Your jack-o'-lantern may be rotting on your back porch like mine (oops!), but that's no reason to shun pumpkins altogether. You can make seasonal candle holders that would be perfect for a Thanksgiving table from some inexpensive, mini pumpkins from your grocery store or local farmers market. I noticed this little trick within a DIY for making a mini pumpkin centerpiece on Martha Stewart, but I'm not so keen on the entire centerpiece idea.
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I've been totally in love with Glassybaby candle holders for months now, but I can't bring myself to spend $40 on a small votive. So when I came across CandleTech's DIY for making water balloon luminaries with very much the same shape simply out of paraffin wax, I knew I'd found an affordable alternative. All you'll need for this project is high-melt paraffin wax, water balloons, a piece of paper, a double boiler, a cookie sheet, and perhaps a candy thermometer.
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The New York Times article "Thinking Like a Student" takes a look at the thrifty, creative home-design moves college students, particularly architecture students, are making during these difficult economic times to make their homes a better place, aesthetically and functionally.
Along with the article is a wonderful slideshow showcasing many of these "on the cheap" tricks. One of my favorites was a set of candle holders fashioned from recycled light bulbs by Lauren Chapman, a student at Yale School of Architecture.
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I can't think of a more delightful way to spend my endless Summer evenings than under the warm glow of candlelight. There are plenty of trendy ornate chandeliers out there, but I love the sophisticated simplicity of Gump's Iron Candle Chandelier ($99, reduced from $250). Who needs crystals and birds birds birds when you've got timeless, hand-forged iron and classic tapers to light up the night?
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I've blogged lots and lots about birds, and even wrote a post entirely full of bird puns. So, it's no secret that I love dem birds! Some of you have expressed that you're not big fans of the bird trend, but I am, so I've decided to cover my ears and show you the Wisteria Perched Bird Candleholders ($16 for two).
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Seeing as it's in the 80s in San Francisco these days, I'm looking forward to unwinding on my deck at night and enjoying the nice temperatures and killer views, perhaps with a bottle of vino, too. I'm thinking the Ballard Designs Rose Votive Holders ($9.99 for 4, reduced from $39.99) would be a perky lighting solution when the sun goes down. Since they're resin, not porcelain, I won't have to be as careful with them, which is a plus for outdoor décor.
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In my recent Casa Verde, I told you about Danny Seo's eco makeover of Maria Menounos' backyard, and showed you a few products to help you get the look in your outdoor space. Well, lucky you, the JCPenney Capiz Shell Candleholder ($19-$24) that Seo used, which is made of natural capiz shells harvested from the waters of the Philippines, is on sale! It does look fab outdoors on Menounos' farmhouse table, but there's no reason why you can't enjoy one inside as well.
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I spotted this project on Craft and thought it would be perfect for Renewal month. Give new purpose to mismatched teacups you have laying around or that you've found at yard sales by turning them into candles. You can use them in your own home or as a thoughtful DIY gift for your friends.
To find out where to steal these super-sweet tea light holders, .
The Sprout Home Silver Porcelain Flower Tea Light Holders ($12.71) are hand formed from thin porcelain petals, then colored with glaze, creating a delicate flower shape to add romance to your tablesetting. No two holders are alike, although there are roughly five different styles. 
This Sur La Table Turkey Votive Holder ($10) is the perfect way to light up your table this Thanksgiving. Its bronze finish will go with any décor, and you can use it throughout the remainder of the fall. It would also make a great hostess gift. 
