If you’re looking for a simple way to add a little warmth and holiday charm to your home, this Decorative Oil Candle is such a beautiful project. Made with water, floating oil, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and dried orange slices, it creates a lovely little centerpiece that looks especially pretty on a holiday table.

The beauty of this candle is that the ingredients do more than provide decoration. The cinnamon sticks, star anise, and dried orange slices float and settle beneath a thin layer of scented oil, creating a miniature holiday scene inside the glass.

The essential oil blend adds a warm, woodsy fragrance that feels perfect for the holidays. Cinnamon leaf, sweet orange, clove, and cedarwood come together to create a scent that’s spicy, citrusy, and reminiscent of a cozy winter gathering.

This is also a wonderfully inexpensive way to dress up your table for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a winter dinner party. Use a pretty heat-safe glass bowl or jar and choose dried botanicals that complement your holiday décor.

Unlike a traditional candle, the fuel in this project is the thin layer of carrier oil floating on top of the water. As the oil is consumed, the flame will eventually go out. The candle should burn for a few hours, depending on the size and design of your container and the amount of oil used.

Because this is an open-flame project, however, it should always be treated like any other candle. Keep it on a stable, heat-safe surface away from children, pets, curtains, paper, greenery, and anything else that could catch fire.

How To Make a Decorative Oil Candle

For this DIY you will need cinnamon sticks, star anise, dried oranges slices, floating candle wick and optional essential oils like cinnamon, clove and cedarwood.

Start with a clean, heat-safe glass jar or bowl. Choose a container that is sturdy and stable and can safely hold an open flame.

Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and dried orange slices to the bottom of the container.

Slowly fill the container almost to the top with water, leaving enough room for the layer of oil.

In a separate small container, combine the carrier oil with the cinnamon leaf, sweet orange, clove bud, and cedarwood essential oils. Stir gently to combine.

Slowly pour the scented oil over the surface of the water. Aim for approximately a ½-inch layer of oil floating on top. Pour gently so that the oil stays primarily on the surface rather than mixing into the water.

Place the floating candle wick onto the surface of the oil and allow it to settle.

Once everything is stable, carefully light the wick.

Enjoy the warm glow and holiday fragrance, but never leave the candle unattended.

Tips for the Best Decorative Oil Candle

Choose the right container. Use a sturdy, heat-safe glass container designed to tolerate heat. Avoid thin or delicate glass.

Keep the oil layer on top. Pour the oil slowly and gently. The oil will naturally float on the water because it is less dense.

Don’t overcrowd the jar. The botanicals should create a pretty display without taking up so much space that they interfere with the floating wick.

Use dried botanicals. Dried orange slices and spices work well for this project. Avoid adding fresh plant material or anything that could quickly decompose in the water.

Keep the wick centered. Position the floating wick away from the sides of the container and allow it to settle before lighting.

Use a stable surface. Place the candle somewhere it won’t be bumped, tipped, or exposed to drafts.

Never move it while lit. Wait until the flame is completely extinguished and the oil has cooled before handling or moving the container.

Don’t add more oil while the candle is burning. Extinguish the flame and allow the candle to cool completely before making any adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the decorative oil candle burn?

This candle should burn for a few hours, although the exact burn time will vary depending on the size of the wick, the amount of oil, and the container you’re using.

Can I use a different carrier oil?

Yes. A liquid carrier oil that is appropriate for this type of candle can be used. Choose an oil that remains liquid at room temperature.

Can I use fresh oranges instead of dried orange slices?

I recommend using dried orange slices. They are better suited to a decorative project like this and won’t introduce as much moisture or fresh plant material into the water.

Can I use different essential oils?

Yes, as long as the oils are appropriate for aromatic use and you’re using them at a suitable concentration. You could experiment with other holiday combinations such as orange and fir, or cedarwood and frankincense.

Can I reuse the candle?

You can create another candle using the same container after cleaning it thoroughly. I recommend starting with fresh water, fresh botanicals, and fresh oil rather than trying to preserve the original mixture.

Is it safe to leave this candle burning while I leave the room?

No. This is an open-flame candle and should never be left unattended. Extinguish the flame whenever you leave the room, even if you expect to be gone only briefly.

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• DIY Fall Room Spray
• Fall Hand Soap Recipe
• DIY Lavender Wreath

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