Imagine that you’re set to host a fabulous dinner party. A perfect menu has been planned and you’ve laid out your best linens. When retrieving the ten-inch ivory tapers, you find them bent, crooked, and severely out of shape. The first thought that comes to mind is to try warming them, in an effort to regain shape. Think again. Tapers appear to be very sturdy, however, they must be handled gently when storing. Here are a few tips to keep tapers straight, and sturdy.

When purchased, tapers are wrapped individually and that’s the best way to store them. Wrap each candle separately in a soft cloth, or plain tissue paper, and lay flat. The longer the candle the more chance it may bend. Scented candles should be wrapped, and then placed in a sealed plastic bag. This will keep them smelling like the day they were purchased. Store tapers in a cool, dark place. Never place them in the freezer or refrigerator. Extreme cold will cause them to crack.

How to Remove Candle Wax
A lovely table was set, and the most divine meal prepared. After the last guests have said their good-byes, you return to the dining table only to find a pool of wax at the base of the candles. No worries, all is not lost.

One tried and tested method is to use a warm iron to remove wax from tablecloths, napkins, and other linens. Place a few thicknesses of paper towels under the linen, and then cover the stain with a thinner layer of paper towels. Set the iron to a temperature appropriate for the fabric being treated. Apply gentle pressure on the top layer of paper with the heated iron to melt the wax. The wax will soften and be absorbed by the paper above, and below the piece. Repeat if necessary, using fresh paper layers, until all the wax has been absorbed. If any spots remain, the linen may have to be cleaned with a chemical solvent. Check the label on the cleaner to make sure it is appropriate for the fabric. You don’t want to create another problem. Then launder or dry clean as recommended.

To remove wax in glass votives or other candleholders, place them in the freezer until the wax has hardened, and becomes brittle. Use a dull knife to scrape away any residue and then wash with liquid detergent, or place them in the dishwasher. A paste cleaner is best to remove residue from silver or other metal candleholders.

If by chance wax has dripped on the furniture, scrape it away with a dull knife, or preferably, a plastic spatula. Waxy residue can be removed from wood with a creamy furniture polish. Spray hard tile like surfaces with a commercial cleaner and wipe dry with a cloth or paper towel. Now you’re ready for the next soiree.