The gift of newness: how to pick a perfume for a friend (or find your next scent obsession!)

As the festive season approaches, the art of choosing the perfect fragrance gift can become a challenge. But whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself, selecting a scent that resonates with the recipient’s personality can be a truly magical experience. Follow our no-nonsense guide to finding the perfect perfume gift every time…

 

For those who already have a signature scent, consider expanding their olfactory wardrobe with matching products. A luxurious bath oil, sumptuous body cream, or even a fragranced hair mist can elevate their favourite scent to new heights (and make it last far longer on their skin). Limited edition bottles of beloved perfumes also make for stunning gifts, adding a touch of exclusivity to their collection. If you’re feeling particularly generous, why not pair a set of travel-sized fragrances with a voucher for a full size of their choice?

 

 

For those eager to explore new fragrances, our Find a Fragrance tool is an invaluable resource. Simply input a scent they already adore, and the clever algorithm will suggest six alternatives with similar characteristics. This tool goes beyond mere note-matching, considering the mood, colours, and textures associated with each fragrance to ensure a truly personalised recommendation. Write down the suggestions so you have it with you when shopping in town, or have a browse online.

 

 

When you’re uncertain about someone’s preferences, a Discovery Box is the perfect solution. These carefully curated collections feature an array of mini sizes and samples, allowing the recipient to embark on a fragrant journey of exploration. Brand Boxes are another excellent option, showcasing a range of best-sellers from a single house.

To gauge which fragrances might suit someone, consider their personal style, the way they dress and decorate their home can offer valuable clues about their tastes. Look for scents packaged in colours they’re drawn to, or described with textures they favour, such as ‘velvety’ or ‘crisp cotton’, ‘suede-like’. Their interests can also guide your choice – sporty types might prefer fresher scents, while artistic souls might lean towards more opulent fragrances.

 

 

Home Scents are another brilliant idea if you’re not sure what perfume they prefer wearing. Everyone appreciates a gorgeous scented candle or reed diffuser. Many houses now do matching candles to their most iconic perfumes, or you might consider treating them so a scent that’s universally pleasing, such as a refreshing citrus or candle with a cosy vibe.

Remember, the joy of fragrance lies in its ability to surprise and delight. Sometimes, the perfect scent is one you’d never expect. By gifting a carefully chosen fragrance, you’re not just offering a lovely smell – you’re providing an opportunity for self-expression and the chance to create new, scent-linked memories.This holiday season, let the power of perfume bring joy to your loved ones – or yourself. After all, there’s no better time to indulge in a little olfactory luxury.

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Crafting your own fragrance calendar (or crackers & baubles!)

For those who adore the world of fragrance, the excitement of a beautifully curated advent calendar is hard to resist. However, many of the luxurious fragrance calendars available can be prohibitively expensive or sell out faster than one can say “spritz.” But fear not—there’s a delightful solution: creating a bespoke scented calendar using sample vials and miniature bottles from The Perfume Society’s Discovery Boxes and exquisite Brand Sets!

 

 

 

Fabric Gift Garland fill-your-own Calendar: £16.99 adventcalendarshop.co.uk

 

We know it’s early to be thinking about gifts for Christmas (shhh, say it quietly!), but as advent calendars are traditionally opened from the beginning of December, it’s high time to get cracking on crafting or curating yours.

Imagine the joy on a friend’s face as they open each little door to reveal an array of luxurious scents, perhaps from houses they’ve never encountered before. This thoughtful gift is perfect for those who might be stuck in a signature scent rut, gently encouraging them to explore new olfactory territories. Moreover, for friends or relatives living in areas devoid of niche perfumeries, this DIY calendar brings an entire world of fragrance right to their doorstep. It’s a wonderful way to introduce them to scents that may not be easily accessible where they live.

