Martha Stewart doesn’t hold a candle to Goodwill Industries’ new home décor expert Merri Cvetan! Look for Merri’s tips on inexpensive ways to decorate a room, create a fabulous table setting, as well as, new uses for old things!  Make sure to check out her monthly column for great advice or if you have specific question email her at askmerri@goodwillsew.com

Merri's Latest Article 
Candle Power

It’s almost 90 degrees outside and I’m thinking about candles. Candle light is great for any season or time of day, but of course it’s more dramatic at night, even in summer. Candle light can set the mood for any occasion and finding creative ways to display candles is half the fun!

My inspiration usually comes from a shopping trip to Goodwill and nine times out of 10 it comes from an unexpected item! For example, I found a charming little mirror with a scalloped edge in gold. It became the perfect base for my candle, and it will be the ideal decoration for holiday time.

Another item I found was this small dessert tray that features a rimmed space for a tea cup.  My candle fit perfectly in the slot. To spice it up, I added an assortment of sea shells, but you could use candy, sea glass or potpourri.  Get creative!

The next piece I purchased was a white glass shade from a ceiling fixture or old floor lamp. It made a great candle globe. (You never know what you will find at Goodwill!)  I now have a new mission—to find other shades in different sizes and shapes.  As a group they will make a very interesting centerpiece for an informal dinner.

The housewares department is a wonderful place to find unusual objects to use with candles. For example, this wood condiment stand has a dual purpose. Ketchup and mustard at a picnic in the park and a candle stand at an evening cocktail party.

My last piece really is my favorite re-purposing item.  I took a vintage toothbrush and cup holder and attached crystals from an old lamp. Then I dropped in a clear votive cup and candle and voila—within minutes I created a charming candle stand and a great conversation piece.

It really is easy to create interesting display stands for your candles with items from Goodwill! Let me know how you amaze your friends with your Amazing finds.

Candle tips

• Always trim the wick to ¼”.  It prevents high flames and black smoke.
• Use a votive cup or plate under the candle to catch drips.
• If you blow out the flame, be sure to place your hand behind it and be gentle. You are also blowing the melted wax all over your table cloth. The best way to put out the flame is to dip the wick into the melted wax and pull out. There is a tool made just for this purpose or use a long wood skewer.
• Don’t let the candle burn down to the end.
• Remember, never leave a candle unattended!

Archive Articles
Summer Made Simple

Table Talk

Amazing Rec Room Redo

Decorating Strategies Part 1 

Made In The Shade

Refresher Course

Picture Perfect

Color Trends: What's Hot?

March Is Plan A Party Month!

How Merri Can Help!

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