Illuminations...not a store, an EXPERIENCE!
Written: May 31 '07 (Updated May 31 '07)
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Haven't you ever had an especially hard day at your local shopping mall, dragging large packages and rambunctious children in tow and longing for a genuine respite from the consumer chaos? Well I have an antidote for you...just stop, look around and if you see a sign that says "Illuminations" head straight in that direction, take a deep breath and walk inside.
It may take awhile for your garish-worn, color-weary eyes to adjust to the soft glow of a candlelit room, but hold on, don't turn and leave. Wait a few seconds and pretty soon you'll begin to feel restored. The sensuous combination of luscious, delicious smelling scented candles and the flicker of real candlelight will lull you into relaxation and create a feeling of a space apart. Somewhere, where the hurry and scurry of shoppers and overly ambitious sales people fade into utter nothingness.
Here, you are greeted by the gentle smiles of relaxed Illuminations associates who generally make you feel welcome instead of needed. A nice change!
The true test of a retailing experience is if it appeals to all ages and all genders. Frankly this is the ONLY retail store other than Brookstone or Discovery Store that appeals to my husband and son. A fact which continues to amaze me!
My son put it succinctly when he said, "let's go into Illuminations...I want to see the new displays." What a compliment to the Illuminations display managers. Most retail stores repel manly men, but not Illuminations. Could it be the flicker reminds these testosterone-driven beings of an ancient caveman's camp fire? Or is it the fantasy of romance that attracts and keeps them beguiled. I'll never know, but I know why I like shopping there. It's the whole package. It's the knowledge that seasonal candle vignettes have already been created for me. All I have to do is buy the whole table display, lantern, candles, florals and all!
If your town isn't lucky enough to have its own Illuminations store, you can always shop online at www.illuminations.com. And if you shop online you will generally be able to find not only all the candles and candle accessories available in their stores, but additional items and fragrances not available anywhere but through their website.
Value & Price: you may or may not consider their candles expensive. But from my point of view, their fragrance quality, visual appeal and the whole delightful shopping experience, makes any possibility of increased cost well worth it. Plus they have season-end sales prior to the end of each season, so you can get Halloween candles BEFORE Halloween is over and Christmas candles prior to Santa's visit. Example: Fall/Halloween season begins in the middle of August each year, so summer sales begin before summer is over.
Candle Uses: Illuminations makes lovely wedding and wedding reception candles and candle holders. My all-time favorite is their mini "Infinity" bowls. Just add pastel faux or real florals to the water and add a scented votive candle and Voila! you have a fabulous reception table centerpiece. For dinner parties I like to take six mini "Infinity" bowls and place them in a line right down the center of the table. If it is Fall, I place faux fall hued flower heads in the bowls and place jewel toned, Fall scented votives in the candle holder portion of the bowl. They look lovely any season of the year, and because of their low profile, my guests can still see each other! I hate it when you go to an elegant dinner and the floral or candle arrangements are so tall you can't see anyone sitting across from you! Garden parties, weddings, bridal showers, "Girlie Girl" teas all benefit from the soft romantic glow of lovely scented candles and faux florals.
Cautions: a candle is a lighted object that can melt, spill over and ignite any available flammable surface including BUT not limited to; hair, clothing, curtains, wooden candle holders, wood mantles, walls, rugs, clumsy pets and/or toddlers and overly enthusiastic sports fans. NEVER leave a candle un-attended. ALWAYS trim your candle wicks to 1/4 inch BEFORE lighting, and retrim them frequently during use. NEVER place on or near a flammable surface. ALWAYS carefully check all candles in your home to make sure they are completely out BEFORE retiring for the night and NEVER, NEVER leave a lighted candle in your bathroom to burn over night while you sleep. (I kid you not...some wayward humans consider candles to be room deodorizers and earth-friendly nightlights! Not so!)
Decorating Ideas: Illuminations continues to concentrate on creating examples of artistic candlescapes in their stores and online. Take your cue from what you see there and ask for help if needed. The Illuminations associates I've spoken with have always had creative ways for me to get the look I want. In addition, you can buy a book on Amazon.com called "Living By Candlelight" that was written by one of their founders and is chock full of gorgeous and inspiring photos of the many different ways you can illuminate your indoor and outdoor living spaces with candles.
Customer Service: I ordered the large glass "Infinity" bowl online, because it was sold out at my local Illuminations store and it arrived broken. I called their customer service number and they told me they would send a replacement out immediately and that I did not need to return the broken bowl. I was very impressed!
Gift Ideas: a scented candle and unique candle holder make a lovely hostess gift, wedding shower gift, mother's day gift, party door prize, co-worker surprise, Secret Santa gift or a cheery get-well-gift. Some of my friends buy large quantities of Illuminations candles, both scented pillars and jar candles when they go on sale and give them out as gifts during the year. Since candles are consumable, they are always welcome.
Would I Recommend This Store?: Yes! To everyone, even a burly football star or a Harley-riding motorcycle mechanic. Take a break, light a candle, breath deeply, put your feet up, close your eyes and relax by candlelight...you all deserve it!
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? candles, candle holders, faux florals
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About the Author
Location: Somewhere way out West
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 16 members
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