For as long as I can remember, my mother and grandmother have had enormous candles burning in their kitchens. No matter what the season, a fluid fragrance has wafted, and created a homey appeal in this room in their homes. Neither woman followed in the footsteps of the other when it came to selection, but each made flawless choices.

My Mama never splurged on designer brands, instead she opted for the more decorative candleholders. This is what led to the tradition of my sisters and I trying to out do each other on her birthday by competing to find the most gorgeously packaged scented candles. This constant barrage of candles is probably what kept her kitchen more modern than any other grannys on the block.

As for my mom, well she kept the candles for another reason. It was not because she loved the flickering light, or even the plethora of scents to be chosen from. Oh no, she needed those candles. In the kitchen she was an adventurer, and the many burnt dishes declared it loud and clear. However, she became a master of hiding the aromatic sins of her foibles with the help from the folks at the candle factory.

The point is, while each may not have set out to build a standard of what a kitchen should be, they did. My sisters agree, candles offer a great deal to a home, and in a kitchen, they complete many duties beautifully. So, do not forget to include candles in your kitchen design.