Using Candles and Scents to Make Holidays Extraordinary

No matter which holiday you celebrate this time of year, using candles and scents to decorate can help make holiday parties extraordinary. We thought we'd give you a few ideas for creating a wonderful party setting with delicious scents and decorative candles.

Decorating the bed and bath: Two areas seriously neglected when decorating for parties in the home are the bed and bath. Think about it: Your guests go hunting for their coats in the spare bedroom, and find a blah, undecorated room that's definitely not in the holiday spirit.

Even if only for one night, spike up the party spirit in every single room by using oil burners to disperse delicious scents. Should guests decide to explore your home, they'll be greeted with wonderful aromas behind every door.

Your home's baths deserve a festive makeover during holiday parties, too. Here's an idea that creative hostesses report gets rave reviews: set up a tiered candelabra in the tub or shower, so that it's away from the flow of traffic. Light nice ball candles and let them dispense a festive glow that will enhance the party atmosphere.

Decorating serving areas: Breaking up buffet lines helps avoid congestion during holiday parties and receptions. Set up food stations throughout your home's larger rooms and accent them with beautiful holiday candles and scents.

If you must use a single food area, include soft candlelight by adding ball candles, tapers or graceful wooden oil diffusers to your holiday centerpieces.

Decorating conversation areas: The soft glow of candles from a hearth room mantle sets the perfect tone for cozy conversation. Sprinkle corner tables and shelves with holiday-themed oil burners to put friends and family in a party frame of mind. Even unlit, scented candles on wall shelves are a safe way to add holiday cheer throughout your home.

Holiday parties are a wonderful way to bring together friends and family. Beautiful candles and scents set the scene, no matter if you're celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or Winter Solstice. Make your guests feel warm and welcome by dispersing the glow of candles, oil burners and exotic scents throughout your home. And Happy Holidays!