Not because I don’t like Christmas, that would be silly. No, because although I do like a home fragrance, it is still only November and I didn’t feel quite ready to bring out the gingerbread candle or spritz the loo with something that smells like mulled wine.

So I’ve been trying out some candles that are wintery, but not overtly ‘Christmas’. Not only will they do you right through till February, if like me you’re not crazy about the whole cinnamon vibe, they might just be festive enough for your tastes.

First up is this amazing find by Angela Flanders, a perfumer who has a new shop in London’s Spitalfields. Her candle ‘Mr Severs’ (£40) is inspired by 18, Folgate Street – an 18th Century house in London’s old East End which has become a time capsule:  each room is designed to appear as if the occupants have just popped out. The candle wafts bergamot, amber, woods and spices through my house and I am completely in love with both it, and the story behind it.

Bathrooms are a bit tricky for candles, as you can’t really leave them unattended – which is why I like a reed diffuser for this particular room. Noble Isle’s Whisky & Water Fine Fragrance Reed Diffuser (£39) is a lovely way to get that wintry warming fragrance. It’s not overwhelming, more of a background scent, but a subtle, spicy aroma which is a lot better than the whiff of Cif from the tiles.

Elemis have nailed the seasonal-but-still-spa smell with their Scent of Spa Candle (£25). I love its jewel-like purple glass and although it does go for a bit of the old orange/cinnamon vibe, it’s offset with vanilla, which gives it a warm, cosy vibe without the tinsel.

You might know the name Caroline Gardner from the back of a lovely birthday card you’ve had in the past. Well, she also does candles and they are gorgeous. My pick for a subtle, ‘I’ve just lit the fire’ aroma in your home is her Corda Candle (£23). Adore the packaging, adore the woody smell.

Finally, another booze-related burner: Dark Rum from Malin+Goetz (£37). What sold me on this one is that it has a ‘middle note of leather’. It’s all old libraries full of leather bound books and decanters of port. Or rum… Actually, who cares – my house smells really posh, and that’s what matters.

For more festive fragrance ideas have a look at our roundup of Christmas Perfumes for Men and Women.