 

 

 

 

Fill Your Own Gingerbread Advent Calendar by Lisa Angel: £25 notonthehighstreet.com

 

One of the most appealing aspects of crafting a fragrant calendar is its affordability. By selecting samples and miniatures, one can create a luxury gift that feels far more extravagant than its cost. It’s like performing olfactory alchemy—transforming simple vials into treasures. The joy of these calendars lies in the excitement of trying a new scent each day. Gone are the days when advent calendars were filled with horribly disappointing, cardboard-tasting chocolates or uninspiring images of robins and so forth. Now, each day can bring a fragrant surprise, enhancing the anticipation leading up to Christmas.

 

Winter Forest Advent Calendar: £12 hobbycraft.co.uk

 

 

 

But why limit this creative gift to Christmas? January can often feel dreary, so why not brighten up a friend’s New Year with a calendar full of delightful scents? Recently, beauty calendars have emerged for various occasions—New Year, Easter, or simply as a treat to lift spirits any time of year. We say: give the gift of a scented surprise whenever you wish!

 

Wooden Advent Calendar: £14.99 theworks.co.uk

 

There are numerous build-your-own calendar kits available online and in craft shops, making it easy to get started, and though many are already decorated, several plain wooden or fabric ones can be found, meaning your can decorate them for any time of year, or to any theme you fancy. Alternatively, one could create luxury scented crackers or perfume-filled baubles for an extra touch of elegance. Let your imagination run wild!

 

Make Your Own Christmas Cracker Kit: £9.82 thecrackercompany.co.uk

 

Fill Your Own Baubles Kit: £4 hobbycraft.co.uk

 

With beautifully curated Discovery Boxes and Brand Sets available in The Perfume Society shop – or perhaps you already have some samples set aside – crafting a personalised perfume calendar is both fun and fulfilling. It’s a heartfelt way to share the joy of fragrance with loved ones.

So whether it’s for the festive season or just because, creating a fragrant calendar is sure to delight any perfume enthusiast… we know we’d love to receive one! Now, which scents would you love to find in yours, we wonder…?

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Creative Ways to Festively Fragrance Home, Gifts & Guests!

Of COURSE we are lighting candles and putting out the most beautiful diffusers from our curated Home Scents selections, but when the festive season really gets going (and to be honest, at any time of year), we’re always looking for news ways to scent every corner of our lives.

 

As fellow fragrance-lovers, we know you will understand the thrill of digging through your stash of perfume samples (as you can imagine, we have rather a number kicking about at any one time!) and finding something we’d forgotten about, or hadn’t gotten around to trying yet. May we urge you to do that right now – rifle the boxes and tins and drawers of various samples you’ve collected from our amazing Discovery Boxes, and let’s get to using some of them in even more creative ways: to scent our surroundings for Christmas…

 

 

3 Unglazed Ceramic Hearts £4.30 hobbycraft.co.uk

Consider purchasing a few ceramic shapes (you can get them from art / hobby shops, or online) and spritzing them with something soothing to hang around the house – even on your Christmas tree! We most love hanging them over the end of a radiator to ensure a continuous subtle scent diffusion for every room. And you can change-up the scent whenever you wish, all year ’round!

P.S: A great little stocking gift for friends if packed in a pretty box with a few scent samples, and a little note saying why you chose those perfumes for them.

 

 

 

Scented Table Settings

If you have several candles on the dinner table, having them all be scented can be a little overwhelming during a meal. However, how about using some naturally fragrant foliage and additions to a central table display? Buy an extra jar of cinnamon sticks and twist some florist’s wire around them to pop in a swag, add sprigs of rosemary atop napkins, and even think about spritzing the table cloth with a seasonal scent! (Be sure to check if it will mark the fabric, though, beforehand by spraying on a tissue).

 

 

 

Perfumed Presents

Grab some samples of scents that perhaps weren’t for you or you want to use up, and spray tissue paper (from a distance, so you don’t mark it). It adds an extra-special touch to a gift bag or box, and you could even add the sample to the gift as well!  Who knows, it could be that your gift recipient will fall madly in love with it and thank you forever. And everyone appreciates those finishing touches that shows you’ve made an effort (and this one is so easy). You can also scent wrapping paper and ribbons, or tie aromatic herb sprigs to gift tags.

