Whether you are looking for a candle to scent your home ahead of festive entertaining or the perfect gift, this list has been carefully compiled to ensure there is something for every occasion. From beautiful vessels to magical perfumes, my top ten scented candles includes some classic favourites to some more unique new releases.
Acqua di Parma, Panettone – I’m not sure what I love more about this candle, the beautiful yellow marbled design or the brilliantly festive smell of panettone. It’s a warm and sweet scent with the flavours of candied fruit and sugary brioche coming through. I adore Panettone, and I’ve often thought it should be enjoyed year round, this candle will keep the memory of this Christmas baked treat alive long after 25th December.
Ginori 1735, Centauro Palazzo – This stylish candle is a collaboration between British designer Luke Edward Hall and Ginori 1735. Together they have created an array of scents to capture the spirit of some of his favourite destinations. This candle is inspired by the Palazzo Centauro in Venice and the smell of incense you experience when walking past the city’s open church doors, I adore it.
Skandinavisk, Takka and Nordlys – Evoking memories of magical winter nights this duo of smaller 90g candles make the perfect stocking fillers (especially as they are priced at £25 each). Takka is finnish for ‘fireplace’ whereas Nordlys means Northern lights and has an artic intensity.
Diptyque, Neige – Diptyque are surely the queen of scented candles and every year they bring out a wonderful winter collection for the holiday season. This year Neige is my favourite, a limited edition scent which combines soft hues of heliotrope and powdery white musk.
Vilshenko, Autumn – The award for most charming candle goes to Vilshenko who have brought out a collection of Matryoshka doll candles, each in a different colour and scent. The Autumn is a cosy combination of blackberry, nutmeg and patchouli paired with the uplifting freshness of jasmine, bergamot and plum.
Never Go Alone, Sandstone – This is the ideal gift for the candle lover that has them all, from the brand new company Never go Alone. Sandstone is a calming, soothing smell with dominant flavours of cardamon and sandalwood. The candle itself is in a lovely heavy glass casing which makes it feel even more luxurious.
Henry’s Townhouse, Saturnalia – From the ultra boutique hotel, Henry’s Townhouse in Marylebone, comes this sophisticated candle. They have worked with a top French perfumer to create a scent that perfectly captures the concept of the hotel with fiery notes of ginger, orange, vanilla and cinnamon. Saturnalia feels like the perfect scent for Christmas.
Overose, Pain au Chocolat – The perfect gift for all pastry lovers… I have the viennoiserie trio – croissant, pain au chocolat and croissant aux amandes, you can also now get macaron pistache and cinnamon roll! Light it on Christmas morning to bring the smell of French bakeries into your home.
Boy Smells, Gardener – For something a bit fresher (I love this candle in bathrooms or even the kitchen) the Boy Smells Gardener has a lovely combination of citrus groves and honeysuckle, with notes of orange tree and tomato leaf. Priced at £42 it makes a lovely and luxurious present for friends and family.
Paul Smith, 1kg Botanist – This epic 1kg candle is a seriously special candle. Inspired by the clean-cut tailoring at Paul’s first Nottingham shop, the Botanist evokes freshly-cut grass and greenery, and contains notes of Haitian vetiver, moss and lemon. There are some other lovely scents in the range, each housed in a different coloured glass duo.
Post includes some press gifts / samples.