The first burn, and why it matters

A candle remembers its first light. The way it burns the first time sets the pattern for every burn that follows, so it is worth a little patience.

Let the wax melt to the edge

On the first burn, keep the candle lit until the melted wax reaches the inside edge of the vessel. As a rule of thumb, allow about one hour for every inch of the candle's width. Blow it out too early and the wax will "tunnel", burning a narrow well down the middle and leaving a wall of unused wax along the sides.

Keep it under four hours

After the first burn, aim for sessions of no more than four hours. Longer burns can make the wick mushroom, leave soot on the rim of the vessel, and run the vessel hotter than it needs to be.

A short ritual

• Lift the cover.
• Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (5 mm).
• Strike a match.
• Own the moment.

Every burn after the first is easier, because the first one was done well.