 

 

 

Make & Fill Your Own Cracker Kit £9.82 thecrackercompany.co.uk

An excellent idea at using up some of your extra fragrance samples or minis is to make your own Christmas crackers. (These also make really gorgeous gifts, which you could personalise, and are SO much more welcome – and far more affordable – than some of the plastic tat shop-purchased ones can be.) Who wouldn’t rather have a beautiful little perfume in a cracker than yet another unusable mini nail file or teeny screwdriver?! There’s lots of patterns and designs for every occasion on this website, because scent crackers aren’t just for Christmas!

 

 

 

 

With all these fragrant ideas for scenting your home and gifts this Christmas, make sure you don’t run out of samples (or choose specific ones if making themed crackers for guests) by browsing our always-expanding selection of Perfume Society Curated Discovery Boxes, and the stunning collection of Brand Boxes (featuring new, niche and beloved designer names). And however you choose to use them – we know you, your home, and your guests will be smelling amazing this season!

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Little Luxuries: Fragrant Gifts from Beloved Names

Have you been window-shopping yet this festive season? There are some utterly beautiful gifting options around,, and our eyes (and noses!) have fallen for these fragrant choices most recently…

 

 

Byredo Les Cheveux Bal D’Afrique Hair Mist & Hair Brush £85

If you know someone who adores Byredo (and believe us, you will), this wonderful set of hair brush and scented hair mist – available in four of their most beloved fragrances – is the perfect special present their will treasure for years to come. Turning a daily chore into a gorgeous ritual, the Bal D’Afrique choice will ensure wafts of citrus, marigold and tonka on a warming, woody base.

 

 

 

Dries Van Noten Modapaleis £53

Surely one of the most beautifully presented new perfume ranges of late, the Dries Van Noten Discovery Set certainly doesn’t disappoint – exquisitely designed mini vials give the lucky gift recipient the chance to explore the entire collection in this set, featuring fascinating combinations like chestnut and silk in Soie Malaquais, the mint and iris of Neon Garden, and rosemary and patchouli of Voodoo Chile.

 

 

 

L’Artisan Parfumeur La Collection £63

There’s just something about a miniature that’s instantly adorable, and this so-collectable set is completely covetable. Comprising five of their most iconic scents, it’s a mini dip into the world of this wondrous house, featuring: Mûre et Musc 5ml – Blackberry – Lemon – Musk / Passage d’Enfer 5ml – Cedarwood – Incense – White Lily / Un Air de Bretagne 5ml – Ambergris – Neroli – Seaweed Absolute / Fou d’Absinthe 5ml – Patchouli – Pine Needles – Vanilla / Voleur de Roses 5ml – Notes: Patchouli – Plum – Rose.

 

 

 

Prada Infusion de Cèdre Candle £55

Prada fragrance fans will have their hearts beat a little faster for this beautiful opaline evocation of the Infusion de Cèdre in scented candle form! This completely chic winter scent ‘expresses new facets of a powerful cedarwood mixed with an unexpected twist of mandarin. The base magnified by enigmatic incense and benzoin accords…’ One for your most stylish scented friends, for sure, we love the idea of repurposing the vessel for makeup brushes or pens, later on.

 

 

 

Lancome La Vie Est Belle Face Care Set £96

A fragrant pampering set of dreams for this year’s limited edition holiday set, it would be the ideal gift for a friend who’s had a hard time lately and deserves a little TLC. Offering ‘me time’ via their best-selling modern classic, this party-ready (or let’s face it, even better: early bed, new book and pyjamas ready!) gift set is beautifully packaged, and features the ‘fragrance of happiness’ via vanilla, iris and patchouli; plus the matching perfumed body lotion to layer, and their renewing Advanced Genifique Serum for a skin-soothing treat.

