Filling the house with the scent of Christmas is par for the course at this time of year. Nothing beats indulging in an abundance of scented candles; I love having a different one in each room to take you on a festive fragrance journey as you move through the house and with the veritable smorgasbord of scents available from some favourite brands this year it’s the perfect excuse to splash out.
Space NK’s festive candle is always a winner and this year’s Shimmering Spice (from £16 at www.spacenk.com) is no exception. Cinnamon and spice are intermingled with orange, mandarin and litsea cubeba (an evergreen shrub) upon a warm and cosy cedar base that is infused with a hint of sweet vanilla. Delicious.
The Origins Feel Good Candle (£29) brings together the refreshingly light scents of neroli and lemongrass, transporting you instantly to a holiday in south east Asia. Made with 100% soy wax and with the glass container fashioned from a recycled wine bottle, it’s doing its bit for the earth too. www.origins.co.uk
The new iRed Berry & Fir/i scent from bCrabtree & Evelyn/b evokes evergreen branches of fir balsam bursting with crimson berries. Underlying base notes of cashmere wood and sandalwood mingle with fresh green notes of apple, mint and lemon inspiring thoughts of festive homecomings following crisp wintry walks and reminiscent of a cosy warming mug of hot spiced cider. £42 at www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk
For sheer variety in terms of fragrances The White Company is your number one. From fresh and zesty citruses to rich woody scents and everything in between, there are literally dozens. Highland Escape is a comforting blend of spiced saffron, earthy vetivert and musky patchouli – with a swill of amber whisky. It’s the candle equivalent of curling up on the sofa in front of the fire. £25 at www.thewhitecompany.com
NEOM has created a dynamic duo this year which together create a festive sanctuary. Christmas Wish is a blend of traditional mandarin, cinnamon & tonka bean plus 11 other essential oils, while Perfect Peace combines pine, myrrh & lime peel plus 22 other essential oils, expertly blended to relax and revive. The duo can be found online at www.neomorganics.com for £49.
Last but by no means least, Molton Brown has reissued its best-selling Vintage with Elderflower scent, first released last year. With top notes of grapefruit and mandarin, a heart of elderflower, petitgrain and coriander and base notes of vetiver and ambergris, it’s a sparkling combination and sure to add a bit of festive fizz to proceedings. £42 at www.moltonbrown.co.uk.
