Admit it, that festive feeling hits you like a sugar rush the second you crack open the Christmas decorations. It’s like, as soon as they emerge from the attic, your living room transforms into Santa’s workshop.
But before you go all-in on tinsel and reindeer, let's talk candlelight. A beautifully arranged Christmas candle display is the unsung hero of Christmas ambiance. It’s the warm glow that ties everything together, the subtle flicker that sets the mood for cosy nights and festive gatherings.
To spark your creativity, we've scoured the web, notably Pinterest, for this year’s trending Christmas candle displays. Discover our top-picks below.
Christmas wreath centrepiece
Envision your Christmas dinner bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, centred around a decorated wreath that's all things festive. This Christmas candle display combines lush pine, dehydrated orange slices, cranberries and pine cones. Bright red tapered candles punctuate the greenery for a cheerful contrast.
You will need:
- A circular wreath base (fresh pine or artificial)
- Red tapered candles
- Candle holders or floral foam to secure the candles
- Dehydrated orange slices
- Pine cones
- Cranberries (fresh or artificial)
- Floral wire and scissors
How to make it:
- Begin by arranging your pine wreath on a flat surface. If using fresh pine, make sure all branches are securely attached to the base.
- Strategically place candle holders or push floral foam into the wreath where you want your candles to stand. Make sure they are stable enough to hold the candles upright without tipping.
- Attach dehydrated orange slices, pine cones and cranberries around the wreath. Use floral wire to secure heavier items to the wreath base.
- Insert the red tapered candles into the holders or directly into the floral foam. Make sure they are evenly spaced and stand straight.
- Adjust the decorations around the candles so they are visible and enhance the overall aesthetic. Trim any excess wire or uneven branches.
Frosted candle jars
Set a frosty and festive mood right at your doorstep with frosted candle jars. These simple-to-make Christmas candle holders are wrapped in twine and filled with cranberries and fir branches to radiate a rustic holiday elegance. Perfect for an outdoor porch display, they offer a welcoming sparkle on cold winter evenings.
You will need:
- Mason jars
- Twine
- Cranberries (fresh or artificial)
- Fir branches
- Small pillar or tealight candles
- Epsom salt
- PVA glue
- Paintbrush
How to make it:
- Brush the outside of the glass jars with a thin layer of PVA glue. While the glue is still wet, roll the jars in Epsom salt, ensuring even coverage. Set aside to dry, creating a frosted appearance.
- Wrap twine around the neck of the jars, tying it off with a neat bow for a touch of rustic charm.
- Tuck cranberries and small fir branches inside the jars, arranging them for maximum visual appeal.
- Place a small pillar or tealight candle inside each jar. If needed, use a small amount of Epsom salt at the bottom of the jar to stabilise the candle.
- Display your frosty candle jars on your porch to welcome guests with a warm, inviting glow.
Decorated pillar candles
Dress your space with a trio of pillar candles, decorated with festive accents. Place them on your mantel or centre table, ribbon-wrapped and twinkling with tiny baubles as if they were mini Christmas trees. It’s a simple setup that adds a pop of personality and spirited style to any corner of your home.
You will need:
- Pillar candle-making supplies (if you’re going DIY)
- Pillar candles (various heights)
- Decorative ribbon
- Twine
- Christmas baubles (small enough to attach to candles)
- Hot glue gun
How to make it:
- Begin by wrapping each candle with a ribbon of your choice (bonus points for a festive pattern). Secure it neatly with a hot glue gun, making sure that the seam is at the back.
- For a cosy, rustic vibe, layer twine over your ribbon, tying it into a neat bow at the front.
- Attach small baubles to the twine or directly onto the ribbon with a little hot glue for that extra festive touch.
- Place your candles on a dining table, mantelpiece or windowsill, allowing them to shine as a festive focal point.
Candle winter ‘shelfie’
We love Ideal Home’s ‘shelfie’ idea in which you transform a simple shelf into a dazzling display that captures the essence of the festive season. The beauty of this setup lies in customising it with the candles and décor pieces you have on hand, creating an eye-catching arrangement that's uniquely yours.
You will need:
- A variety of candles (pillar, votive, or tealights)
- Decorative items such as metal letters, festive wreath, or unique candle holders
- Seasonal greenery like pine cones and fir branches
- A shelf or mantelpiece as your canvas
How to make it:
- Start with a focal point, like metal letters spelling out a festive word such as 'JOY' or 'PEACE'. Position these centrally or at one end of the shelf to anchor your display.
- Mix different types of candles to create depth and interest. For instance, place taller pillar candles behind shorter votives and intersperse with tealights in glass holders.
- Incorporate natural elements like fir branches and pine cones to introduce texture. Arrange them around the candles for a cohesive look.
- If space allows, hang a small festive wreath above the shelf as a backdrop or lay it flat to encircle one of your larger candles.
- Light the candles to see how they illuminate the objects around them. Rearrange slightly if needed to maximise the play of light and shadows, enhancing the overall magical winter effect.
Pristine, tapered table setting
For a minimalist yet sophisticated Christmas table setting, consider the elegance of pristine white tapered candles. Among the traditionally bright and in-your-face festive decorations, a simple white scheme brings a serene and refined atmosphere to your holiday gatherings.
You will need:
- White tapered candles
- Sleek candle holders
- A festive floral arrangement or greenery
- Optional: White tablecloth and linen napkins
How to make it:
- Begin by laying a crisp white tablecloth as the foundation.
- Position the white tapered candles in slender, tall holders at regular intervals along the centre of the table, leaving enough space so guests can see each other across the table.
