Nothing says Christmas like a festive scent wafting through the house. Gingerbread, pine, mandarin and cinnamon - whatever your favourite fragrance, this year's crop of scented candles is sure to include something that floats your festive boat. Here are my pick of the bunch.
Crabtree & Evelyn's monumental three-wick Sugar and Spice candle (£38 at www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk) will fill any room with lively aromas of sweet clementine and sparkling champagne with warm notes of clove, nutmeg and cardamom. Almost good enough to eat.
No Christmas candle line up is complete without one from diptyque. This year's offering includes the pine-scented Sapin, the woody, oriental Oliban and - my favourite - Liquidambar (£28 at www.diptyqueparis.co.uk)spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, then cloaked in the scent of muscovado sugar.
For the ultimate at-home spa this Christmas, invest in ESPA's Limited Edition Enlighten candle (£28 at www.espaskincare.com). A blend of sweet orange, bergamot and jasmine essential oils, it's the perfect accompaniment to an aromatherapy bath the morning after the night before...
Oliver Bonas has become something of a one-stop-shop for gift buying in recent years. From unusual jewellery to brilliant barware and interesting books, it's physically impossible for me to walk in there without buying something. The candles are definitely worth noting if you're stuck for what to buy someone (including yourself); beautiful packaging, unfussy design and delicate scents. Available in two sizes and scents including Amber, Bluebell & Hyacinth and Ginger & Lime, I'm a big fan of the richly exotic Exotic Fig (£22.50 at www.oliverbonas.com) which - FYI - is a great dupe for certain other, more expensive, brands. Plus, £2 from every sale goes to OB's Be Kind Charity Partner, Willow, a charity which makes a real and positive difference to the lives of seriously ill 16 to 40 years olds across the UK by providing uplifting and unforgettable Special Days where they can reconnect and refocus on each other while doing something they love.
British scent connoisseurs Molton Brown definitely shouldn't be overlooked at this time of year. With a smorgasbord of fragrances from the fresh and fruit through sultry and woody to downright manly and musky, there's a scent for every situation. The beautiful glass votives of their candles are undoubtedly a keepsake. If you fancy full-on festive, try the Frankincense and Allspice or Myrrh, Musk & Cypress, but my pick is the Pink Pepperpod (£36 at www.moltonbrown.co.uk an indulgent, spicy scent with top notes of fiery pink pepper, a heart of ginger and a base of rich patchouli. Divine.
The Sanctuary's Black Rose & Cassis mini candle (£6 at www.boots.com) smells remarkably similar to my all-time favourite scent, diptyque's Baies. If you're budget won't stretch to the Parisian brand, this blend of black rose, juicy sweet cassis, amber, sweet labdanum and vetivert is a great affordable alternative, and it's also available in a large size at just £10.
Last but definitely not least, Laura Ashley's offering at Boots (£14 www.boots.com) not only comes in a gorgeous white embossed ceramic pot, but is also in the Christmas Gift 3 for 2. With notes of rose, jasmine and violet, it's a must-buy for any fans of a fresh, floral scent.
Love Laurel x