 

 

 

YSL Fragrance Icons Gift Set £65

A deluxe travel set will always be a welcome gift – the perfect way to try fragrances for longer before buying a full-size bottle, but most of all to pop in a bag and ensure on-the-go fragrant wafting at all times! This set is a five star scent line-up of beloved fragrances, featuring black coffee-enriched Black Opium Eau de Parfum, pear and musk mixed Mon Paris Eau de Parfum, and the lavender and orange blossom chutzpah of Libre. A loved one who already wears one will likely fall head over heels for another, here…

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Pocket-Friendly Perfume Gifts

It can be rather daunting trying to buy gifts that show you care but don’t break the bank, so we’ve a line-up of perfect perfumed present ideas that showcase fabulous fragrances but happen to be brilliantly priced. In fact, these are pocket-friendly enough to even consider treating yourself, too, don’t you think…?

 

 

Florals, but absolutely not as you know them – this was the driving passion that launched British niche house Floral Street in to the perfume world, and has since seen them become a global, award-winning scented success story. Find out why with this brilliant set, which offers a whole wardrobe of contemporary eaux de parfums, all ‘powered by flowers’.

Chypre Sublime An utterly modern take on this sophisticated fragrance family, blending incense with Damask rose absolute, midnight violet, pink pepper and geranium, on a stunning base of benzoin, labdanum and olibanum.

Black Lotus The classic English-Rose dressed in a black leather jacket. Intoxicating, spirited, bohemian and alive. Complex and multi-faceted, the sweet honeyed scent of centifolia rose adds depth to lighter, spicy nuances by way of red peppercorn and saffron.

Arizona  Bloom A dry floral amber. A sense of freedom and happiness — scented and bottled.

Electric Rhubarb White florals and powdery sandalwood are combined with the scent of English Rhubarb and an unexpected blast of salty sea air.

Neon Rose You will never have smelt flowers like these. Freshly chopped jasmine draped around your neck. Roses around your wrist. And yet no roses were harmed in the making of this showpiece – these buds were cooked up in a lab for extra punch. Crisp, green Angelica leaves bring a botanical dimension, while fresh Bergamot floats overhead.

Wild Vanilla Orchid It’s vanilla, but not as you know it. A raw-edged confection of creamy vanilla beans, blossom, cassis and citrus, dressed in a bunch of just-plucked jasmine. Offsetting the lingering sweetness; bamboo and sandalwood bend and fold underneath.

Ylang Ylang Espresso  A strikingly modern blend of red rose, ylang ylang and jasmine cross paths with a soothing cloud of just-brewed coffee, fresh cream and Sichuan pepper – sustainably harvested from the foothills of the Himalayas. A fragrance to get lost in.

Floral Street Discovery Set £16 

 

 

A cult house, created by maverick duo Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz in New York, back in 2004; their easy-to-use, easy-to-understand skincare rapidly became a word-of-mouth favourite, and now their incredible, ground-breaking perfumes revolving around a central ingredient (surprisingly explored), are absolutely a fragrant force to be reckoned with.

Bergamot – a citrus orchard in bloom, with the spice of bitter fruit, bell pepper and ginger, with undertones of earthy musk and woody notes.

Cannabis – rich and herbaceous, with soft, floral notes of muguet and magnolia, on a base of earthy cedarwood, patchouli and sandalwood.

Dark Rum – a refreshing dark and spicy aroma, sweetened with plum and bergamot, with notes of leather, rum and creamy milk.

Leather – a formula of muted florals with smooth leather while rustic wood notes call to mind the softness of a well-worn vintage find.

Stem – luscious notes of green hyacinth, muguet, mandarin leaves, and green elements from wild freesia, all softened by a trio of modern musk molecules.

Vetiver – a combination of fresh citrus peel twists that are warmed by savoury celery seed, amber and guaiacwood.

Malin + Goetz £22 

 

 

Annicke Fragrance Discovery Set

 

Albert Fouquet was the young Parisian aristocrat, who founded beloved NICHE house, Eight & Bob. His life was turned upside down one evening in the French Alps, where he attended a high society soirée and was introduced to the strikingly beautiful Annicke. This collection was created as a contemporary fragrant tribute to Fouquet’s love – and you’ll be bound to fall…

Annicke 1 – an ode to the extraordinary beauty and elegance of a woman with feminine floral aromas of lily of the valley, peony and jasmine

Annicke 2 – deliberately sensual and irresistible with harmonious notes of fruity fig and mandarin that uplift the senses, and hazelnut that brings a delicate touch of sugar

