Okay, let’s talk about setting the ultimate party mood.
Nothing—and I mean nothing—beats the magical, flickering glow of candlelight for making a space feel instantly special.
Forget boring votives, because you’re about to become a master of handmade candle holders that will have every guest asking, “Where did you get that?!”
Get ready to light up the night with crafts that are big on charm and ridiculously easy to create.
1. Cinnamon Stick Cozy Votives
Wrap your table in the scent of autumn with this 10-minute craft.
Just grab a handful of cinnamon sticks and a simple glass votive holder.
Use a hot glue gun to attach the sticks vertically around the glass, then tie it all together with a rustic piece of twine for that perfect finishing touch.
These are the ultimate upgrade to your place setting ideas, adding both visual warmth and a delicious aroma.
2. Driftwood Row of Flames
Bring the beach to your tablescape with a dramatic driftwood centerpiece.
Find a sturdy piece of driftwood and drill holes along the top using a spade bit, spacing them evenly for a balanced look.
Pop in metal candle inserts to safely hold taper candles and protect the wood.
This is the soul of all Coastal tablescapes—effortlessly elegant and a true conversation starter.
3. Industrial Copper Pipe Candelabra
Who knew hardware store finds could be this chic?
Create your own industrial candelabra by connecting short lengths of copper pipe with various fittings like elbows and tees—no welding required!
Simply dry-fit the pieces into a cool, sprawling shape that fits your table.
This is a core element in edgy, industrial loft-style dining spaces that crave a little metallic gleam.
4. Festive Floating Fruit Bowls
This centerpiece is a feast for the eyes and couldn’t be simpler to assemble.
Fill large glass fishbowls with water, then add fresh cranberries, vibrant orange slices, and a few sprigs of rosemary.
Top with floating tea lights that will dance above the colorful display.
It’s the secret to an elegant candlelit dinner party decor that looks absolutely lavish.
5. Boho-Chic Macrame Lanterns
Transform your backyard into a dreamy boho escape.
Weave simple macrame holders for small glass jars using basic knots like the square knot and half hitch.
Hang them from tree branches at varying heights and pop in some votive candles for a magical, floating glow.
This is the key to elegant patio garden styling that feels both handmade and high-end.
6. Modern Geometric Concrete Holders
For a touch of sleek, architectural cool, make these concrete taper holders.
Use a geometric silicone mold (the kind for ice cubes or baking works perfectly!) and fill it with a quick-setting concrete mix.
Before it sets, insert a taper candle wrapped in plastic wrap to create the right-sized hole, then remove it to let the concrete cure fully.
Pair them with air plants for striking, urban minimalist dining spaces.
7. Upcycled Tin Can Lanterns
Turn your recycling into radiant decor!
Clean out some tin cans, fill them with water, and freeze overnight—this prevents them from denting.
Use a hammer and nail to punch out whimsical patterns, then let the ice melt, dry the can, and give it a coat of vibrant spray paint.
These are perfect for adding pops of color to vibrant color-blocked balconies.
8. Serene Himalayan Salt Votives
You don’t have to DIY everything to create a stunning effect.
Himalayan salt candle holders cast an incredibly warm, calming, peachy-pink glow that instantly sets a tranquil mood.
Arrange them down the center of low tables with floor cushions for a relaxed, restorative dinner party vibe.
It’s an effortless way to create your own urban zen balconies or indoor retreat.
9. Glamorous Gilded Animal Holders
Unleash your wild side with this playful and glam DIY.
Take a few plastic animal toys, give them a coat of metallic gold spray paint, and let them dry completely.
Drill a small hole in their backs perfectly sized for a taper candle, and you have the most whimsical holders ever.
This is how you do luxe New Year’s Eve party decorations with a wink.
10. Rustic Birch Log Pillars
Channel a cozy cabin retreat with these natural beauties.
Saw a birch log into varying heights to create a dynamic, staggered centerpiece.
Use a spade bit to drill a shallow hole in the top of each piece, just deep enough to secure a pillar or votive candle.
Arrange them with pinecones and evergreen sprigs for the coziest of Warm, rustic living rooms brought to your table.
11. Ethereal Lace-Wrapped Jars
Create a dreamy, romantic glow in minutes with this simple project.
Wrap clean mason jars with wide lace ribbon or pieces from a vintage doily, securing them with a thin layer of spray adhesive or Mod Podge.
When you place a candle inside, the light will filter through the intricate patterns, casting beautiful shadows.
It’s a must-have for any elegant garden tea party decor.
12. Vivid Moroccan Mosaic Votives
Instantly transport your guests to a vibrant Marrakesh marketplace.
While you can DIY these with glass pieces and grout, you can also buy them to save time.
The secret is to cluster them together in abundance—mix and match colors and scatter them across low tables, floor cushions, and trays for an immersive, jewel-toned glow.
This is the heart of authentic Moroccan-inspired interiors.
13. Pressed Flower Garden Hurricanes
Capture the beauty of a summer garden in a delicate hurricane lamp.
Gently decoupage pressed flowers and leaves onto the outside of a simple glass vase using Mod Podge.
Arrange the botanicals in a scattered, natural pattern for an effortlessly chic look.
This is the perfect touch for an enchanted garden patio affair.
14. Serene Sand & Seashell Hurricanes
This classic coastal look is a breeze to assemble for last-minute party prep.
Fill the bottom third of a glass hurricane vase with clean sand, then nestle a white pillar candle securely in the center.
Scatter a few of your favorite seashells around the base of the candle for a simple, elegant finish.
Explore more Nautical table styling ideas to complete the look.
15. Artsy Hand-Painted Clay Holders
Get your hands dirty and create something truly one-of-a-kind.
