I’M a candle enthusiast, and if I’m at home there’ll be one burning. I’ve tried nearly all of this year’s Christmas candles, too.
So here’s my pick of the best festive choices to scent your space . . .
M&S Collection Mandarin, Clove & Cinnamon Scented Candle, £9, ocado.com – The illustrated ceramic pot that houses this candle is a work of art in itself, and sure to come in handy long after the wax has disappeared.
It also makes it look far more luxe than the price tag, while cinnamon, clove and mandarin will have your house smelling like mulled wine (without the alcohol).
The candle itself doesn’t have the best projection, so you don’t smell it until it’s lit. But given the price, you can afford to burn through a few between now and the new year.
Floral Street Fireplace Candle, £38, floralstreet.com – For all the different scented candles I have burned this year, the smell of a blown-out match continues to be one of my favourites.
If I could buy a candle of that scent, I would – although I’m sure my neighbours would pretty quickly call 999.
This candle is the closest alternative I’ve found, with the same warming smokiness but added earthiness from birch trees and papyrus that makes it feel expensive, like you’re by a huge open fire in a stately home.
This is my favourite, and it can be burnt all year round.
Neom Perfect Peace Scented Candle, £55, neomwellbeing.com – I find that most pine-scented candles wind up smelling more like bathroom cleaner than a lush forest, but this one is different.
The pine smells exactly like a Christmas tree, and not at all artificial, thanks to additions of zesty lime and warming myrrh, which recreate the feeling of walking through the door after a cold walk.
I can smell it as soon as I walk into the room, even when it’s not lit, which is helping me pretend my Christmas tree isn’t fake this year.
IF you’ve got some Christmas shopping still to do, I have great news.
Boots is offering brilliant savings on a wide range of fragrances, with some up to half price until December 23 online, and in-store until Christmas Eve.
It means the iconic Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum, £85 for 60ml, is now £70 – saving £15. Giorgio Armani My Way Eau de Parfum, £95 is now £47.50 – a 50 per cent saving.
