HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2006-12-21, Page 3411.1±S.:0)J/J .1JL" •
at The Citizen
Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County
Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006
Candles create
soothing ambiance
By Bonnie Gropp
The Citizen
A soft glow spreads festive
warmth over the room, creating a
soothing ambiance for entertaining
or relaxing.
Candles and lighting should be an
integral part of your holiday
decorating. According to .Carol
Reinink of Sunset Springs
Greenhouse, who recently did the
decor in a log cabin for a home tour,
there's really only one rule — from
outside to indoors, use candles
anywhere you can.
Barb Wheststone who also worked
on the decorations agrees. "They
create the ambiance of a room. Use
as many or as few as you want to
achieve the mood you want.
Reinink said she uses the same
guidelines for placement as she does
in landscaping. "Do groupings of
three, five or seven."
She recommends looking at the
room as a palette aid try to achieve a
look that is natural by using what
you have to begin with.
For outside, find containers that
are fireproof, fill them with sand and
place candles inside. Light them at
night as a welcome to guests. Try to
pick containers that match the style
of your home. For example a sap
buckets are perfect for a rustic
look.
A quick fix for creating a focal
point for your entrance is to
strategically place a flashlight to
illuminate the front of your home.
"It's something quick for those
special occasions," said Reinink.
As well as candles inside, there are
battery operated lights and coal oil
lamps that can help create the right
atmosphere. Placing lights in front
of mirrors reflects the glow.
If you have a mantel, "always find
a way to utilize it in your holiday
decorating."
Enhance the lighting with
greenery, ribbon and seasonal
accents to complete the look.
When using candles, Reinink
reminds that safety should be
considered first. Keep them in
proper containers and away from
flammable materials. Never leave
candles burning unattended.
Used properly they will turn any
room-into -a. beautiful setting. "They
will create the flow of the room,"
said Reinink.
Soft lighting
Without electricity in their log cabin by Ball's Bridge, Bill and Maxine Seers create a soothing
ambiance for entertaining with rooms full of candles. Clockwise from top right: Maxine and her
daughter Carol Reinink light the holiday table; give a hutch a festive look with greenery and
candles keeping safety in mind by using battery-operated candles or by placing candles in
containers or well above flammable materials; pine cones and lights create a rustic vignette
for a sofa table; a grouping of candles cast a soft glow in the bathroom. (Bonnie Gropp photos)