A truly unforgettable dinner party goes beyond just great food and lively conversation—it’s about creating an atmosphere that makes your guests feel special. The glow of candlelight instantly adds warmth, elegance, and intimacy to any gathering, setting the perfect mood for the evening. When paired with a beautifully designed centerpiece, candles can transform an ordinary table into a stunning focal point that enhances both the ambiance and the experience.
The right candle choice not only provides soft, flattering light but also introduces a subtle fragrance that can elevate the entire evening. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy, intimate setting or something more sophisticated and refined, incorporating candles into your centerpiece design is a simple yet impactful way to make your dinner party stand out.
Ready to create a dining atmosphere that dazzles your guests? Keep reading to discover nine elegant and creative ways to feature candles in your next dinner party centerpiece.
How to Use Candles as Centerpieces
When it comes to setting the perfect atmosphere for your dinner party, candles are the ideal addition. LAFCO’s handblown glass vessels not only add elegance to your table, but the variety of scents can help create the perfect mood.
If you’re looking for ways to incorporate candles into your centerpiece design, here are some creative and stylish ideas to inspire you…
Layer Different Candle Heights
Arrange LAFCO scented candles of varying sizes at the center of your table for an elegant and dynamic look. Placing them on a mirrored surface can amplify the glow, while weaving in colored ribbon or a themed garland adds a festive touch. This layered approach adds dimension and helps fill your table with a warm, inviting glow.
Line Your Table with Votives
For a minimalist yet chic aesthetic, place votive candles in glass vessels along the length of your dining table. Pair them with a table runner in a contrasting color to your tablecloth for a subtle pop of color that ties the whole look together.
Pair Candles with Natural Elements
Blend the soft glow of colored candles with natural décor like flowers, herbs, or greenery. This combination brings a sense of freshness and elegance to your table while infusing the air with subtle, complementary fragrances.
Use a Hurricane Candle Holder
A single scented candle inside a hurricane candle holder makes a beautiful, understated centerpiece. To elevate the look, add seasonal décor such as a wreath of foliage around the base or line the table with small clusters of flowers and greenery.
Get Creative with Containers
Feature votive candles in a collection of unique containers that align with your party’s theme. Think beyond basic candleholders—try using colored glass, vintage teacups, or crystal glassware to add a touch of charm and personality to your table.
Create a Suspended Candle Display
For a truly show-stopping centerpiece, suspend a long piece of hardwood or a rustic beam from the ceiling above your table and place scented candles along its length. This adds a dramatic yet cozy ambiance and keeps your table surface clear for dishes and décor.
Decorate with Pie Plates
For an easy yet elegant centerpiece, place a decorative pie plate in the center of your table (or at intervals for longer tables) and add a scented candle to the middle. Finish the look with pebbles, flowers, or other décor elements around the base of the candle for a rustic, layered effect.
Alternate Candles and Flowers
Line the length of your table with alternating scented candles and small floral arrangements. Choose matching or contrasting colors to complement your theme, creating a visually balanced and fragrant tablescape that delights the senses.
Go Bold with a Multi-Wick Candle
Make a bold statement with a large multi-wick candle as the centerpiece for your table. This works especially well for round tables, where it becomes a central focal point, offering both light and warmth without taking up too much space for serving dishes.
Remember, you don’t need large candles to make a big impact. Mixing and matching different sizes and scents can create a beautiful effect. The LAFCO Discovery Trio is an excellent option if you’re going for a minimalist look while layering complementary fragrances. The trio offers a variety of scents in smaller sizes, perfect for creating an inviting, layered scent experience without overwhelming the table.
5 Dinner Party-Worthy LAFCO Fragrances
The perfect dinner party fragrance should enhance the atmosphere, creating an inviting ambiance without overpowering the room. LAFCO scented candles, crafted with premium soy wax and pure essential oils, add a luxurious touch to any occasion, elevating your dinner party with their refined and sophisticated aromas.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh, floral scent or something warm and woodsy, these LAFCO fragrances will make a memorable impression…
Star Magnolia
Delicate and elegant, Star Magnolia is a fragrance that exudes sophistication while remaining understated. Bright top notes of neroli, bergamot, and yuzu are softened by the soft, floral scent of star magnolia, making it the perfect choice for a dinner party where refinement is key. Encased in a subtle white vessel, this candle seamlessly blends into any centerpiece, adding a touch of class without distracting from the décor.
Rosemary Eucalyptus
For a more noticeable and invigorating scent, Rosemary Eucalyptus is the way to go. This fresh and herbal fragrance combines the aromatic notes of juniper berry, garden sage, and eucalyptus with the earthy richness of Moroccan rosemary oil. It’s an ideal choice for a lively gathering, where the refreshing scent energizes the space while keeping things light and airy.
Champagne
Perfect for celebratory events, Champagne offers an effervescent and uplifting aroma that brings joy to the table. Zesty notes of mandarin, orange, and raspberry set a bright tone, while a heart of grapefruit, neroli, and ginger adds a subtle warmth and spice. The fragrance is rounded out with floral rose, herbal verbena, and grounding vetiver, making it perfect for a dinner party that’s both festive and elegant.
Feu de Bois
A classic, Feu de Bois is perfect when you want to create a cozy, welcoming ambiance that doesn’t steal the show from your menu. This woodsy fragrance features notes of spruce, pine, and Virginia cedarwood, enhanced by the warmth of amber and resinous myrrh. It’s a versatile scent that adds depth and character to any dinner party without being overpowering.
Spiced Pomander
For an autumn or holiday-themed gathering, Spiced Pomander is an inviting scent that embodies the warmth of the season. The spicy sweetness of clove combines with the bright zest of bitter orange, while hints of orange blossom, cinnamon, and sandalwood add complexity and comfort. This timeless fragrance feels right at home in a cozy, festive setting.
Perfect Host or Hostess Gifts
If you’re attending a dinner party instead of hosting one, arriving with a thoughtful gift can make a lasting impression. LAFCO’s newly released Scented Sachets are the perfect host or hostess gift. These elegant sachets offer a subtle fragrance and make any space feel special, showing your appreciation in a simple yet meaningful way.
Complete Your Dinner Party with the Perfect Candle Ambiance
The right candles can transform any dinner party from ordinary to extraordinary, adding warmth, elegance, and a touch of luxury to your evening. Whether you’re going for a cozy, intimate atmosphere or something more festive and refined, LAFCO candles offer the perfect balance of fragrance and style. From delicate floral notes to bold, spicy aromas, there’s a scent for every occasion, and endless creative ways to use them in your centerpiece design.
Whether you’re hosting the dinner party of the season or simply want to impress your guests with an unforgettable ambiance, these candle centerpiece ideas and fragrances are sure to leave a lasting impression.