Advent decoration: wreath, advent candle holder or candlesticks

Advent is about counting down to Christmas with candles, Sunday by Sunday. Tradition calls for a wreath with four candles, but there are several ways to do it, and some of them suit a small table, a busy everyday life or a home with children and pets better.

Here's an overview of the advent wreath, the advent candle holder and other solutions, so you can choose what suits your home without compromising on cosiness or safety.

What exactly is an advent decoration?

At its core, an advent decoration is very simple: four candles marking the four Sundays before Christmas. The first candle is lit on the first Sunday of advent, the second candle is lit alongside the first the following Sunday, and so it continues until all four candles are burning together at Christmas.

It's the principle of four candles that makes something an advent decoration, not the shape. That's why you can just as well use an advent candle holder, four separate candlesticks or a tray with candles and greenery, if that suits your style or your table better.

The advent wreath: the classic solution with four candles

The advent wreath is the best-known form of advent decoration. It consists of four candles placed in or on a wreath, often with greenery, and the candles are lit one at a time, Sunday by Sunday in advent.

The wreath works well if you like the traditional look, and if you have room for it on a large dining table or a side table. On the other hand, it takes up more space than many of the alternatives, and greenery can wilt during December if it isn't kept moist.

The advent candle holder: a compact alternative that lasts year after year

An advent candle holder is a candlestick made specifically for four candles, combined into one fixed piece. It does exactly the same job as the wreath, but takes up less space and doesn't need to be replaced or watered.

Because an advent candle holder is made of more durable materials than greenery and fir, you can use the same one year after year. That makes it a practical choice if you want a fixed, recurring part of your Christmas decoration without having to build something new every year. See the whole range of advent candle holders, if you're considering swapping out the wreath.

Other ways to decorate for advent

You're not tied to either a wreath or an advent candle holder. Four candlesticks of different heights, grouped together, give the same four-candle principle, but with a more personal and asymmetrical look. Here you could, for example, mix a Hotdog candlestick with a Croissant candlestick or a Fisk candlestick in green, so the group gets both height and character.

A Påfugle candlestick or a Sardin candlestick in ceramic can also be part of such an arrangement, if you want something that stands out a bit from the traditional.

• Four candlesticks of different heights, gathered on a tray or a plate
• LED candles, if there are children or pets in the home
• A tray with candles and greenery, as a looser version of the wreath

See candle holders and LED lights, if you want to put together your own solution.

Where should the advent decoration go?

The most obvious spots are the dining table, the coffee table or the windowsill, places where you see the candles often and have room for them to burn undisturbed.

Wherever you choose to place your advent decoration, make sure the candles have plenty of distance from curtains, tablecloths, paper and anything else flammable. The windowsill is cosy, but check that the curtain can't blow in over the candles when you air out the room.

Safety with live candles in advent

Real candles belong with advent, but they also require you to keep an eye on them. Never let candles burn unattended, and never leave the house or go to bed while they're lit.

Make sure your advent decoration, whether it's a wreath, an advent candle holder or individual candle holders, stands firmly on a surface that can't tip over. Put the candles out before you go to bed, even if it's the last Sunday of advent and all four candles are finally burning together.

Summary

An advent decoration is basically four candles, counted down Sunday by Sunday. Whether you choose the traditional wreath, a compact advent candle holder or a group of candle holders of different heights depends on the space and style of your home. Always remember to keep an eye on real candles, give them a stable surface and put them out before you go to bed.

Read also

• How to create cosiness with real candles
• Christmas decorations for the home: Create the perfect Christmas mood
• Candle guide: Types, sizes and burn time
• Glass candle holders: Guide to the most beautiful choices