Antique wood candlesticks like these you can find at flea markets everywhere. They come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. Onesies are good; pairs are even better. Grouped together, they're such a beautiful and easy way of bringing warmth to a table setting or fireplace mantel.
Larger ones are often turned into candlestick lamps that are perfect for, say, a console table in a library or beside lamps in a guest room. And for Thanksgiving, I imagine a long farm table with a burnt orange linen runner, copper pots in varying sizes filled with dahlias, nuts or fall fruits and a big, beautiful collection of turned wood candlesticks going down the center, white wax dripping, as guests take their seats.
I was wondering if you have a suggestion for getting old wax off of wood candlesticks. I have a lovely pair from my mother that could use some help.
Posted by: Rosanne | October 08, 2008 at 12:07 AM
And what time is dinner? And do you want me to bring anything?
Posted by: Judy | September 26, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Your descriptions are marvelous, absolutely exquisite. I would love for you to hop over to my blog (when and if you have time) and take a look at my outdoor event "An Affair to Remember". You can click on the picture of the tent to the right of the screen - it will lead you directly to the post. I have started a collection of wooden candlesticks, and they are currently hosting white candles of different sizes atop old library books in our sunroom. It's a nice collection, and I agree - the age and integrity of used flea market finds outstandingly beats anything I've been able to find new. And the bargain - well that's the biggest joy, right?
Posted by: Artie Vanderpool | September 26, 2008 at 02:33 PM
That definitely sounds like a place I would like to go for dinner.
Posted by: Kimberly | September 25, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Your description of Thanksgiving sounds like the holiday event of my dreams.
Posted by: Camille | September 24, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Eddie -- love your vivid Thanksgiving imagery.
Posted by: style*court | September 24, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Yes! These are just lovely . . . the darkness is a real statement!
Posted by: porter | September 24, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Dear Eddie and Jaithan,
Your blog is so beautiful and fun! I found you, somehow, I'm not sure how--a link to an article about painting antiques. Anyway, I've been thinking of making a number of cake stands using this type of turned wood candlestick--I know you have a million other projects going on, but do you have any ideas about plates or platters to use on top, or how to attach them? I know you may not have time to respond--I love your design sense and sensibility all the same!
Posted by: Hallie | September 24, 2008 at 01:16 PM
You could probably do a DIY and use them as stands to mount interesting things like huge shells.
Posted by: Kah | September 24, 2008 at 12:23 PM
I love this combination of different shapes and woods! They would coordinate beautifully with natural colored beeswax candles!
Posted by: architectdesign | September 24, 2008 at 10:37 AM
HI EDDIE!!! lurker turned lover here...
if you are doing a grouping of them - should they all be the same color? I am wondering what your opinion is about this...
Posted by: Katie | September 24, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Wow...what a great idea! Your Thanksgiving table setting idea is fabulous and your description really painted a vivid picture in my mind. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jamie | September 24, 2008 at 10:08 AM