One of my favorite ways to add ambiance to any indoor or outdoor room is by placing candles on tables, countertops, shelves or ledges. I’ll use them as a centerpiece on my dining room table and coffee table, and I’ll sometimes surround my bathtub with candles for a peaceful, relaxing spa-like atmosphere.

Wonderful additions to any living area, candles are colorful and cast a distinctive ambient light. Candles are an easy means of sprucing up your garden, patio, and pool area.

Flameless candles can be used as part of a floral arrangement without worrying about the fire risks. They can be used on patios in hurricanes, lanterns, or garden stakes, and they have a realistic flickering effect and a light fragrance to simulate a traditional candle.  When using flameless candles outdoors, you don’t have to worry about them blowing out. Some even come with a built in timer or a remote control so you can more conveniently enjoy that elegant subtle lighting.

Candles are also perfect for intimate outdoor dinners. When my husband and I want a special romantic dinner, we’ll pack up our beach chairs and table (a perfect little table that collapses for easy transport) and bring along a bottle of wine, wine glasses, a delicious dinner, and a few candles for added romance and head off to our favorite beach to dine under the sunset. Or, we’ll set up a romantic bistro table in our backyard, with glowing candles in the center of our table setting.

So take a stroll through your home and see where you can add a touch of beauty, color, warmth, fragrance, texture and ambiance. Then, add a few lovely candles and savor the good feelings it creates inside and out.

Where do you use candles?