French Days Decoration

Hurricane holders, scented candles, cushion covers and table accessories: this page brings together the pieces that change the mood of a room without moving a thing. These are the touches you add once the furniture is in place.

Low light in the evening

A candle in a hurricane holder lights from below and instantly softens a living room. Use several small flames rather than one large one: three hurricane holders of different heights on a tray create more depth than a lone candlestick. Trim the wick before relighting a candle so the flame stays clean.

New covers, new season

Changing the covers is enough to take a sofa from one season to the next, without touching the rest of the room. Keep a plain base and save patterns, floral or graphic, for just one or two cushions. Place these patterned cushions at the ends of the sofa and leave the center free, where people sit.

The table, indoors and out

A glass carafe, a low candle holder and a few tablecloth weights make for a simple, steady table. Attach the clip-on weights once the tablecloth is well centered on the tabletop, so it hangs straight on each side. Keep the flames out of the line of sight so guests can see each other.

Frequently asked questions

What size cover for my cushion?

Measure the filled cushion from seam to seam and choose a cover of the same size or one centimeter smaller. A slightly compressed insert gives a nicely plump cushion.

What is a candle refill for?

It renews the wax in a container you keep: the glass or hurricane holder stays in place, only the candle changes. Check the diameter of your container before choosing the refill.

What are tablecloth weights for?

They clip onto the edge of the tablecloth and keep it from lifting outdoors. Indoors, they define the corners and give a neater table.