The One Lighting Hack That an Event Expert Uses to Set the Perfect Mood

When it comes to setting the mood for a memorable evening, the secret ingredient isn’t always in the menu, the music, or even the guest list, but in the lighting. The right lighting transforms a space, making it feel warm, inviting, and intimate. And according to event designer Beth Helmstetter, there’s one trick she swears by that instantly elevates any gathering: candlelight.

“It’s timeless, flattering, and effortlessly romantic,” says Helmstetter, founder and creative director of her eponymous event design studio. “Whether you’re hosting a backyard dinner or an indoor cocktail hour, layering in candlelight immediately softens the mood and makes people feel at ease.”

Why Gatherings Need Candlelight

“Lighting speaks to the senses in a subtle but profound way,” says Helmstetter, and we couldn’t agree more. Light’s ability to influence our mood and well-being is supported by scientific studies that demonstrate its profound impact on the body’s circadian rhythm, hormone regulation, and brain function. Bright, overhead lighting stimulates serotonin production, enhancing alertness and boosting our mood and energy levels, perfect for kitchens and workspaces, but not ideal for intimate social settings.

Candlelight, on the other hand, diffuses warmth and intimacy, encouraging guests to slow down, savor the moment, and truly connect. “Candlelight creates an intimacy that overhead lighting simply cannot,” says Helmstetter. “It encourages guests to linger, inspires great conversation, and makes everything more beautiful. It’s the difference between sharing a meal and creating a memory.” For Helmstetter, lighting is the “emotional undercurrent” of the design, and what distinguishes elevated entertaining. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple (and affordable) to achieve. 

6 Little Light Ideas that Will Let You Say Goodbye to Overhead Lighting for Good

How to Create the Perfect Candlelit Setting

Helmstetter’s approach to candlelit entertaining is both artful and attainable. Here’s her step-by-step guide to casting the perfect glow over your next gathering.

1. Choose a Focal Point

Start where guests will gather most, like the dining table, a coffee table, or a bar cart. 

2. Gather Vessels

Gather 5-7 candle vessels. Use a mix of tapers, votives, and pillars in various heights. Helmstetter loves combining finishes like brass, ceramic, and vintage glass for visual interest.

3. Cluster Candles in Odd Numbers

Arrange candles in groups of three or five for a natural and balanced look that adds depth and movement to the setting. 

4. Incorporate Organic Accents 

Snip greenery from your yard, add fresh herbs, or seasonal citrus. It adds texture, fragrance, and a thoughtful, lived-in feel, especially outdoors.

5. Control Surrounding Lighting

If additional light is needed, use dimmable sconces, soft table lamps, or, for outdoor settings, low-hanging string lights and lanterns that offer enough visibility without overpowering the gentle candlelit glow.

You can also cluster additional candles of varying heights on side tables, mantels, or nestled in the fireplace. “Outdoors, I lean into larger lanterns and hurricanes to guard against wind, and I’ll often line walkways or frame trees with pillar candles for added enchantment,” adds Helmstetter. It’s all about creating layers of glow that feel immersive and intentional.

Article Tags:

• Home Show