Candles Around the House

If you burn candles in your home, especially around the holidays, keep in mind these household tips.

• To remove candle wax that has dripped onto cloth, use the dull edge of a knife to scrape off as much wax as possible. Place several paper towels on both sides of the fabric and iron on a low setting. Change the towels often as the wax is absorbed into them.
• Place your candles in the freezer overnight to prevent them from dripping. They also will burn longer.
• To make a candle fit snugly into its holder, pour hot water into the candle bowl, let it heat up a bit, and then pour the water out and stick the candle in immediately.
• Rub candle wax on wooden drawers to make them open with ease.
• Saw teeth rubbed with a candle will cut wood more easily, and the candle wax will protect the blade from rusting.
• Before the first snowstorm, rub your shovel with an old candle stub, and the snow will easily slide off.
• To predict the weather, just blow out a lit candle. If the wick smolders for longer than usual, rain is on the way. If the wick goes out quickly, look for fair weather.

One way to add a homemade touch to your holiday table without a lot of expense is to make a festive Candle Decoration.