These Fun Candles Are a Great Twist on Traditional Hosting Essentials

published Dec 6, 2021

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There are a few must-haves when it comes to hosting: a relaxing playlist, a versatile menu, a good bottle of wine, and — my favorite part — ample candlelight. There’s just something about that soft glow that seamlessly sets the mood for an epic event — not to mention dinner by candlelight is a great way to hide the fact that you didn’t have time to clean up the living room before company showed up.

Traditionally, most tablescapes are decked out with tapered candles or pillar candles, and while both of those options are stunning, there’s a new kid on the block that I’m pretty excited about: twisty candles.

Basically, they’re exactly like they sound — candle forms that take the traditional taper candle shape and, well, give it a twist for a fresh shape that’s subtle, yet eye-catching. They’re a great way to add one more layer of personality to your party tablescape or enliven your console table or open shelving with an added bit of personality. The best part? They’re everywhere these days (trend alert!), so you should have no problem finding a color or shape that suits your style. (They’re a great candle gift, too!) Check out some of our favorites below.

1 / 6

Twist Candle Set

HAY

$29.75

was $35.00

A go-to retailer for modern home accessories, Hay really knocked it out of the park with these twisty candles. Made in Italy, they're sold in a set of six and come in a variety of color combinations, including this very chic caramel/blush/lavender trio. They also have an unexpectedly glossy exterior that transforms them into art-like sculptures, meaning they'll look just as good on display as they will lit down your tablescape.

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2 / 6

Lex Pott Twist Candle

Nordstrom

$40.00

Snag two flames in one rad shape with these Lex Pott Twist candles from Nordstrom. Available in a variety of '90s-inspired hues (like this bold neon pink or an electric limey yellow), this design stands up on its own, so there's no need to splurge on candlesticks too. Warning: These are so fun, they might just steal the show at your next party.

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3 / 6

Rock This House Twisted Candle Decor

Etsy

$12.00

Customize your candle selections down to the smallest detail through this Etsy shop. Not only can you choose your perfect hue from a selection of over 10 shades, but you can select the shape, too. Our fave? The worm-like "little snake" shape that's both playful and charming.

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4 / 6

Paddywax Twist Taper Candle Set

Urban Outfitters

$14.00

Paddywax makes some of our favorite candles, hands down. The brand is known for its variety of bespoke scents and decorative vessels, but it's not often that you see them try their hand at taper candles, too. These 10-inch tall tapers feature an elegant twist and a 15 hour burn time, so you can enjoy them for months to come.

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5 / 6

Nile Candles Single Twist Candle

Nordstrom

$28.00

This chunky, yet elegant, taper candle features two columns of wax that twist into one, creating a sturdy base that can stand alone on your tabletop (with protection for dripping wax, of course!). In chic black and white colorways, these would be a perfect accent for a stylish New Year's Eve party.

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Greentree Home Rope Taper Candles

Berte

$28.00

Made of 100 percent North American beeswax, these twisty tapers are hand poured and finished for a clean burn and graceful style. Choose from a selection of five shades or combine them all (blush, navy, terracotta, teal, and wild plum) for a winter tablescape that feels fresh and unexpected.

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