These are just the perfect alternative to flame candles. I have always loved candles but they are such a bother: tapers never last the evening and pillars have to constantly have the melted wax poured out or they will go out, not to mention wax EVERYWHERE. Very realistic looking, no worries if you have pets (which I do) or forget to put it out and best of all, they stay lit all evening and I can use all of my vintage holiday candle holders. I purchased eight 6" tapers in red for the holidays and also have these in black and white for year round use. Love them.