Los Angeles - September 04, 2002

Bright Lights, Big City

Giant Outdoor Candles

What do Timberlake, Spears, Stallone, and the Wayans brothers have in common?

Hint: It’s nearly five feet tall and twenty inches around, and it’s been seen at more than a few Hollywood parties. And no, it’s not their agent.

Give up? It’s the Queen C Mexican outdoor candle — the tallest, most dramatic patio accessory to hit the L.A. scene since the chiminea. Made from beeswax and citronella, the coveted (and super pricey, mind you) pillar weighs almost 30 pounds. Originally created in Mexico City to shine night after night, each burns with a foot-high flame (the wick is an inch thick) and helps keep pesky insects at bay. And fear not, neat freaks: The Queen C is drip-free. The wax evaporates and creates a huge hollow inside that glows with romantic, flatter-you-silly incandescent light.

Now, that’s what we call waxing poetic.

Available at Arte de Mexico, 5356 Riverton Avenue, at Magnolia Avenue, North Hollywood (818-769-5090).