Our lives today are busier and more distracted than ever. Let’s admit it: too often we find ourselves taking a phone call or checking our Instagram account while we’re supposed to be enjoying quality time with our loved ones. How many family meals regularly get interrupted by our phones buzzing and someone staring at their little screen? Be honest.

We’ve decided to make a concerted effort to put all the distractions away and dedicate dinner time to nothing but family. Nothing brings a family closer more than sharing a meal together.

To make these moments even more special, we think it’s a great idea to take some time to set the table beautifully. A warm, glowing candle at the center of it all evokes the perfect atmosphere for a loving homemade meal. It’s easy, it’s simple, and it makes such a difference. It lets everyone know that dinner time is important, family is worth celebrating, and those gathered around the table are special to you.

Placing one or two small candles on stands at the table is a nice way to achieve a homey everyday family meal atmosphere (try our graceful cats or sweet owls). A single column candle in a sturdy candle holder will do the same. You will be surprised to see the effect just lighting a candle will have on making an ordinary meal feel more intimate and meaningful.

For more festive occasions, go bigger: pillar candles of varying heights and sizes on a metal or mirror tray, a grouping of elegant tapers in different textures in tall candle holders, or candles sculpted into special shapes to celebrate an event or gathering. Different colors have their own significance: darker, dramatic colors are usually considered festive and romantic, while lighter, more subtle hues bring forth feelings of joy.

We strongly feel that 100% pure beeswax candles are the best choice to burn around mealtime. With no added scent, they are ideal for the dinner table when you don’t want fragrance to interfere with the aroma of the food. Another important point too often ignored: typical paraffin-based candles contain carcinogenic chemicals. Beeswax is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and purifies the air. Not only should mealtime nourish you and connect you to your loved ones, it should take place in a clean, healthy environment.

You’ll find an abundance of inspiration for your dinner table in our collection of contemporary 100% pure beeswax candles. As you plan the next meal, whether for your family or for a big celebration such as Passover or Easter, make sure to include candles as a functional centerpiece to invoke the right atmosphere. It lets everyone know it’s time to let go of distractions and sit down to savor the moment.

Interview with Tim Trescott, a North Carolina beekeeper. 

How and when  did you first get into the business?

I have been in the bee business all my life. I am a third generation.

What makes you different than, say, the big wax companies?

We work directly with only US Beekeepers, and US only. This is a bit more labor intensive as we ourselves are doing the collection and not the beekeepers, but the quality of wax is generally higher this way. Domestic beeswax is also collected and processed different than, say, African beeswax.

How closely do you work with the beekeepers, and others who work with the hives (those who collect the honey, pollen, etc).

Since we work domestically, we are able to directly with the beekeepers, and we maintain relationships with beekeepers across the country.  Since the wax can only be extracted by also extracting the honey, it’s sort of an all hands on deck operation.

What kind of gear do you use when collecting?

I keep it simple and usually just wear a khaki shirt with jeans and then a bee veil. A classic beekeeper-uniform, one could say.

What type of wax are you looking for when you go into the hives? (Are certain types of waxes better than others)

As mentioned, the wax only comes from extracting the honey, since the wax is what seals the honey in the hive. Capping wax is the best type, though- it’s the super-finewax seal on the top, as opposed the the wax within the comb. The capping wax is the most pure, and- not surprisingly, the hardest and most expensive to obtain.

How far do you travel? Are there certain times of the year that are better than others?

We travel as far as the Dakotas, summertime is usually the best time to travel- for the obvious reason of travelling logistics, and also the fact that bees are generally more active during this time of year..

Have you find that different regions yield different types of wax? (Quality, quantity, color, etc)

Yes, I find that the wax is based on the floral source it comes from. Some southern waxes work better for going to an ivory color. The smell also depends on the floral source as well. The quality, color, and scent is affected with each stage of collection. African beeswax, for example, is often collected by blowing black smoke into the hives, which in turn changes the color and scent of the wax from that point forward.

What affect does collecting wax have on the bees? Is there a limit to how much you take or are allowed to take per collection period?

Collecting wax does not affect the bees- it’s kind of like pruning a plant. Of course you don’t want to prune the entire bush, but cutting it back a bit won’t harm the plant in the slightest and can actually be beneficial for its productivity as an organism.. Each hive of bees only produces about 1 to 2 lbs of wax per year. The wax is depending on the amount of honey that is produced.

Do you have any bees of your own?

We are hobbyists at this time, running about 20 hives of bees. in the past we used to run as many as 800.

What's the strangest thing you've heard people use beeswax for?

I would have to say the strangest thing people have used beeswax for is either as gum or hair removal.

Have you seen the industry change in any way since you began- and if so, how?

No, It is a fairly standard business. The industry has experienced more notoriety, though, in the past few years thanks to the push for environmental awareness and bee scarcity.

What's you're favorite part about the job? Least favorite (if any)?

The favorite part of the job is taking crude wax and getting it back into a nice yellow beeswax for candle making.

If someone were interested in becoming a part of the industry, (beekeeper or collector) what advice would you give them?

My advice to someone interested in the industry is that it not for the weak of heart. It is a hard job, literally,  working with the bees, but it so enjoyable. It’s a lot of learning by doing.

Words: Caroline Noonan

Written by Mimi Vu, Making it. A Guide to Delaware County's Thriving Craft Culture captures the spirit of the craft community in the western foothills of the Catskills. We are honored to be included in this group of talented makers.

Photos: Natalie Chitwood

Today we are pleased to share an enchanting story about our company, by Bri Tejeda, founder and curator of the blog Indi Moonrose. With a team of creatives, the blog celebrates individuality, community and communication. 

 

 

This summer, Martha Stewart and her panel of 16 esteemed judges reviewed the American Made Audience Choice nominations, searching for creative, beautiful, useful, and innovative products. Among hundreds of nominees, our small business and profile stood out.

We're pleased to announce that Greentree Home Candle has been named a 2015 Martha Stewart American Made Audience Choice Finalist. On September 21, Martha Stewart turns voting over to the larger Martha Stewart American Made community. We ask you-- our friends, family, and fans to cast your vote for us, assuming you think we are your favorite American maker. One Audience Choice Winner will be announced on October 23. Thank you for your support!

LINK TO OUR PROFILE & VOTE FOR US!