How To: Make An Ice Candle Holder Table Decorations

I first saw this in an old cookbook from the ’80’s but I really loved it and always wanted to try it. For a recent dinner party, I decided to actually do it, just a few hours before my guests were set to arrive. It’s not as grand as it could be, but I still think it’s rather pretty!

First, gather your “ingredients”:

• A container
• A second, smaller container that fits into the first
• A stone or something to weigh the small container down
• Flowers, grass, leaves, fruit or whatever else suits the theme of the event
• Water
• A candle
• Something to catch the water of the melting candle holder

  

1. To start, place the small container inside the large, and put the stone or weight inside the small container.
2. Then, pour water between the two containers.
3. Add your decorations between the two containers.
4. Freeze

1. Just before your guests arrive, or before you sit down for dinner, remove the centre piece from the freezer.
2. Using warm water inside the small container and outside the large, remove the sculpture from the containers quickly, before too much ice melts.
3. Place the candle inside
4. Pop the ice candle holder onto your drip tray – I used a white plate.
5. And wow your guests with your beautiful creation.

While I only had mine in the freezer for about 5 hours, creating something thicker and freezing it a few days in advance should make it last longer. Even so, my tea light candle burnt out before the candle holder had finished melting, and more than lasted through a leisurely dinner. It was left to melt in the sink after all the dishes were washed and packed away.

If you try it, do email me a picture or send me a link. I’d love to see different varieties!
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