"Under Cover of Darkness . . . "

Greetings,

Winter sets in.  The sun sets early every afternoon.  And as we travel through the darkest days of the year, there is little more romantic and delightful than a gathering of friends around a dinner table - illuminated by candlelight.  The flickering light gives any gathering an instant intimacy.  Half-lit faces filled with laughter.  Eyes sparkling in the reflected glow.  An evening of memories about to begin.

I've always said - If you're worried about the success of any dinner party . . . just turn off a few more lights . . . and light a few more candles.  The magic will surely follow.

Pull up a chair . . .

SMW Design, Lake Tahoe Project

SMW Design, The Four Seasons - San Francisco

Ralph Lauren, "Modern Thoroughbred" Collection

I love the mixture of a more modern space with the classic glass hurricanes for illumination.  

image from Pinterest

And I think this is crazy magical.  Masses of votives gathered for a party.

SMW Design, Presidio Heights Project - San Francisco

From the set of "Downton Abbey"

SMW Design, East Hampton - Pool House

Ralph Lauren Restaurant in Paris

Holiday at the House, 2009 

SMW Design, Marina Project - San Francisco

I also have a little suggestion if you're a regular votive user.  I've filled my votive holders with about an inch of water before placing the candles in.  That way, the melting wax just gathers in the water, the at the end of the evening - after throwing the candles and water away - your votives are clean and ready to be used again.  

Hever Castle, England

SMW Design, Garden Party 2008

And here's a serious evening of candles - with the table and the garden all aglow.

Cheers,

Scot