Noticed lately: alternatives to traditional wax pillar candles, either battery operated or liquid paraffin powered.

Above: A flameless, smokeless option from Pottery Barn, featuring real wax candles and a battery-operated flame; prices start at $16.50 for the Four-Inch Pillar Candle.

Above: Q Candles sells hollow wax candles in bulk (they cater to the restaurant and hotel industry); a dozen 2.5-inch-tall Wax Votive Luminaries is $34.80.

Above: Liquid paraffin cells can be dropped in pre-hollowed candles; a Ten Pack of 8-Hour Tealight Liquid Fuel Cell Candle Lamps is $8.99 at Save on Crafts.