How to Use Hand Dipped Tapers for a Dinner Party
By APOTHEKE | Home Fragrances To Elevate Your Everyday ... | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to style and burn hand dipped taper candles for your next dinner party, from placement to safety tips.
Quick answer
Use hand dipped tapers as elegant centerpieces on your dinner table, placing them in sturdy holders and lighting them just before guests sit down.
Why hand dipped tapers work for dinner parties
Hand dipped tapers, like those from APOTHEKE, bring a warm, intimate glow that no electric light can match. Their slender shape leaves room for plates and glassware, making them ideal for crowded tables. The handmade beeswax blend also drips less than standard paraffin candles, so your tablecloth stays cleaner.
Choosing the right color and height
Tall 13-inch tapers create a dramatic vertical line that draws the eye upward, balancing a low floral arrangement. For a cohesive look, pick a color that complements your dinnerware. APOTHEKE offers shades like Turquoise, Fuchsia, and Poppy that can match or contrast your table setting.
Steps for using hand dipped tapers at a dinner party
- Choose your holders: Select candle holders that are heat-resistant, stable, and have a socket deep enough to catch any drips. Glass or metal holders work well. Avoid holders that wobble. Test each holder with the candle before the party to ensure a snug fit.
- Place candles on the table: Arrange tapers in a straight line down the center or in a cluster at one end. Keep them at least 6 inches away from napkins, flowers, or any flammable decor. For a 4-person table, two tapers are usually enough. Leave enough space for guests to see across the table and for serving dishes.
- Trim the wicks: Before lighting, trim each wick to about 1/4 inch. This prevents excess smoke and helps the candle burn evenly. Use a wick trimmer or small scissors. A long wick can cause the flame to flicker and drip wax.
- Light just before guests sit: Light the candles right before you call everyone to the table. This gives the candles time to settle into a steady flame and avoids a smoky start. Use a long-reach lighter to avoid burning your fingers. If you light too early, the candles may burn down before the meal ends.
- Monitor and extinguish safely: Keep an eye on the candles during the meal. Extinguish them with a candle snuffer or by dipping the wick into the wax pool and straightening it. Never leave burning candles unattended. Snuffing rather than blowing prevents hot wax from splattering.
Product facts
- Hand Dipped Candles - Turquoise: Hand Dipped Candles - Turquoise combine old-world techniques with a blend of beeswax, other premium waxes and dyes. They are 0.85" in diameter, 13" long, and handmade in the USA. The beeswax blend means a slower, cleaner burn with minimal dripping, so your dinner party table stays neat.
Hand Dipped Candles - Turquoise - Hand Dipped Candles - Fuchsia: Hand Dipped Candles - Fuchsia share the same construction and dimensions as the Turquoise version, also handmade in the USA. Fuchsia adds a bold pop of color that can anchor a modern or romantic table setting without overwhelming the space.
Hand Dipped Candles - Fuchsia - Hand Dipped Candles - Poppy: Hand Dipped Candles - Poppy use the same old-world technique and beeswax blend, measuring 0.85" by 13". Poppy's warm red tone pairs beautifully with neutral linens and creates a cozy, festive atmosphere.
