, is another excellent choice for summer. For a more luxurious option, the Loewe tomato candle in its chic terracotta vessel is sure to impress, although it comes with a hefty price tag. If you're looking for a bargain, the Voluspa candle offers excellent value for money with its long burn time and deep fragrance.
For a winter dinner party, earthier scents like root vegetables, sandalwood, or leather can create a cosy atmosphere. The Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Candle is an excellent choice for a winter dinner, with its layered scent of Japanese cypress, warm amber, sweet vanilla, and a hint of florals. The Amber & Moss Soy Candle by P.F. Candle Co. is another crowd-pleasing option with its subtly musky, fresh smell that evokes a stroll through the forest.
If you're looking for a unique candle to add to your collection, the Apothia Bronzed Candle has a light and summery fragrance with a strong smell of orange. For those who crave something sweet after dinner, Anthropologie's bespoke candle is sure to satisfy with its notes of warm vanilla, fresh pear, whipped cream, and apple peel.
Finally, if you're looking for the most sustainable option, senior editor Courtney Schley recommends buying used candles from local thrift stores and garage sales. Beeswax candles are also a great choice as they are hypoallergenic, produce less soot and smoke, and burn slower than paraffin candles. For a plant-based option, Maison Balzac Chandelles offers beautiful pastel-coloured dinner candles made from RSPO-certified palm oil.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a variety of candles that can be used to set the mood for dinner. If you're looking for scented candles, options include citrusy, smoky, or woodsy scents, such as P.F. Candle Co.'s Wild Herb Tonic, or Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Candle. Unscented candles are also an option, with beeswax, soy wax, or food-grade paraffin being the best materials to look for.
Some candles that are specifically recommended for dinner parties include the Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle, Flamingo Estate's tomato candle, and the Anthropologie candle with notes of apple, pear, and vanilla.
Candles with overly floral or sweet scents may be too overpowering during dinner. It's best to avoid these scents, especially if the dinner involves strong or sensitive flavours.
