*Trim wick to 1/4" before each burn to prevent soot.
*Place candle in a draft free environment (away from ceiling fans, AC, open windows), on a candle holder, ceramic or glass dish, or heat-resistant surface the wax can drip on.
*Use a metal tool to extinguish the candle by gently pushing the wick into the wax pool to prevent smoking. Then, straighten the wick using the same tool.
*If the wick doesn't light initially, hold the flame to the wick until a small amount of wax around it melts, allowing the wick to absorb the wax as fuel
Specific to Pillar Candles
*Be sure to allow the melted wax to pool close to the edge of the candle to avoid tunneling. With larger pillars this first burn can take 4+ hours.** , about one hour for each inch in diameter (Tunneling can prevent your candle from burning properly and utilizing all of the precious wax, thus affecting the burn time for your candle.)
*If tunneling does occur and candle will not light, remove the outer edges using a butter knife. This ensures that oxygen can reach the flame, enabling the candle to light.
Specific to Taper Candles
*To secure a taper candle to the holder, melt the bottom of the taper with an open flame until it begins to drip, and then immediately press it onto the surface of the candle holder. (can also be used to secure a candle that is smaller than its holder or to attach it to a simple dish in place of a holder.)
*The size of candlesticks and holders varies and will typically not fit perfectly. If the candle is too large for the holder, shave the edges with a knife or razor blade until it fits.