Decorating with Candles 2
When the plaster hardens, all is firmly held in place. Candle boards, useful throughout the year, may be fashioned from any flat board cut to appropriate size for a specific place. Good dimensions are 12 inches long and 6 inches wide, with 3 rows of holes spaced 1½ inches apart. In the center row the end holes are ¾ of an inch from the edge.
These holes are 7/8 of an inch wide, the size of the average candle holder. Top and bottom rows of holes are opposite; the middle row is staggered. (Drawing 18) This pattern provides endless possibilities of arrangement. It is not necessary to fill all the holes with candles. They may be alternated and the empty ones filled with branches of evergreens and sprays of berries or with cones. These conceal the board and add attractiveness to the base. If the decoration is made on a tray, it can be easily moved. All branches should be kept at safe distance from the flames.
For Delia Robbia treatment of the board select mixed colored candles and repeat the color effect around the base with fruit. Shellacked ivy or rhododendron leaves could be spread with grapes, apples, pomegranates, limes and lemons mounded over them to conceal the board. If the fruit is painted with a sugar syrup, it will be glossy. Shellac cannot be used if the fruit is to be eaten. Such decorations are equally appropriate for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Artificial materials may be mounded among the candles for a quite different effect. On a tray, painted silver or any appropriate color, place colored balls heaped, stem side down, around white candles. Crumpled silver paper beneath the balls will keep them from rolling and, if necessary, add height. The ends of the tray may be finished with silver bells or small artificial silver trees, all available at the holiday season. This makes an attractive centerpiece or mantel decoration.
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