Make Your Own Natural Lemon-Herb Candles
Summer evenings on the patio or balcony are best when you can relax and enjoy them—preferably without pesky mosquitoes. With this simple DIY project, you can make your own decorative lemon-and-herb candles in a glass jar. The combination of citrus fruits, fresh herbs, and essential oils creates a pleasant scent and makes the candles a stylish focal point on your dining table or in your outdoor lounge.
Best of all: You only need a few ingredients, and the candles are ready in just a few minutes.
Here's what you'll need
- A canning jar or decorative glass jar (about 500 ml)
- 2–3 slices of lemon or lime
- Fresh herbs, such as
- rosemary
- Basil
- Lavender
- Mint
- Essential oils (about 15–20 drops), such as
- Citronella
- Lemongrass
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
- Water
- Floating candle
It's that easy
1. Prepare the citrus fruits
Cut lemons or limes into thin slices and arrange them decoratively in the glass.
2. Add herbs
Place a few sprigs of your favorite herbs between the citrus slices. Rosemary, lavender, and mint look especially nice.
3. Add essential oils
Add about 15 to 20 drops of essential oil to the water. Citronella and lemongrass are particularly popular because their scent is considered pleasant in the summer.
4. Fill with water
Fill the glass with water—leaving about one centimeter of space at the top.
5. Insert the floating candle
Carefully place the floating candle on the surface of the water and light it.
Your summery DIY candle is now ready to use.
Tip: Get creative with combining herbs and scents
Depending on your preference, you can try out different scent combinations.
The following pairings are particularly harmonious:
- Lemon + Rosemary
- Lime + Mint
- Lavender + lemon
- Basil + lemongrass
- Rosemary + eucalyptus
Flowers, such as lavender or edible summer blooms, also add a decorative pop of color.
Why are these ingredients suitable?
Many people find scents like citronella, lemongrass, lavender, or rosemary pleasant in the summer. At the same time, they’re often used in classic summer scent blends that are popular for patios and balconies. These DIY candles combine decorative design with a fresh scent.
Summer Decor with a Personal Touch
Whether on the patio table, at a barbecue, or as a small gift—these lemon-and-herb candles are quick to make and add a special touch to any summer evening. By using different jars, herbs, and citrus fruits, you can customize each candle and decorate it to match your home décor.
Discover tips and tricks
Discover many more tips and tricks in the Nolte Magazin.
