As we transition into the festive holiday season, it's not just the aroma of pumpkin spice and peppermint that fills the air. For many of us, it's the warm, flickering glow of candles that has a way of setting the perfect holiday atmosphere. However, as we prepare to decorate our homes for the upcoming festivities, it's time to address a common issue that many homeowners face: an overabundance of candles. In this article, we'll delve into the world of candle clutter, its appeal, and why candles might not be the best gift idea this holiday season.
Last year we wrote an article on Gift-Giving. We discussed rethinking the process. Often times we hear clients say, “I can’t get rid of that because it was a gift.” Make sure you are offering something that is desired as opposed to giving something because you feel obligated to do so. While candles have long been a popular gift choice during the holiday season, it's worth reconsidering whether they make the best presents. Here are a few reasons why you might want to steer clear of the idea that you can always wrap up a candle:
- Overwhelming Gift: If your recipient is also a candle enthusiast, they might already have an abundance of candles at home. Your gift could inadvertently add to their clutter.
- Scent Sensitivity: Not everyone appreciates or can tolerate scented candles. Gifting a strongly scented candle to someone with sensitivities can be a well-intentioned but potentially problematic choice.
- Impersonal Choice: Candles, while lovely, can sometimes come off as a generic or impersonal gift. Consider the interests and tastes of the recipient for a more thoughtful present.
Candles bring an instant sense of coziness and warmth to any space. Whether you prefer the scent of Vetiver, the gentle illumination of a classic white candle, or the vibrant colors of scented candles, there's something inherently soothing about their presence. However, while candles are a delightful addition to your decor, there's a fine line between creating a serene ambiance and drowning your space in wax.
Creative Disposal and Upcycling Ideas:
- Melt and Pour: If you have candles that are no longer your favorites or have partially burned down, consider melting the wax and creating new candles. You can mix scents, colors, and even embed small decorative items to make unique, personalized candles.
- Repurpose Containers: Candle containers can be repurposed in numerous ways. Clean them out thoroughly, and you have chic containers for small items like jewelry, cotton balls, or office supplies.
- Candlestick Holder: Broken candles or candles with minimal wax can be transformed into beautiful candlestick holders. Simply insert a new candle and enjoy your revamped decor.
- Luminous Decor: Remove the wax from partially used candles, leaving just the wick. Fill the containers with fairy lights or battery-operated LED candles for a similar ambiance without the mess.
- Candle Wax Sachets: Grate your favorite candle wax and place it in sachets or cloth bags. These scented sachets can be placed in drawers, closets, or used as air fresheners.
- Firestarters: For those with a fireplace or wood-burning stove, use candle wax and leftover wicks to create fire starters. These are perfect for kindling and ensure a cozy, fragrant fire.
- Recycle: Unfortunately, candle wax isn’t recyclable, but the tins and jars that candles come in often are. Simply remove the wick and any remaining wax, and place them in the trash. You can scoop out wax with a spoon, or try melting or freezing it for easier removal. Check with your local recycling guidelines for proper disposal.
Candles are a beautiful addition to any home, and while it's essential to manage their accumulation, there are creative ways to dispose of or upcycle your candle collection. As you prepare to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for the holidays, you may also rethink giving gifts to your loved ones which may lead to clutter in the home. By decluttering, organizing, and embracing these creative ideas, you can strike the perfect balance between ambiance and sustainability, ensuring that your home remains a warm and welcoming, simplified haven throughout the holiday season.
Hello. We are Caleb and Cole. We each share a passion for organization and cleansing the home. We think of SimplifyNYC as not just a service, but a philosophy about life that we pass on to every client with whom we work. Our backgrounds are both in the performing arts. Through intense study of the arts, we gained greater perspective on how to tell a clear narrative, how best to determine focus and articulate goals. We think of your life and your home similarly. Too much clutter obscures clarity. Our goal is to better your quality of life by ridding it of negative, cluttered space and creating a clear, safe space outside the hustle and bustle of NYC. To reach us directly click here and follow us on Instagram.
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