Annicke 3 – inspired by the sophisticated and glamorous charm of the early 1920s as white rose unfurls an air of vintage femininity across a dancefloor

Annicke 4 – inspired by an enchanted forest with woody and earthy undertones of Cashmeran and oakmoss, with spring-like floral notes of rose, ylang ylang and jasmine

Annicke 5 – discover the art of seduction via rich notes of full-bodied plum, golden honey with a dash of spicy rum and a base of sensual patchouli

Annicke 6 – personifying the complex dimensions of a woman, through juxtaposing notes of Sichuan pepper, bergamot and carnation

Annicke £20

 

Having launched new iterations of their best-selling Molecule 01, a fragrance that showcases the artistry and depth of synthetic molecules and has become a global superstar, the first three of the M+ collection showcases the iconic original boosted with the most beautiful accompanying notes. Truly original, utterly addictive, they’re all-day compliment-getters for sure.

Molecule 01 + Patchouli – has a cool, rather aloof woodiness to it.

Molecule 01 + Iris – iris is luxury, with a creamy powderiness.

Molecule 01 + Mandarin – radiates off the skin, with a citrus zing.

Escentric Molecules M+ £20

 

 

 

Contemporary artist Sarah Baker’s photography, sculpture and films are inspired by ‘fashion, luxury and celebrity’, but little did she know that when she created a fictional fragrance house as part of her artwork, her passion for the project (and the public’s reaction to it) would result in a real-life fragrance house. Vibrant, evocative, powerfully playful yet totally wearable, these are luxe for less!

Bascule: Horses, hay and leather. The sun-ripened notes of succulent fruit, woods and prominent green notes. Equestrian.

Far from the Madding Crowd: A picnic in the countryside. Botanics, deciduous fruits, wild flowers and woods. Meadows.

Flame & Fortune: White flowers, spice and citrus heated until it catches fire in the dryness of the fragrant desert. Dramatic.

G Clef: Jazz-inspired. Coastal, citrus and woody and notes of a fougére. Californian or Mediterranean? Savoire Faire.

Symmerty: The fragrance hub of the Ancient World. Combines oud, with the freshness of a cologne tradition. Classical.

Sarah Baker £25

Getting Gift Ready (For Friends, Family… and YOU!)

Okay, we know it’s not here yet, but… it’s coming! So how about ticking lots of gifts off all in one go and getting to feel a bit smug about that? (AND even treating yourself?) Here’s our guide of the best ranges to appeal to all tastes in one (fragrant) fell swoop…

 

When you’re not sure exactly what scent to get them for Christmas, or are sick of giving loved ones the same old thing, our overwhelming feedback from happy customers suggests a Discovery Box is definitely the way forward. Bursting with luxurious and often hard-to-find mini, try-me size scents and decadents beauty extras, each box is specially curated around a theme or with a particular kind of perfume-lover in mind.

At The Perfume Society, we’ve something to suit everyone, no matter how picky about perfume they are! From designer name divas to scented gents about town, millennials desperate to discover what suits them best and those keen to branch out with something different – see how many gifts you can tick off your shopping list in one fell swoop (and all from the comfort of your sofa/desk/bed…)

 

 

 

There’s no doubt about it: gardens help us to feel renewed. If you know a gardener – or garden-lover – or simply someone who needs to explore beyond the perfumed path a little; this is the box for them (or you!) With The Garden Of Delights Discovery Box you’ll find a collection of vibrant, bright fragrances that explore the outdoors (with even a scent created in collaboration with HRH King Charles III, based on his favourite tree! AND the new cult calming scent by Kate Moss). From the green-fingered, to anyone who loves joyfully inspiring scents -they’re all the renewing and rejuvenating benefits of gardens in every spritz.

The Garden of Delights Discovery Box £23 (£19 for VIPs) for 12 x fragrances & a soothing arnica gel treat

 

If you’ve a perfume-loving pal looking to branch out and try some fantastic new brands, as well as designer names we know they’ll love – and make sure they are always on trend and perfectly seasonally scented; this  selection of fabulous fragrances (mainly female and unisex in style), will land at your door each passing season (approximately every three months) – so it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving!

