Do Votive Candles Fit In Shot Glass?

Votive candles are small candles that are meant to be used as an offering or prayer candles. They are typically white or yellow beeswax candles that come in glass containers (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Votive_candle). Shot glasses are small drinking glasses that hold approximately 1-2 ounces of liquor. The purpose of fitting a votive candle into a shot glass is to use the shot glass as an alternative holder for the votive candle. This allows the votive to be used decoratively in places where a traditional votive glass may not fit or be available. Combining the two objects allows the candle to be displayed creatively for decorative ambiance.

What Are Votive Candles?

Votive candles are small candles in containers meant for short-term use. They are typically made of beeswax or paraffin wax and come in different shapes and sizes. Some common shapes for votive candles are rounds, tapers, pillars, and tealights. Sizes generally range from 1-3 inches tall with burn times from 2 to 24 hours.

Votive candles are designed to fit into small holders, allowing the melted wax to collect in a glass or metal container underneath. This provides a safe way to contain the flame and dripping wax. The name “votive” comes from the Latin word “votum” meaning vow or dedication. Historically, votive candles were used for prayer, devotion, or making an offering at a church, shrine, or personal altar.

Today, votive candles are still widely used in religious settings. But they have also become popular home decor items and are used to create cozy ambiance. Their small size makes them convenient and affordable to use in a variety of settings.

Common Uses of Votive Candles

Votive candles are one of the most versatile candle types and have many common uses:

Decoration – Votives are widely used decoratively due to their small size. They can be placed in candleholders, glassware, and small spaces around the home. Popular ways to decorate with votives include using them in groups on mantels, shelves, and tablescapes. Their small flickering flames create cozy ambiance.

Aromatherapy – Scented votive candles allow you to fill your space with lovely fragrance. Votives work well for aromatherapy as they fully pool out when lit, maximizing fragrance dispersion. Popular scents include floral, spice, and seasonal aromas.

Ceremonies and rituals – Churches and individuals commonly use votives in ceremonies and rituals. In Catholic churches, votives represent prayers and devotion. They are lit alongside prayer candles. Votives are also used in Wiccan rituals and new age ceremonies.

Ambiance – Unscented votives are frequently used to provide mood lighting and ambiance. Their gentle glow is ideal for creating a relaxed, cozy, or romantic setting. Votives add charm and warmth to settings. They’re widely used in restaurants, event venues, and homes.

What Are Shot Glasses?

Shot glasses are small drinking glasses meant for one serving of liquor, typically around 1-2 fluid ounces. They have thick bases and short sides, and are designed for the purpose of “taking a shot” – drinking the liquor in one quick sip. According to Wikipedia, shot glasses first emerged in the United States in the 1840s and were commonly found on desks in offices, filled with pencils and pens. They later became popularized as “whiskey glasses” in American Old West saloons.

There are a few common shapes and sizes of shot glasses:

• The standard shot glass holds 1.5 ounces and has a cylindrical shape.
• The smaller “pony shot” holds 1 ounce.
• The “double shot” holds 2-3 ounces.
• There are also taller, more narrow shapes referred to as a “shooter” glasses.

While their main purpose is for drinking straight liquor, shot glasses are sometimes used to serve espresso drinks, as a measuring tool in recipes, or even to hold small candles. The thick cup base allows the glass to be stable when set on a table.

Considerations When Combining Votive Candles and Shot Glasses

When deciding to place a votive candle in a shot glass, there are some important considerations to keep in mind regarding fire safety, vessel integrity, fit, and practicality.

First and foremost, fire safety should be the top priority. Votive candles are designed to be placed in heat-resistant holders to contain the flame. Shot glasses, while made of glass, are not necessarily designed to withstand an open flame. The glass could crack or shatter from the heat, causing a potential fire hazard (Source). It’s best to choose a shot glass made specifically to be fire-resistant.

Similarly, the integrity of the vessel is an important factor. Standard shot glasses are relatively thin, so placing a votive candle directly inside may compromise the glass over time as the heat weakens it. The candle should fit securely so it doesn’t tip over. The shot glass height is also a consideration – it needs to be deep enough to contain the votive without the flame extending over the rim (Source).

The practicality and purpose should also be evaluated. Votive candles are typically used for ambiance, rituals, symbols, or lighting. Placing them in a shot glass rather than a flat candle plate may limit their usefulness for rituals or meditation. Consider if a shot glass offers any functional benefit over traditional votive holders before combining them.

