Tapered Candles

Tapered candles, also called taper candles, are the tall, thin candles that we associate with romantic dinners.  Often in white or ivory, they can add a festive air to any occasion.

Generally inexpensive, you can find tapers in all heights and colors.  You generally won't find a lot of scent, though.

What Kind of Wax

This is a little on the tough side.  You want a wax that has a relatively high melting point, so the wax doesn't quickly run down the sides of the candle.  On the other hand, you also don't want a lot of soot, which can come from the harder paraffin and steric candles.

If you plan to burn the candles a short while, a paraffin or steric wax mix (with soy or other vegetable wax) may be a good compromise.  Just make sure to trim the wick properly before you light the candles.

Your other option are beeswax and bayberry candles, although bayberry has its own scent that may or may not clash with your dinner.

Choosing a Taper Candle Holder

This is a difficult one in some respects.  While many people like a sleek crystal or other glass taper candle holder, the melting candle can send a waterfall of wax spilling off the holder and onto the table.

If you must have a sleek holder, please put something underneath the holders to catch the wax overflow.

An alternative is to select a holder that has a saucer at the bottom, which serves to catch the wax overflow.  However, check the saucer size; if it's narrow or otherwise small, you may still need something under the holder to catch excess wax.

Should You Choose Scented Tapered Candles?

If you plan to burn your tapers at a candlelit dinner, choose an unscented or very lightly scented candle.  This is so the scent of the candle doesn't clash with the aroma of the meal.

If you plan to burn tapered candles for decoration away from the dinner table, then a scented candle may suit you.  Keep in mind that the scent pool from a taper candle is much, much smaller, so that less fragrance is released.

Buying Tapers

If you're looking for inexpensive tapers, you might want to check your local craft store; they often have cheap tapers in all colors.

If on the other hand you're looking for a little more of an upscale taper, you may want to check out dripless taper candles from Colonial.

Other Notes

Take a look at the burning a candle page, for hints on burning candles in general.  Here's a tip especially for tapers, though.

Tapered candles make wonderful wedding candle centerpieces; they are classically elegant.

Put your tapered candles in the refrigerator for awhile before you burn them.  This will enable the wax to burn more slowly and with less dripping.  The wax does eventually warm up, but at least for awhile (perhaps through dinner) you won't have to be so concerned about wax pooling on your table.

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Taper Candles in History

Tapers were the traditional candles of Colonial America. Originally made from tallow, the aroma was not the most plesant.

Beeswax candles were a luxury, as were bayberry candles; both have a nice scent all on their own.

Tapers are made by hanging a weight of some sort off a wick, then repeatedly dipping in the hot wax. But it was (and is) a fine line -- too hot and the wax would build up ever so slowly. Too cool and you'd have different problems.

Like Goldilocks, the wax has to be just right!

Want to know more about how candles are made? Check out the how to make candles page.