You can choose a Quarterly (£18 every three months) or Yearly (£68 annual payment) plan to suit you. We keep the contents a secret so it’s a true scented surprise to receive in the post each time – think of how happy they’ll be to get that parcel rather than another bill or junk mail. (And hey, maybe you could subscribe, too, and you can compare notes with each box? If you live far away – consider setting up a regular fragrance-chatting and sniffing Zoom so you can talk about your faves…)

Each Seasonal Scents Box Includes:

Seasonal Fragrances  – A collection of fragrances from 1ml – 7ml, these will be kept secret until each Seasonal Scents Box is launched, we just love the element of surprise!

Online Smelling Notes – accessible via a QR code within your box, guiding you through the fragrances and how to start smelling.

Unboxing Video –  also via the QR code, for every box our Senior Fragrance Writer and expert, Suzy Nightingale, will guide them when opening your new box.

Hints & Tips – to ensure they get the most out of your fragrances and have fun!

Check out your Seasonal Scent options here, and get ready for your whole new wardrobe of fragrances to explore, all in the comfort of their own home…

 

 

 

 

For the most suave and chic of your perfume-loving pals, here’s a box that swaggers with charm and sophistication. Filled with fragrances from some of Britain’s finest brands – both classic and utterly contemporary names – to help them find their new fragrant passions. Indulging in these voluptuous, classic scents and new launches all from within the UK will keep them feeling confident (and let them know how much they are loved!) Smart…sexy…elegant – this is a box that has it all, and then some, in scent appeal.

Platinum Discovery Box £25 (£21 for VIPs)

 

 

 

 

If you know a chap (or anyone preferring the more traditionally ‘masculine’ style scents) who is a little stuck and not sure where to start on a new fragrance journey – The Scented Gent collection has been specifically curated to appeal. Starting off with some classic names they’re sure to have heard of (and feel comfortable with), which have a more heritage character; then they can be ready to plunge into some scents that will gently guide them into exciting new scent arenas, from new and niche houses. All of them so-classy and easy to wear.

The Scented Gent £23 (or £19 for VIP Club Members)

Last minute gift guide – Christmas presents you don’t need to post… (Sleigh what?!)

That moment of mounting panic when you suddenly realise – you’ve left it too late to post a gift! Uh-oh. But hey, it’s okay – people understand (especially this year with postal strikes and snow causing chaos). Don’t worry: sit back and relax, as we’ve got scent gift solutions you don’t need to post, and which last an entire YEAR…

Here are some ideas that you can ‘gift’ your recipient with immediately, no postage required – simply write them a lovely card and explain you’ve treated them to one of the following (with fragrant swag to follow). If they love to smell great, we guarantee they’ll be delighted…

 

Make them a V.I.P (Very Important Perfumista):

Give 365 days of fabulous fragrance with our Perfume Society VIP Status for only £12, and they’ll get…

•  Exclusive member’s discount on our Perfume Society Discovery Boxes

• Event Tickets: Early access to events – virtually and in real life…meeting with leading ‘noses’ and key figures from the perfume world.

• Exclusive Competitions: just for VIPs.

 

Give them the gift of award-winning fragrance journalism:

For people who love print (we must admit to being partial – for longer features, especially), give them a year of fragrant reading with a Scented Letter magazine Print Subscription for £60. The multi-award winning magazine has won prestigious Jasmine Awards by The Fragrance Foundation, and been described as a ‘must-read’ by industry insiders and perfume-lovers alike. We are delighted that in addition to our digital magazine we can now offer this print subscription of The Scented Letter, delivered to their door.

Appearing seasonally, four times a year, this utterly beautiful magazine beguiles with at least 60 pages of in-depth features, perfume news, features and much more is bound to take you ever-deeper into the scented world. In addition, we feature all the breaking scent news, interviews with ‘noses’ and other creators, alongside fragrant features by the world’s leading fragrance writers. To be read time and again, and adorn their coffee table for years to come!

