Three Taper Candle Tricks for Stress-Free Hosting

Fewer drips, no leaning, and wicks that light on the first try. Three small steps that make candlelit dinners much easier.

Taper candles set the mood at a dinner party, but they can also cause small disasters. They drip on the linens, lean in their holders and refuse to light when everyone is watching. A little preparation solves all three problems.

1. Keep them in the freezer

Chilled wax takes longer to melt, so cold candles burn more slowly and drip less. Store a box in the freezer and they will always be ready. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before lighting so the wax does not crack.

2. Warm the base for a snug fit

A candle that is a little too narrow will tilt, no matter how hard you push it in. Instead, briefly warm the bottom with a lighter or a hair dryer until the wax just softens. Press it into the holder and hold it straight for a moment while it cools. The wax molds itself to the opening and the candle stays upright all evening.

3. Pre-light every wick

New wicks are coated in wax and can take a while to catch. Light each candle for a few seconds earlier in the day, then blow it out. When guests arrive, the blackened wicks will light on the first touch.

Why it matters

These steps take a few minutes, but they free you up to focus on your guests instead of fussing with the table. They also protect your tablecloth and holders from wax spills.