Ring the bells, deck the halls and... source the smells! Granted, that last one may not be a traditional festive saying, but perhaps it should be – because room fragrance is now regarded as essential for our homes year-round, and Christmas (and the lead up to the holiday) surely shouldn’t be left out.
This year, those characteristic-of-the-season scents – the pungent aroma of pine, cinnamon and mulled wine – have been joined by some new fragrances on the block, including celebratory tipples, sloe gin and champagne bellinis, and there’s plenty for those who want to conjure the trendy Danish ‘hygge’ concept of winter cosiness.
Winter warmers
Our scent should change with the season, in the same way we alter our wardrobe to adapt to changing temperatures. The White Company’s appropriately-named Winter collection is described as “fruity meets spicy, as notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and star anise blend harmoniously with sweet vanilla and sumptuous red-wine accord.”
Winter Indulgence Candle (four wick), £130; Botanical Pillar Candle, £26, Home Scenting Set (with diffuser, spray, signature candle), £55; Winter Tealights (set of 12), £15; Diffuser, £27 (020 3758 9222/thewhitecompany.co.uk).
Woodland wander
The scent of spruce trees is synonymous with the season and oh-so comforting, and Voluspa’s Classic Maison Luxury Candle - Spruce Cuttings, has sourced its goodness from Royal Colorado blue spruce cuttings, £45 (020 3735 9500/voluspa.co.uk).
Happy hearth
It’s hard to beat snuggling in front of an open fire and, let’s be real; curling up in front of a central heating radiator doesn’t really cut it! Jo Malone has come to the rescue of those without chimneys, with an Incense & Embers Home Candle, £42 full of wood-smoke-style aromas - curls of smoky incense, brightened with silver fir and white pepper, with a backdrop of nappa leather and vetiver (0800 054 2939/jomalone.co.uk).
Hint of hygge
The Danish concept for creating a cosy atmosphere is one of the biggest trend’s of grapefruit and ginger, could help the process. Printer + Taylor’s Hygge Scent Diffuser, £35, features a fragrance made from super-comforting aromas; a blend of brewed tea, baked strawberry cake, rose petals and wild mint (01432 265 094/printerandtailor.com).
Toast of Christmas
Add to a party atmosphere by scenting the air with the spicy aroma of mulled wine, or a more heady liqueur, sloe gin, a drink traditionally made from sloes picked after the first frost of winter. The White Company’s Mulled Wine and Sloe Gin home fragrance collections are ideal: Candles, £34 each; Mini Diffuser, £16; Votive Candle, £12 (020 3758 9222/thewhitecompany.co.uk).
Stress soother
If you’re bogged down in preparations and endless shopping, evoking the scent of a sun-baked exotic paradise could help lift the spirits and provide a brief ‘escape’. An Elemis Frangipani Glow Candle, £27.50, combines the rich perfume of the tropical bloom with notes of ylang ylang, vanilla and coconut to help warm and soothe (0117 316 1888/Elemis.com).
Opening ceremony
A glass of fizz is a traditional celebratory drink, and ‘uncorking’ The Oak Room’s Merry Prosecco & A Champagne New Year Scented Candle, £19.99, whose scent mimics a blackberry bellini, could also raise the spirits - no hangover guaranteed (01992 501 040/oakroomshop.co.uk).
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