Candles are all the rage right now, but whether you purchase them, or make your own they can be expensive. Here are some terrific ideas for making your candle displays demand attention, making them well worth it, and a better decorating value!

Cluster several candles on a shelf in front of a wall mirror, or use a small mirror as the candle tray. The mirror doubles the glow, therefore halving your candle budget!

Buy some floating candles for some great dinner time candlescapes. (If you make candles, disposable tart pans make great molds.) Fill a plain water glass with fresh fruit, cover with water, and place a floating candle on top. Or simply float them in a pretty bowl for a simple centerpiece.

Place pillar candles in pretty bowls filled with greenery, nuts, fruit, or coffee beans. Try stacking two or more bowls for a tiered effect, perhaps tucking small flower sprig peaking out of the bottom bowl.

Use creative candle holders. Small terra cotta pots, special teacups, colorful bottles. Napkin rings seem to be the perfect size for votives, but be sure to protect the surface underneath.

Make your own candlesticks! Blocks of scrap 2x4 stacked and glued, then painted, make a great place for your pillars. How about old banister or headboard dowels, drilled to hold a taper? Even an old log chunk for a rustic or natural look.

Need a couple of hints on how to get the most from your candles? Place them in the refrigerator an hour before use, and they will burn longer. The first time you burn a candle, always burn it for one hour for each inch of diameter, and you will avoid the hole in the middle, wick disappearing trick! If you buy scented candles, always smell the bottom of the candle. If you only get a strong scent from the top, they have probably only been dipped in scent, and you will be disappointed. Finally, if your candles smoke, trim the wick to a quarter inch before burning. Have fun with candles, and be sure to check out candle making classes at your local craft shop!

Kathy Wilson is an author, columnist, and editor of The Budget Decorator and other popular websites. For hundreds of free budget decorating ideas, visit her at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com. Also visit her other website at http://www.Women-on-the-Net.com.