I love hosting candle-making nights because they strike such a great balance between being hands-on and relaxing—which makes it an ideal group activity. Whether you’re organizing a small gathering with friends, a team-building session, or just looking for a creative way to spend a weekend, a candle-making party offers a unique way to connect—low pressure, a little creative, and genuinely enjoyable.
Here’s how to pull it off like a pro (without needing to be one).
1. Set the Scene
Candle-making isn’t just about the candles—it’s about the mood. Think chill and inviting.
- Lighting: Keep it soft. String lights, a few candles (duh), or a warm lamp can set a relaxed tone.
- Music: A mellow playlist in the background helps keep the energy up but not overwhelming.
- Scent: Set the vibe with one clean, subtle aroma—something like citrus or bergamot. It adds atmosphere without overpowering the fragrances your guests will be working with.
2. Gather the Goods
You don’t need a ton of equipment, but you do need the right stuff. You can either buy a candle-making kit for each guest or DIY your own setup.
Here’s the basic shopping list:
- Wax (soy wax is easy and clean)
- Wicks
- Jars or tins (repurposed glass works great)
- Essential oils
- Pouring pitcher
- Thermometer
- Stir sticks
- Labels (if you want to name your creations—which you totally should)
Tip: Pre-measure ingredients for each person if you want to keep things smooth and less messy.
3. Plan Your Setup
You don’t need a giant space, but you do want a surface that can handle a little spillage. Cover your table with kraft paper or newspaper, and lay out everyone’s materials in their own little “station.” Bonus points for cute aprons.
Also: Have a hot plate or two ready for melting wax. If you’re hosting a bigger group, stagger the melting or work in pairs.
4. Get Crafty, But Keep It Simple
Candle-making is surprisingly straightforward, which is why it’s such a great party activity. Walk everyone through the steps together:
- Melt the wax (medium heat, don’t rush it)
- Add fragrance once it hits the right temp (usually around 185°F for soy)
- Secure the wick in your jar
- Pour the wax, slowly
- Let it set, and don’t move it until it’s cool
Make it fun. Share scent combos. Laugh at the lumpy ones. It’s about the process, not perfection.
5. Add Little Touches
Here’s where you can level up the experience:
- Mocktail or cocktail station with drinks that pair with your scent theme (think lavender lemonade or cinnamon-spiced sangria)
- Snacks Go for easy, non-messy nibblers. Think mini caprese skewers, popcorn, sliced fruit, crackers and cheese, or hummus with veggie sticks.
- Name your candles and label them (this is weirdly satisfying)
- Goodie bags with a wick trimmer or mini essential oil as a takeaway
6. Snap the Moments
Don’t forget to grab some photos of everyone mid-mix, sniff-testing oils, or proudly holding up their finished candles. These events make for great content—whether it’s for your personal feed or a company’s team culture post.
7. Cool, Clean, Chill
Once the candles are poured, you’ll have about an hour before they’re fully set. Use that time to hang out, snack, sip, and let the table cool. Clean-up is easier than you’d think (wax peels off once it hardens), and everyone leaves with something they made with their own two hands.
A candle-making party is more than a craft night—it’s an experience. It’s laid-back, a little creative, and gives people something personal to take home. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy night with friends or an offbeat team-building event, this one hits all the right notes: fun, intentional, and just the right amount of scented.
Light it up.
