Dear Maven - Why are the Pillars leaving?

Dear Maven,

I have been a long-time fan of the Pillar Series and have customers who are loyal followers as well. Can you share with me why the Pillar Series is going away? Are there issues with the candles? Will you be bringing them back?

With all your questions, I think it’s safe to assume you feel pretty passionately about these pillar candles! I have to admit that like you, I went through my own brief period of shock and denial when I heard they would not be returning.

Having said that, I have confirmed with reliable sources that it is indeed true that the plan for 2010 is to discontinue the Pillar Series.

Our amazingly knowledgeable Research & Development squad assures me there are absolutely no performance or quality issues with this product line that brought this decision about. The decision was made based solely on sales data and market trends. As they say, business is business!

The good news is that anything is possible, and what I mean is there is always a chance the Pillar Series could come back. Gold Canyon always responds to the needs of our customers, so if the company was to receive an influx of responses asking to bring pillars back, we would reevaluate this decision and consider their return to the product line.

Fellow Fan of Pillars,
Maven

Reflections in Decorating

Surprisingly, even something like concern over the economy has an effect on design trends. But it’s not what you may think. Most recently, people have been longing for and remembering the days of the past—heirloom colors and distressed finishes are now a very popular home décor trend.

The use of aged, heirloom colors and distressed finishes remind people of the past and they’re finding their way into home décor themes.

You can add small touches of aged and heirloom color finishes and feels to your home. Try these simple décor concepts:

• Change or repurpose old furniture instead of throwing it away. It may already look distressed, making it easier to get in line with this trend. If needed, use painting techniques or even try sanding away those old paint trends to create the look you want now.

• Find those old keepsakes and accent pieces you’ve stored away for safekeeping. Instead bring them out and display them proudly. Family heirlooms will always be in style!

• Live simply. Ironically, living simply is the current “trend” that was once a way of life. Get back to that place not only for your design wallet, but for the environment and our earth’s future.

• When you do decide to make new purchases, select the accent pieces that can be used in a variety of ways. This type of decor not only changes with time, but with your tastes as well.

• Check out Gold Canyon’s holders (pictured below) for seven versatile holders each with their own distinctive design, but the same quality rustic finish—perfect for your heirloom and distressed finished décor.

Creating a Candle Garden

A candle garden is essentially a group of candles put together in a cluster, on top of something, such as a decorative plate. You put your candles together on it, and then arrange other items around the base. This is a great centerpiece for a table, on a mantle place, or anywhere else you want to put some interest.

You will want to get pillar candles in a variety of heights to give your garden some interest. Votives will also work nicely, and you could put in a few tealights depending on the look you are going for.

Variations:
Fill a planter with votives, and make it look like the votives are “growing”
Holiday version – have the items on the base be holiday related
Group holders together, and tie them together with the base decorations

Using Candles at a Wedding

Candles seem to go hand in hand with weddings. Some places have restrictions on flames so make sure you ask your venue when planning something with a flame. You can also do some wonderful things without lighting the candles.

Favours – This is a great use for votives or tealights, as they are relatively inexpensive. To dress them up, you could wrap them in tulle, or put in a little tulle bag, with a note saying thank you for coming to our wedding, or anything else you want to communicate to your guests.

Cake Table – Most people decorate their cake table, so why not use a candle to help? A pillar would probably be best here, or votives or tealights. You can set it up and also put rose petals, or other confetti decorations all over the table. Having the height of the candles will add interest.

Centerpieces – What you will want to use will depend greatly on your budget. A common use is to set a candle on a mirror, it reflects the flame and creates and elegant look. Or using several size pillars together can create a great effect as well.

Hurricane Candle Holder – This is a great centerpiece idea. You can fill with something that reflects your wedding, such as sand, if you are having a beach themed wedding. It can then have candles nestled into the sand.

Dressing up your Candles

 

Depending on the type of candle you have and the event, you may want to dress your candle up a bit. 

Here are a few ideas.

-         Wrap silk flowers or greenery around the base

-         Set the candle on a mirror, creates a very lovely effect

-         Spread rose pedals around your candle, especially great to create a romantic effect

-         Sand and shells can make a very summery feel

-         Set the candle into a bowl full of stones, shells, sand, etc

Using a Hurricane Candle Holder

Due to the size of a Hurricane holder, you can do any number of things with it.

Try putting some aquarium rocks in the bottom, and nestling in a votive holder and votive.

You could fill it with candy, and put in your votive and holder

Filling the hurricane with coffee beans can make an interesting look

Float a few tealights inside the hurricane holder

Fill with sand, and place the candle inside


Around the outside, there are all sorts of things you can do as well.

Wrap silk flowers or greenery around the base

Rose petals can be sprinkled around the candle

Confetti would make a nice touch