Shape air-dry clay into quirky, organic forms—think mugs, cones, or abstract shapes—and make a hole for a taper candle.
Once dry, paint them with abstract squiggles and shapes in a coordinating color palette.
They add personality to eclectic, colorful spaces that celebrate creativity.
16. Mediterranean Terracotta Votives
Give your outdoor table a touch of sun-drenched Mediterranean charm.
Flip mini terracotta pots upside down and use a fine-tipped brush and white paint to add simple geometric patterns like zig-zags and diamonds.
Place a tealight on top of each one for a simple, beautiful glow.
They’re a perfect match for Mediterranean monochrome balconies and garden parties.
17. Sophisticated Leather-Wrapped Votives
Add a touch of handsome, moody style to your table or bar cart.
Cut scraps of leather to fit around simple glass votives, securing them with a small buckle, snap, or decorative stud for a polished look.
This rich texture is perfect for a scotch tasting, a book club meeting, or any gathering that calls for a sophisticated vibe.
It’s the perfect accessory for dark glam bedroom spaces or a cozy den.
18. Cheerful Mini Pumpkin Luminaries
Forget complex carving—this is the easiest way to make pumpkin luminaries!
Slice the top off a mini pumpkin and scoop out the insides.
Then, use an apple corer or a drill with a large bit to punch out fun, perfectly round holes all over.
Pop in a tealight and you have the cutest glow for your Cozy outdoor fall party decor.
19. Nautical Rope-Wrapped Candles
Get that breezy, coastal feel with a DIY that takes less than five minutes.
Simply wrap thick jute rope tightly around plain white pillar candles, securing the start and end of the rope with a dab of hot glue.
It’s a simple trick that adds incredible texture and a maritime vibe to your setup.
This is a staple of all great nautical-themed summer party decor.
20. Art Deco Gilded Concrete Votives
Combine industrial grit with Gatsby-level glam.
Create simple cylindrical votive holders using quick-set concrete and a small mold.
Once cured, apply gold leaf sheets in abstract, geometric patterns using gilding adhesive for a beautifully imperfect, crackled finish.
They bring the drama of Luxe Hollywood Regency living rooms right to your cocktail bar.
21. Literary Book Page Luminaries
For the book lovers, this craft creates a wonderfully soft, scholarly light.
Carefully wrap a glass votive holder with a sheet of vellum for a fire-safe inner layer.
Then, wrap a page from a vintage book around the outside, securing it with a touch of clear adhesive.
Always use a battery-operated LED candle for this project to keep it safe and beautiful, channeling the vibe of classic Parisian-style interiors.
22. Magical Crystal Geode Votives
Add a touch of mystical energy to your gathering.
Form a ring of air-dry clay large enough to hold a tealight.
Before it dries, press colorful crushed glass or crystals into the top edge, then paint the base a deep, moody color once dry.
They’re the perfect centerpiece for a tarot reading night or any celestial-themed party.
23. Frosty Winter Ice Lanterns
If you’re partying in the cold, use the weather to your advantage!
Find two containers, one that fits inside the other with about an inch of space between them.
Fill the gap with water, winter berries, and pine sprigs, then freeze until solid.
Run warm water on the outside of the larger container to release your stunning ice lantern!
It’s the ultimate in ephemeral frosted garden decor.
24. Instant Party Washi Tape Votives
Need a pop of color in a hurry? Washi tape to the rescue!
Simply wrap strips of colorful, patterned washi tape around plain glass votive holders.
Mix and match patterns and colors to coordinate with your party theme for a completely custom look in under a minute.
These are a fantastic addition to Rainbow themed party decor projects.
25. Upcycled Wine Cork Votives
Here’s a brilliant reason to save all those wine corks!
Arrange the corks on their sides in two concentric squares around a small glass votive holder.
Use a hot glue gun to secure the corks to each other, building a sturdy, rustic little trivet that’s perfect for a wine and cheese night.
It’s a clever cousin to these upcycled glass bottle garden torches.
26. Retro Melted Crayon Bottles
Embrace colorful chaos with this fun, nostalgic craft.
Grab a few empty glass bottles and some old crayons with the paper peeled off.
Place a taper candle in the bottle’s opening, then hold a crayon near the flame, letting the colored wax melt and drip down the sides.
Layer different colors for a vibrant, wonderfully messy look that defines retro revival interiors.
27. Chic Matte-Painted Wine Bottles
Upcycle old wine bottles into stunning, minimalist candle holders.
Clean the bottles and remove the labels, then give them a few even coats of matte chalk paint or spray paint in a soft, muted palette.
Group them together in varying heights for a simple but incredibly chic centerpiece.
This look is a hallmark of serene, Scandinavian-inspired tables.
28. Majestic Antler Candelabra
Create a show-stopping centerpiece that’s bursting with rustic grandeur.
While building one from scratch is a project, you can find incredible faux-antler candelabras online.
Style it on a wood slice and surround it with pinecones and a plaid runner to complete the elevated lodge look.
It’s the epitome of rustic barn-chic for a truly memorable dinner.
29. Lab-Chic Test Tube Candelabra
This one’s for all the science-loving hosts out there.
Drill a series of holes into a solid block of wood, perfectly sized to fit glass test tubes.
Slide a test tube into each hole and then place a skinny taper candle inside each one.
The result is a clean, linear, and unexpected centerpiece that suits Modern micro-living rooms and minimalist aesthetics.
30. Charming Vintage Teacup Candles
This DIY is a craft, a decoration, and a party favor all in one.
Melt soy wax flakes in a double boiler, add a wick to the center of a vintage teacup, and pour the melted wax in.
You can add a few drops of essential oil for a lovely scent.
They’re the star of any vintage tea party terrace tables and a delightful gift for guests.