Treat them to a Seasonal Scents Subscription:

‘What are the best fragrances to wear for Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter?’ To answer this we created the Seasonal Scents Subscription, specially curated to help you get the best out of your fragrance and improve your all-important sense of smell. We’ll guide you on the power of trying and wearing perfume, via online Smelling Notes, Unboxing Video, Hints & Tips.

Each box contains fabulous fragrances for anyone to adore, no matter their gender or taste, chosen from leading fragrance houses beloved around the world. The sample sizes include gorgeous miniatures, and will land at your gift recipient’s door each passing season (approximately every three months) – so they will always have a new scent to make them feel fabulous!

You can choose a Quarterly (£18 every three months) or Yearly (£68) plan. We’ll keep the contents a secret until the day the box is launched – we just know they’ll love the surprises inside…

Shining a light on La Montaña – perfect candles for Christmas!

With the perfect candles to guide you through the scented season, La Montaña are our perfumed pick to focus on for home fragrance gifting, but also for treating ourselves to a little something wonderful (and which fills our whole homes with gloriously evocative scents).

Formerly a PR dynamo in the beauty and fragrance world, founder of La Monaña, Cassandra Hall, quit England for a Spanish mountaintop and a ‘quieter life’, a few years ago. Oh we’re not envying her at all, no no… Okay. We are. Quite a lot right now. Though transporting ourselves to warmer climes isn’t an option for many, we can indulge our senses and make our homes smell fabulously festive with her exquisite scented candles we’re selected for the season…

 

 

 

Ah this is such a fabulous fragrance and perfumes your whole home with a cheeringly spiced citrus zing! A perfect melding on soul-lifting sunshine extracted and condensed with a comforting hug in candle form, there’s no surprise it’s a perennial perfumed fave and one of their all-time bestsellers. As La Montaña explains, it’s a festive mix of… ‘A warm, spicy, zesty blend of Valencia orange, cinnamon, red apple, and clove. This is our interpretation of the fragrance of the Valencian orange harvest that takes place throughout winter, with added hints of nostalgia from the English Christmases of our childhoods. This is one to come home to after a crisp, crunchy, winter walk – cheering, cosy and comforting.’

Winter Oranges £39 

 

 

As the festive season unfurls, we adore lighting this one to really bring a sense of midnight mass, family gatherings and special moments shared. Says La Montaña: ‘Everyone in the village looks forward to the Three Kings holiday and its unique fragrances – a highlight of the winter months.’

‘We love to walk down into the village, through the woods, with their gorgeous fragrance of trampled pine needles (which smell to us like a field full of fresh Christmas trees). Then, we get to the heart of the village, where the church doors are wide open and the air is suffused with incense, as well as the warm scent of traditional, homemade turrón (almond nougat) being sold from stalls. It’s usually cold (even in Spain), so there’s much milling about with the promise of a brightening tot of brandy. What a winter treat!’

Three Kings £39

 

As party season is in full-swing, we relish family and friends gathering after the difficult years we’ve all experienced, and this scent really plunges us into the heart of a buzzing atmosphere with fragrant food and scented spirits being shared, laughter of loved ones echoing through the night and wood fires, plumes of cigar smoke curling through the frosty air. And did you know, it’s inspired by an actual Alfredo…?

‘Alfredo and his café are very real – and very wonderful – and the beating heart of village life. The only thing missing from this fragrance is the sound of chatter, and laughter, and old men slamming down their dominoes.
This was one of our very first four fragrances and the most complex we’ve ever had to formulate – taking over forty drafts to perfect. It’s also the one most people ask for as a cologne.’

Alfredo’s Café £39

 

 

Perhaps after all the over-indulgence of the season, or simply if you’re absolutely knackered and need a rest at this time of year (and oh, how we hear you!) it’s time to hit the Snooze button and enjoy the blissful calm that this scented candle can take you to? Ahhh, that’s better…

‘A lullaby for your senses: lavender, juniper, and thyme.

A summer swirl of calming herbs and flowers. It’s siesta time: close your eyes and imagine yourself drowsing on a hot afternoon, gently swinging in a hammock in the shade of a tree, with the crickets chirruping, and the sun-baked fragrances of the countryside lulling you to sleep. Dreamy!’

