Before we get into the whole festive thing, it’s rather nice to enjoy this time of year and all that it entails. The heating’s on, the days are cold and crisp (and sometimes rainy, admittedly) and there’s a scent in the air that is wonderfully autumnal.
Until we bring out the cinnamon, I like having some autumnal scents going on inside, to replace the fresh, floral aromas of summer. Here are the five home fragrances that are currently dotted about my house.
I can’t tell you how excited I was to hear that Connock London had brought out a diffuser. (Yes, I’m that shallow.) I just love the scent of their products, which are based on kukui oil. The Kukui Oil Fragrance Diffuser (£38) combines this with jasmine and a warm, woody base making it perfect for this time of year. Mine is in the bathroom, which, as candles aren’t practical there, is a great spot for diffusers.
Burning in the hall right now is Noble Isle Lightning Oak candle (£38). This is a cracker – a mix of smoky wood aromas with notes of crushed pink pepper and bergamot. And if that wasn’t enough, it comes in fabulous olive green glass with a metal snuffer lid. Classy.
Another class act is from Ted Baker – Athens Scented Room Candle (£28). The candle comes in a textured ceramic holder and the scent of fig and olive is excellent – really long lasting and spreads right though the house. It’s got a really robust, oaky base that reminds me of Jo Malone’s Pomegranate Noir.
And speaking of Jo Malone, why not prelude the scents of Christmas with their Pine & Eucalyptus Home Candle (£40). This ‘pine forest at daybreak’ aroma is not only head-clearing after an evening on the Shiraz, it’s perfect for autumn-going-on-winter – but doesn’t have that spice scent that only works in December.
Finally, new brand alert: Florascent, who produce natural aromas formulated with only organic ingredients such as pure essential oils. I have Vent de Ceylan Parfum d’Ambiance, a diffuser (£49.50), which has wonderfully rich notes of cinnamon, bergamot, vanilla and tonka bean. It’s a luxe buy but one that will last you right through until spring and beyond.