Advantages of Using Shot Glasses as Votive Holders

One of the biggest advantages of using shot glasses to hold votive candles is the aesthetic appeal. Shot glasses come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to create a unique and eye-catching look when used as candle holders. The small size of shot glasses is perfectly proportioned to the size of votive candles. Grouping together an assortment of different shot glasses can make for a charming display when each glass holds a glowing votive.

Using shot glasses as votive holders is also a great way to repurpose shot glasses that are no longer being used for drinking. Shot glasses tend to be relatively inexpensive to purchase, especially if buying in bulk quantities. Putting them to use as candle holders gives new life to old shot glasses that may otherwise be discarded.

The compact size of shot glasses also makes them economical choices for votive holders. Their small proportions mean you can purchase many shot glasses for the price you would pay for a few larger candle holders. The low cost makes experimenting with different arrangements and looks easy and affordable.

According to https://www.farmhousechicliving.com/votive-candle-holder-ideas/, shot glasses are one of the most inexpensive DIY ways to create eclectic and trendy votive candle holders for your home decor.

Disadvantages

One of the main disadvantages of using a shot glass for a votive candle is the fire risk. As noted in this article, combining alcohol and fire can lead to severe burns if the flaming liquid spills or splashes on someone. Shot glasses are not very stable, especially when filled with liquid, so there is a risk of tipping the candle over and causing a fire.

Shot glasses also provide a very short burn time for votive candles. Since shot glasses are small, the wax and wick are consumed rapidly. As this Reddit comment notes, the fire goes out quickly in a shot glass. For votive candles, most people prefer to have a candle that burns for several hours. The small capacity of a shot glass limits the burn time.

Overall, the fire hazard and instability of shot glasses make them a poor choice for votive candles. Their small size also provides too short of a burn time to be useful. There are safer and more effective vessels that are better suited for holding votive candles.

Best Practices

When using shot glasses to hold votive candles, it’s important to follow some best practices to ensure safe and effective use. Here are some tips:

Choose high-quality, tempered glass shot glasses. Regular glass may crack or shatter from the heat of the candle. Tempered glass is safer and more durable.

Use cotton or paper wicks trimmed to 1/4″ length to avoid excess smoke and dripping wax. The wick should be just long enough to stand upright in the shot glass. Trimming helps prevent issues.

Place shot glass votives on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Don’t put them directly on flammable surfaces like wood. Use a candle plate or saucer under each one.

Keep a minimum of 4 inches between votives to prevent spreading flames. Clustering them too closely creates a fire hazard.

Never leave burning votives unattended. Stay nearby and extinguish them before leaving a room. Don’t put near drafts or vents that could cause the flame to spread.

For creative uses like luminaries or party decor, exercise caution. Keep open flames away from children and pets. Supervise properly.

With mindful precautions, shot glasses can be a fun vessel for votive candles. Follow these tips for safe, effective use.

Creative Uses

Votive candles and shot glasses can be combined to create beautiful and unique decor pieces. Here are some creative ways to repurpose shot glasses with candles:

Luminaries: Poke a small hole in the bottom of a shot glass and place a battery-operated tea light inside. Arrange the luminaries along walkways, lining staircases, or along the table for a warm glow. For a decorative touch, paint or decoupage the outside of the glasses.

Centerpieces: Fill several shot glasses with water, add floating candles, then cluster them together for an elegant table centerpiece. You can also fill glasses with patterned rocks, moss, or flowers around the candles. Use differently shaped glasses for visual interest.

Tablescapes: Shot glasses add the perfect festive touch to tablescapes. Place candles in the glasses and intersperse them with small flower arrangements, wreaths, garlands, or other seasonal decorations for a complete tablescape. Play with heights by placing glasses on candlesticks or trays.

The small size of shot glasses is perfect for votive candles. With some creativity, you can decorate your space with beautiful repurposed luminaries, centerpieces, and tablescapes using shot glasses and candles. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

In summary, using shot glasses as holders for votive candles can work but has some drawbacks. The key points are:

• Votive candles are designed to fit snugly into their holders, so a shot glass may be too wide to properly support the candle.
• The glass thickness of shot glasses varies, so some may get too hot and pose a burn risk.
• Lack of a proper lip around the rim of a shot glass can lead to more sooting and wax spills.
• Shot glasses allow creative, decorative displays, but proper fire safety is essential.

The recommendation is to use purpose-made votive holders when possible. If using shot glasses, select ones with thick, heat-resistant glass and test them carefully first. Maintain vigilance against fire hazards. While shot glasses can add flair, traditional votive holders remain the safer choice for standard use.