Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: I can’t get tapered candles to stand in some old holders I inherited. I tried putting them in soft wax, but no go. I think you have printed the answer. - Patricia Raamot, Pullman, Wash.

It’s been a while, so here it is again just for you. All you need to do is wrap the bottoms of the candles with plastic wrap and push them into the holders.

The plastic wrap comes in different colors, including pink and blue. You can match the color to the candle or use the clear wrap. The plastic wrap will grip the candleholder and hold the candle steady. That’s all there is to it! - Heloise

Dear Heloise: Here’s an easy way to renew old clay pots. Clean them and then paint them with two to three coats of acrylic paint.

I buy the small bottles at craft stores and mix colors until I get the perfect shade to match the trim on my house or the color of my rooms. It’s very easy and they look beautiful! - Sally Scharff, San Antonio