Does food taste better when you dine by candlelight, or does it just seem that way? You want to linger over a table that's bathed in candlelight. Of course, there are more-unexpected places for candles. Sconces, here above a sideboard, create a soft ambient light. On the sideboard, a lidded metal box, once used to hold tea, has been turned into a candle holder. Glass votives are clustered inside. When the evening is over, the candles are extinguished and the lid is closed.

Cecilia sconce, $190, Oly; call 510-644-2163, ext. 205, for store locations. Nine-inch red tapers, $9 for six, Illuminations, 800-226-3537. Votive dinner lights, $6 for six, Target, 800-800-8800.