Mood lighting is one of the most important elements of an evening dinner party or get-together. There’s just something about a warm glow and flickering lights that puts people in a festive mood and makes the night feel more celebratory and special. Even better – this warm glow is easy to come by with the help of a little candlelight – and there are so many ways to get creative with the way you display your candles. From floating them with flowers to grouping them together in a tight bunch, candle displays are an easy way to create major decorative impact in no time at all!

1. Display pillars several in tight groupings or rows. 
For example, spread several pillars in various sizes lengthwise down the table to create a “runner” effect that creates a gorgeous, striking display – or simply group 4 pillars together and embellish with a few beautiful flower blooms, decorative rocks, or sand at the base of the arrangement.
{image credit: left image from InStyle Parties; right image from West Elm}

2. Floating Candles
This style of candle arranging is always popular and allows tons of room for creativity. You can float candles in anything from decorative bowls and pillar vases to votive holders and cocktail glasses… even swimming pools! For a some extra “umph”, float flower blooms or fruit slices along with the candles, or embellish the outside of the bowl with colorful florals.
{image credit: left image - floating on fulton by Globetopper; right image – floating candlelights by imedagoze}

3. Unique Displays
Try unexpected ways of displaying your candles, such as flipping small vases or votive holders upside down and setting your candles on top of the holders instead of within them. (Just remember safety first! If your candlelight is exposed, make sure it’s on a very sturdy, secure, and open surface area.)
{image credit: The Hassle-free Host by Christopher Lowell}

4. Embellishments
Dress up candles in an instant with decorative papers, ribbon, rhinestones, or any other type of appropriate embellishment that coordinates with your party theme. For example, small plastic spiders and orange and black papers look super cute on the Halloween party candles above!

{image credit: Midnight Madness Halloween Party and Ghoul's Night Halloween Party from hostesswiththemostess.com}

More ideas:

• Group several votive holders on cake stands or tiered trays to create a “tower of lights” effect.
• Line up several low square or rectangle-shaped bowls into a long row down your table, then floating candles and flower blooms in all of them to create the look of an entire floating candle & flower "table runner".
• Create a circle of lights around the base of centerpieces with 8 or more votives or tea lights.
• Submerge greenery, fruits or exotic florals in cylinder vases filled 2/3 with water, then set large floating candles on top of the water. Group 3 or more of these vases together (utilizing different heights) for a unique & striking centerpiece arrangement.
• For a cocktail party, float mini candles in wine or martini glasses and use them to decorate the food & drink areas.
• Place a large pillar candle in hurricane or pedastal, then fill the bottom of the vase with theme-appropriate décor – such as cranberries for a holiday get-together or decorative sand and seashells for a beach-themed dinner party.

Have some more creative ideas for candle decor or want to show off some pictures of candlescapes you've created yourself? We'd love to hear about your ideas - please share them with us!