Christmas decorating with candles: simple ideas for the home

Christmas table, hallway, living room and windows: how to decorate with candles using few pieces and no risks.

At Christmas, light does more for a home than any ornament. A few well-placed candles are enough to change the mood of a room — and, unlike much seasonal decor, they do not have to go back in a box in January.

Fewer pieces, more intention

The usual mistake in Christmas decorating is excess. With candles the opposite works better: pick two or three spots in the house and compose each one well. A careful composition gets noticed; ten candles scattered around blend into everything else.

The Christmas table

This is where candles matter most. A few practical rules:

  • Height — candles should not hide the face of the person sitting opposite. Use low pieces or very tall ones, never at eye level.
  • Centre — one larger piece in the middle, or a line of small pieces down the length of the table.
  • Unscented — at the table, choose unscented or very discreet candles so they do not compete with the food.
  • Space — leave room for the serving dishes; a table full of decoration stops being practical.

Living room and mantelpiece

On a mantelpiece, console or sideboard, group candles in odd numbers and at different heights. Add natural elements — pine cones, eucalyptus or pine branches, dried oranges, wood — always keeping the flame well away from them.

The hallway

A single striking piece on the hall console sets the tone on arrival. A golden candle such as Aureon does that job without needing anything around it.

Colours that work

White and cream with gold is the safest combination and the one that sits best with any decor. Red and green work as small accents. And the blue and white of the azulejo tile, as in Azulejo Motif, gives a Christmas with a Portuguese accent, different from the usual.

A safe Christmas

The season brings together candles, dry branches, wrapping paper and a full house. It pays to be extra careful:

  • Keep candles away from the tree, branches, ribbons and paper.
  • Always use a stable, heat-resistant base.
  • Do not leave candles burning unattended, especially with children and pets around.
  • Put everything out before leaving the room or going to bed.

More advice in our guide on how to light and care for a candle.

Handmade Christmas candles

See our Christmas candles, made by hand in Porto in soy wax. And if, besides the house, you have a list of people to give to, we have gathered suggestions by budget in handmade Christmas gifts.