Siesta £39

 

To dream of the sunshine and escapism even more, you can read more about Cassandra’s story of founding La Montaña, and learn of her five favourite smells of all time…

P.S. If you really want to spoil someone – or you know you love the scent yourself – there’s also whopping 3-wick versions of each candles available! Shining those scented lights all season long…

Seasonal Scents Subscription – the gift that keeps on giving!

Seasonal Scents refer to the way we instinctively like to change-up our fragrances to suit the weather, so if you know a perfume lover (of any gender) we have THE perfect present idea – and it keeps on giving!

As the colder days are here, we tend to reach for fragrances that wrap us in a hug with warm woods, spices and even delicious gourmand notes are a thing, because of the way temperature makes them change on your skin, but ‘rules’ are entirely up to your personal taste.

We know it can be confusing, so with the weather and our moods in mind, we put together specially curated selections of fragrances within a Seasonal Scents Subscription Box…

Each box contains fabulous fragrances for anyone to adore, no matter their gender or taste, chosen from leading fragrance houses beloved around the world. The sample sizes include gorgeous miniatures, and will land at your gift recipient’s door each passing season (approximately every three months) – so they will always have a new scent to make them feel fabulous.

 

 

You can choose a Quarterly (£18) or Yearly (£68) subscription, and keep the contents a secret until they land at your door – because we just know how many of you adore a scented surprise arriving in the post, no matter what the weather’s doing…

 

How it works:

Pick your Quarterly or Yearly plan

Seasonal Scents Subscription choose plan

Discover new launches and bestsellers from well-loved brands, curated with the seasons in mind.

Arrives at your door for the new Season

Seasonal Scents Subscription delivery

Receive your seasonal box every 3 months and start smelling fabulous.

Get exclusive access to the online smelling notes and unboxing video.

 

We think you’ll agree that new perfume is the very best kind of post to receive – and it’s something to look forward to the whole year through for whomever is lucky enough to get this gorgeous gift.

Actually, maybe you deserve something nice to look forward to as well…? How about getting one for you and one for a dear friend who lives far away – you could compare your thoughts on Zoom or a phone call, and turn each Seasonal Scents Subscription Box delivery into a perfume party day!

Diptyque’s new London home: scenting Sloane Street

Sloane Street is smelling extra wonderful this Christmas, thanks to Diptyque’s stylish new flagship London perfume pad, which has arrive just in time for the fragrant festive season. Inspired by exquisite Parisian architecture, but as always showcasing design elements of the original building in their stores; the new boutique is divided into three distinct sections for scent fans to explore…

Devoted to fragrant gifting and the Maison’s scent services, the first area features a beautiful burl wood cash desk with a huge fresco behind it, which was drawn on-site by French artist Claire Basler. A large wooden console with painted table displays invite customers to play and discover the Diptyque collection. The second space fuses the traditional Edwardian mouldings and ceiling roses with a contemporary sculptural table and displays surrounding a large and welcoming fireplace, all framed by ombre finish walls. Finally, an intimately inviting zone of light wood panelling and another stunning work by Basler – this time, a panoramic painting – swathes an exclusive seating area and the Decoration collection.

 

 

Earlier this year, Diptyque opened a Spitalfields store, and now with this very welcome addition to Sloane Street’s shops, Diptyque will doubtless be delighting local residents and visitors alike. ‘We have a thriving community in the Chelsea neighbourhood and are very excited to have found a perfect store in the area,’ says Amanda Morgan, Diptyque’s UK managing director. ‘More than just a luxury contemporary retail space, we want to welcome and take all our guests on a journey of discovery and surprises inside our Diptyque apartment…’

Diptyque, 161 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9BT

Psst! Longing to return to in-store scent shopping? Look out for our Sniffari guide to some fabulous new fragrant retail spaces in the U.K. within the Christmas edition of The Scented Letter Magazine.

Sign up here to get your FREE copy of this multiple award-winning magazine emailed to you the day it publishes!