Where do you light and keep lit candles?

[MummyDrinksWine]

I know it’s a dumb question and basically takes common sense.. but I am so anxious about burning the house down 😂

i love candles, I used to have bloomin’ loads of them but everytime I lit one I’d feel on edge like it could magically fly off the dining table and set the whole place on fire if I didn’t have my eyes on it constantly.

I see people with lit candles on shelves and things and just think how are they not scared the wall will set on fire 😂

I know it’s stupid. But I can’t think of anywhere I can put a lit candle and relax.

so I’m asking you for ideas.. where do you put your lit candles?

Any flat surface here, but you might prefer candles in jars or similar protective surroundings so they don't look as vulnerable?

Coffee table so it's right in front of me and I don't forget to blow it out.

Having watched my neighbours house burn down from an unattended candle, I only ever use battery candles now. The water from the fire engines did as much damage as the fire. She never moved back in.

I only use battery ones. You can get some very realistic ones these days.

I’ve been using battery ones for the candle ‘effect’ but I really fancied some scented ones again.

I might just stick to reeds diffusers.

coffee table wouldn’t be an option as I have a 3 year old and a 6 month old 🙈

is it for scent? I've switched to wax melts as the candles scared me and I didnt trust myself not to below them out

On the tiled fireplace. Agree many people seem oblivious to the dangers. Many years ago I had to deal with a student who had set fire to her room in halls because she lit a small scented candle to help her sleep (yes, they were banned). It worked but it also set light to her bean bag. Fortunately the smoke detectors in university halls are very sensitive and the fire brigade were very prompt. She got away with minor burns to her hand and some smoke inhalation but her room was utterly devastated and the entire building was evacuated.

We have four candles on the dining table, every night. They are in proper tall stable candlesticks, so it would be hard to knock them over. They are snuffed out when we finish dinner. Candle light makes dinner ‘special’.

I have a candle in big glass bowl in the bed room, even if it burnt right down it would be completely surrounded by glass.

A good rule is have the flame shielded, never near fabric and always in or on a non flame able container.

I put mine on my kitchen bench, but my house is open plan so I can see/smell is from our living and dining area too. It’s high enough that the toddler can’t reach and pretty clear of anything that could catch fire. I only use candles in jars once they have burned down a bit the flame is inside the jar and seems “safer” than being fully exposed.

There will be far cheaper options than this, but would something like this help with your fears?
www.diptyqueparis.com/en_uk/p/fresnel-candle-holder.html
The flame would have an extra layer of protection.

Tealights on the mantelpiece on a heatproof mat in a solid container and only when there is someone in the room. We have cats so have to be very careful - in the first lockdown I was WFH at the kitchen table with a tealight in a holder right next to me and one of the cats jumped up and wafted her tail across it before I could stop her, luckily no damage was done.

On the fireplace which has a marble top, on a mat. I always get jar candles as I feel they are more secure that loose ones in a holder. There is always somebody in the room or I blown it out when I leave the room. I always blow it out at least 15 minutes before I go to bed just to ensure it doesn't relight/is definitely out.