Now, I'm by no means suggesting that a scented candle is an easy way out when it comes to Christmas gifts, but I've literally never met someone who doesn't like them. They are a win win; the kind of thing that's a proper treat, but that often feels a bit too indulgent to buy oneself. Every Christmas brings a slew of new scents, but I've picked five of my faves for this year to save you the hard work of choosing.
Origins's Feel Good candles are a gift that keeps on giving. Housed in a glass jar crafted from recycled wine bottles and made with 100% soy wax, a pure cotton wick and wholly plant-based formulas. For every Pine, Spruce & Orange candle sold, Origins will plant a tree through the non-profit program Global ReLeaf, which supports projects all over the world, including reforestation to aid in crop growth and availability of clean drinking water in Haiti and support for local eco-systems in the Philippines. While that festive scent - made up of pine top spruce heart and orange base - provides a dynamic sensorial experience as the candle is burned, I'm rather partial to the uplifting Neroli & Lemongrass myself. £28 each from www.origins.co.uk
The clever folk at NEOM never fail to impress - their candles are a staple of mine all year round - but for the festive season you just can't beat the Christmas Wish candle (single wick, £30 or triple wick, £45). Their signature blend of 13 essentials oils, including mandarin, cinnamon and tonka bean is beautifully warm and festive. www.neomorganics.com
Nestled at the back there is Crabtree & Evelyn's Festive Fig Botanical Candle. Tricky to see in my shot, but this monster candle is packed with slices of orange, leaves and berries, providing a beautiful addition to any festive table (as well as smelling pretty darn delicious as well...). Available in stores.
If a full on festive fragrance packed with winter spices isn't quite your bag, but you're still after a cosy, seasonal scent, my ultimate favourite has to be Jo Malone's Blackberry & Bay (£42 available from www.jomalone.co.uk). Rich, warm and fruity, with the punchy freshness of bay, this luxurious scent is begging for the festive season; it's one for duvet days and cosy nights in snuggled up in front of a fire.
I was a mahusive fan of Molton Brown's Vintage scent when it first launched last, so was nothing short of thrilled when it arrived back on the shelves for 2015. I've been stocking up on the shower gel, but the candle is equally sublime. With top notes of grapefruit and mandarin, and elderflower, petitgrain and coriander heart and a base of vetiver and ambergris, it's London meets Champagne. The single candle is £39, but the scent also comes in a set of three mini votives for £60, including the other two 2016 Christmas scents, Fabled Juniper Berries & Lapp Pine and Festive Frankicense & Allspice. www.moltonbrown.co.uk
Love Laurel x
