Oil lamp

Next week is Thanksgiving and, like every year, I want the table decorations to reflect some element of the past year. These past years have been very strenuous for so many people. Many have lost their jobs and homes and others have "just" had to tighten the belt, very tight. I have also noticed a trend in reverting back to more home made items. Sewing has become increasingly more popular and so has gardening.

We too have to plan our Holidays carefully and not spend frivolously. So, my mission became to have a nice Thanksgiving meal, on a shoestring. To me, the table setting is as important to the meal as the food. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, always said "Don't forget, the eyes want something too." She knew that the meal had to be high quality and that the presentation was equally important. You cannot leave one out.

Combining the gardening and budget theme, I found this really neat idea instead of candles (if you haven't noticed, candles are becoming pretty expensive) and this oil lamp provides the lighting and reflect the theme.

You need a canning jar with a flat and ring or a lid, a wick and glass flange, lamp oil and potpourri. The potpourri is optional and just for aesthetics, it doesn't really add much scent. Since I had some really old (more than 15 years!) still sitting around, I used that as decoration. Second hand stores will sometimes have some potpourri you could use.

I first made a hole in the lid that fit the flange. You will want to first create a nail hole and then use a (metal) drill bit. My husband got interested in the project and helped out with the drilling, but you can do it on your own.

I then filled the about 3/4 with potpourri and added lamp oil. Fill the jar until 1/2 inch from the top. If you want to save a little on lamp oil, you could fill the jar halfway with water first and then carefully add oil. The oil will float on top of the water. Just make sure your wick is only in the oil and doesn't reach down into the water.

Feed the flange through the hole in the lid and pull down the wick until you only have a very little bit showing. I was amazed how little wick it took. If it is too long, your flame will be much too large!

Put the flat and ring (or lid) on the jar and help the wick down into the oil and potpourri with a skewer. You will need to let it sit for a few minutes before lighting the lamp - the wick needs some time to absorb the oil.

When the wick feels damp to the touch, you can light your lamp. If the flame is too large, blow the lamp out, let it cool (!!!) and pull the wick down a little until you reach the desired flame.

Can't wait to incorporate these into my table setting next week.