DECORATING WITH FRUIT AND CANDLES

by Shelley Waugh

Fresh pears are one of the natural elements that can be used to beautify wedding décor from centerpieces to elegant placecard holders. Gilded pears, pictured above, add glamour and sparkle in gold, copper, or silver. Pears and candles are an earthy yet elegant show piece that exudes warmth. These decorating items add a personal touch and they are simple to make.

GILDED PEARS
Materials
Pears. Select varieties that exhibit the shapes and colors of your choice.
Gold, silver, or copper leaf Sizing, a small craft brush, soft cloth and wax paper.

Instructions
Use the wax paper as your working surface so nothing sticks to your tabletop. Use the small brush to pain on the sizing (a glue-like substance). You can cover the pear completely with it, or paint on a random pattern.

Allow it to dry completely, then place a sheet of thin metallic leaf on the surface and rub it on with a soft cloth. You can rub some areas off for a random covering.

For placecard holders, slice off the bottom of the gilded pear to make a flat base. Set it on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture for a couple of hours, or overnight. Attach the placecard with a beautiful pin, or a twig and some tape.

Gilding supplies are available at craft or art supply stores, and can come in a kit that contains metal leaf and all the tools.

Materials
Clear vase
Pears to fill your vase
Water
Candle
Cranberries (optional)
Ribbon (optional)

Instructions
Fill your vase with the pears and cover them with water. Nestle a candle into the center and add the cranberries, which will float to the top. Place a pear into your vase and add water. Set a candle of the same diameter on top and tie a bow around it.

Experiment with small varieties of pears such as the Seckel or Forelle. Make a showpiece of a beautiful Bosc pear.

Gilding supplies are available at craft or art supply stores, and can come in a kit that contains metal leaf and all the tools.

For more decorating ideas, visit www.usapears.com/lifestyle/decorating.asp. For recipes from top chefs, visit www.PearPanache.com or source www.usapears.org 

Seven Safety Tips for Using Candles

When using candles to decorate, it's important to keep in mind some basic candle safety tips to ensure that your party is a safe one.

When used properly, candles can be safe and enjoyable and create the perfect atmosphere. According to the U.S. Fire Association, the majority of candle-related fires are the result of human error and negligence. The following safety guidelines, which represent 90 percent of candle manufacturers, should always be followed when burning candles:

1. Always keep a burning candle within sight and never leave unattended. Always extinguish all candles before going to sleep.

2. Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire, such as drapes or curtains, bedding, carpets, books, paper, furniture and flammable decorations.

3. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets, including wagging tails.

4. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s use and safety instructions carefully.

5. Always use a candle holder specifically designed for candle use. The holder should be heat resistant, sturdy and big enough to collect dripping wax. Never place pillars or any candles directly on furniture, whether glass or wood.

6. Trim candlewicks to 1/2 inch, unless otherwise directed by manufacturer instructions, before lighting or re-lighting. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, smoking and dripping.

7. Candles should be placed at least three inches apart so they don’t melt one another or create their own drafts that will cause them to burn improperly.

Source: National Candle Association.