One of the delirious memories of childhood summer evenings was capturing fireflies.  Of course, we had no idea how inhumane it was to put them in a jar and watch them slowly suffocate on our bedside table.  Such is the innocence of children.

Warm weather will bring thousands of lightening bugs to the fields of the farm.

These days we just sit on the porch and admire them from afar but their glowing signals of romance and our childhood memories inspired this idea for Firefly Candles.

Using votive and tealight candles, a collection of glass canning jars, and some fishing wire, we created these hanging candles.   Suspended from the branches of a tree or an outdoor umbrella, their flickering and swaying mimic the appearance of fireflies in the night sky.

The trick is to cut the fishing wire into varying links and drape the string over the branch first.  You can also twist floral wire around the branch to fashion a hook.  Then bring each end of the string over the outside rim of the jar.  Tightly screwing on the metal rim that accompanies the jar will hold the string in place. (The ends of the string should protrude from the bottom edges of the metal rim.)

You can also use all-natural citronella tea lights and votives.  The scents will keep bugs away from the dinner table or entertaining area.  Beautiful and practical.

To read more about fireflies at Beekman Farm, click here