Add instant drama to the first dinner parties of the New Year with statuesque tapers from Slowlight in Belgium.

Handmade in the company's Bruges candle factory and available in a variety of colors, Slowlight candles have a long burn time of twenty hours (as the name suggests).

Above: Pompeuse Candles, available in anthracite or champagne; a set of two are currently on sale for £23.40 at Cox & Cox. "These fascinating candles of our own design represent the halfway point between art and candle and will fit perfectly in any candlestick," according to Slowlight.

Above: Pompeuse Candles in a whole range of colors (shown here in anthracite and green) are available directly from Slowlight; €30 for a set of two.

Above: Slowlight's more simple Cena Candles are available in six different colors (shown here in mouse and anthracite); €30 for a set of eight.