What Are Floating Candle Centerpieces?

Floating candle centerpieces are quite simply one of the most stunning decorations you can use to increase the beauty and class of your wedding reception, banquet, party or dinner gathering.  Well constructed floating candle centerpieces can bring together the entire theme of a party setting the mood for the entire evening.  Light and airy floating candle centerpieces create a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, while ornate and colorful pieces strike a mood of passion and romance.  Best of all, floating candle centerpieces are cheap and easy to make with many parts available in stores, online and lying around the house.

What Makes Floating Candle Centerpieces So Special?

The subtle flicker of a candle lit dinner is always classy and romantic, however, floating candle centerpieces heighten those emotions by creating a spectacle of fire meeting water.  Just as a lit candle can grab your attention and captivate you, the sight of the flame of a candle floating effortlessly over the surface of the water in your centerpiece will dazzle your guests.  As an added bonus, as the light reflects off of the edges of the bowl, and then into the water, it reflects and refracts in all directions never taking the same form twice.  It is truly a remarkable sight to be seen.

Ideas For Floating Candle Centerpieces

There are a variety of ways you can arrange your floating candles in different bowls, glasses and dishes to create different effects.  Truly great design is about subtlety, so it’s important not to take any one idea too far.  Instead use these ideas as a jumping off point for your own floating candle centerpiece ideas that are best suited for your theme or style.

• Low Round Bowl – The most common floating candle centerpiece uses a garden style bowl filled with water about one inch from the top.  Add a layer of marbles, crystals, or floating water beads to the bottom of the bowl and then float your candles on the surface of the water.  Simple, elegant, and effective.
• Tall Vase – Low round floating candle centerpiece bowls are best when used in the middle of the dinner table so that it doesn’t distract people or hinder their ability to make eye contact with each other.  However if you are serving from a buffet table, or have a console table that would benefit from a little attention to detail, a vase filled with floating water beads, and topped off with flower floating candles will surely enhance the atmosphere of any wedding reception, event, or dinner party.
• Champagne Flutes – Floating candle centerpieces are becoming very popular. One idea that isn’t used very often is placing single floating candles in champagne flutes and spreading those around the table.  The simplicity makes it the quintessential subtle decor, and guests will still be mesmerized by your creation.
• Bonus Tip – Adding food coloring to the water of your floating candle centerpiece bowl will make it even more unique.  For additional depth and character, add a mirror under your floating candle centerpieces for even more light to reflect and dazzle.

Whatever the occasion, floating candle centerpieces are sure to surprise and impress.