- Introduce small sprigs of greenery or subtle white flowers around the candle bases. This adds a touch of nature without overpowering the simplicity of the setup.
- Complement with white or silver napkins, and perhaps a few discreet baubles or crystals scattered around for a hint of sparkle.
Set up a mini Winter Wonderland
Turn a corner of your home into a miniature snowy village, complete with candlelit houses casting a warm glow. This enchanting scene evokes a sentimental feel, reminiscent of childhood Christmas stories. Candle holders shaped like houses are the stars of this display, injecting some nostalgia into your space.
You will need:
- Candle holders shaped like houses
- Candles or tealights
- Miniature trees or figurines (optional)
- Fairy lights (optional)
How to make it:
- Place your house-shaped candle holders on the snowy base, creating a small village scene. Experiment with different arrangements until you're happy with the layout.
- Populate your scene by adding miniature trees, figurines or other decorative elements.
- Place candles inside the houses in a way that they’re secure and won't tip over.
- Light the candles and enjoy the warm, inviting glow of your winter wonderland.
- If desired, add fairy lights for extra sparkle.
Sculptural Christmas candles on a wood slab
Bring a slice of the winter woods right into your living room. Perch a pair of sculptural pine tree candles (or perhaps twinkling stars) on a raw wood slab that you can get from Etsy or your local DIY shop. It’s the perfect excuse to swap the tinsel overload for the simple beauty of nature this year.
You will need:
- Sculptural candle supplies (if making your own)
- A pair or trio of sculptural candles in the shape of your choice (if buying)
- Wood slab
How to make it:
- Make or buy your sculptural candles.
- Prepare your wood slab. If desired, lightly sand and clean the wood slab to remove any rough edges or debris.
- Place your sculptural candles on the wood slab, making sure they are stable and won't tip over. Experiment with different arrangements until you find one that is visually pleasing.
Layer festive fragrances around the house
You know how the subtly spicy fragrance of mulled wine can transport you to a twinkling Christmas market? Or how the scent of pine needles brings back memories of decorating the tree with your family? That's the power of scent—it's like a time machine for your memories. Journey through the spirit of Christmas by strategically placing different scented candles in corners of your home.
You will need:
- Candle-crafting supplies (if making your own)
- Festive fragrance blends (if making your own)
- A selection of Christmas-scented candles (if buying)
How to make it:
- Select a variety of Christmas-scented candles or create your own handmade candles with some of these festive fragrance top-picks and ideal scent pairings.
- Place candles strategically throughout your home to create a layered effect.
- Kitchen: Warm and spicy scents like cinnamon or gingerbread.
- Living room: Woodsy scents like pine or balsam fir or cosy scents like vanilla.
- Bathroom: Fresh scents like peppermint or eucalyptus.
- Bedroom: Relaxing scents like lavender or chamomile (mixed with festive fragrance).
- Light your candles and let the festive fragrances fill your home. Remember to follow candle safety guidance and never leave burning candles unattended!
Tapered candles mantel display
Turn up the cosy factor by replacing dusty family photos with a line of flickering tapered candles atop a roaring fire. Place them in candle holders in alternating heights for a striking effect, and complete the look with stockings and some greenery. There’s no doubt that this Christmas candle display will have you (and your guests) feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
You will need:
- Tapered candles
- Candle holders (mix and match heights!)
- Some greenery (think pine branches, holly sprigs, eucalyptus)
- Your favourite Christmas stockings
- Optional extras: garland, ribbon, or anything festive you fancy
How to make it:
- Arrange your candle holders on the mantel, alternating sizes.
- Pop in those tapered candles—make sure they're secure!
- Tuck some greenery around the candles, either in front or behind.
- Arrange your stockings along the mantel, making sure they don't block the candlelight.
- If you're feeling fancy, throw in some garland, ribbon, or other festive bits and bobs.
- Now for the best part—light those candles and enjoy the cosy glow!
Mirrored tray candle display
Got a dark corner that's feeling a little Scrooge-y? Grab a mirrored tray and top it with an assortment of candles and holders. Now, watch that glow multiply as the mirrored surface catches every flicker. Add in a few faux snow-covered trees and some of your favourite ornaments like glittering baubles, and boom—you've transformed that gloomy spot into a winter wonderland.
You will need:
- Mirrored tray
- Candles in various sizes and shapes: tealights, pillars, tapered candles, etc.
- Candle holders in different styles and heights
- Festive ornaments (such as faux snow-covered trees or sparkling baubles)
- Garland, ribbon or other decorative accents (optional)
How to make it:
- Scout out that gloomy corner or empty tabletop begging for a little holiday magic.
- Place the tallest candle holders towards the back of the tray and gradually decrease the height towards the front. This creates a sense of depth and ensures that all candles are visible.
- Place the candles into the holders, making sure they are secure and won't tip over.
- Arrange your Christmas ornaments around the candles.
- Add finishing touches (optional): Enhance your display with a garland, ribbon or other decorative accents.
- Light the candles and enjoy the magical glow and reflections created by your mirrored tray display.
Let there be light (and festive cheer!)
We've explored everything from classic centrepieces to modern mantel displays with the aim of bringing a little extra warmth and magic to your Christmas celebrations.
If you're new here and feeling inspired, why not try your hand at making your own candles? It's a fun and rewarding way to personalise your décor and fill your home with the scents of the season.
And for all you candle brand owners out there, don't underestimate the power of presentation. These display ideas can elevate your creations and make them even more irresistible to customers.