Have a candlelit dinner every night
Plus: How to make hot pot at home
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The Recommendation

February 11, 2026

The case for a candlelit dinner … at home

An array of tapered candles that we tested to find the best, in a variety of colors and textures, each set in a holder.
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

The soft gleam of a few tapered candles on a dining room table can make any meal feel romantic. Says deputy editor Annemarie Conte, who is known to light a tapered candle to enjoy a bowl of Cheerios or a slice of delivery pizza: “Everything feels 10 notches more special under a flickering glow.”

Her favorite candles are handcrafted yet affordable, and come in a rainbow of colors — perfect for upping the romance on a homemade dinner this Valentine’s Day, sure, or simply zhuzhing up Wednesday night takeout.

Tapered candles that make every meal feel special→

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Plus: A beautiful match holder

Blown-glass cloches in modern, muted colors
Skeem

This elegant, handblown glass bubble comes loaded with 120 matches, and has a built-in cork stopper and striker. Lovely.

A match cloche that doubles as decor→

More for a magical mealtime

A neatly set West Elm Anton Solid Wood Dining Table with two white chairs.

7 very good-looking dining tables

They’re stylish, sturdy settings for eating, hosting, and even bill-paying→

Four clear vases lined up holding assortments of flowers with an illustrated couple observing on the right side.

These vases make beautiful centerpieces

Our favorite finds include a pear-shaped bud vase, a colorful fish, and a slim enamelware jug→

A bunch of white plates with our picks for best cloth napkins placed on top.

The best cloth napkins

From elegant hemstitch to two-tone gingham, these napkins will brighten any table→

Your daily deal: A soothing alarm clock

A Loftie Alarm Clock on display in front of a brown background.
Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter

This good-looking clock coaxes you from slumber with a warm glowing light and a gentle alarm. And if you need help falling asleep, it can lull you with the sounds of a babbling brook or a guided meditation.

It’s more than $40 off today→

One last thing: We’re in peak hot-pot season

Close up of a person who is using chopsticks to stir a simmering Hot Pot that is on a table surrounded by plates of sliced meats and vegetables.
Marilyn Ong/NYT Wirecutter

Throwing a hot pot extravaganza at home might seem intimidating, but it’s actually easier than you may think. Our experts have gathered everything you need to whip it up in your own kitchen — including their favorite peppery and fragrant soup base.

Our favorite at-home hot-pot essentials→

How about some chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert?

You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you.

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