Tag: friends

How to Throw a Perfume Party…

Summer is the perfect time to gather your friends and family for a truly memorable event: a Perfume Party. Whether you’re looking for a lively garden gathering or a cosy evening of scent exploration, we reckon you’ll agree that this idea is as versatile as it is scent-fully fabulous.

 

Here’s how to throw the ultimate fragrant bash, featuring the Perfume Society’s exquisite Discovery Boxes – each one a veritable a treasure trove of olfactory wonders…

 

 

 

Setting the Scene: A Perfume Picnic or a Chilled Olfactory Occasion?

If the sun is shining, why not take your Perfume Party outdoors? Transform your garden or patio into a fragrant paradise with tables adorned in flowers and colours that echo the vibrant hues of the Discovery Boxes. Think bright yellows, soft pinks, and golden tones – just like the notes inside the Liquid Sunshine Discovery Box. Lay out blankets, scatter cushions, and let the summer breeze carry the scents through the air.

For a more relaxed vibe, set up inside with plenty of comfy seating and good lighting, or even consider a ‘scented sleepover’ (because why should pyjama parties only be for kids, eh? And how much more fun with some perfumes and bubbles!) The focus is on fragrant discovery, conversation, and the shared joy of scent.

 

 

 

The Discovery Boxes: Your Fragrant Party Guests

At the heart of your Perfume Party are the Perfume Society’s curated Discovery Boxes. Each box is a carefully selected collection, perfect for sampling, sharing, and sparking lively discussions.

 

Liquid Sunshine Discovery Box

 

Embrace the season with the Liquid Sunshine Discovery Box, a limited edition set that captures the essence of summer. Each scent is a ray of golden light:

 

 

Molton Brown Rose Dunes 1.5ml Eau de Toilette: A delicate, sun-warmed rose kissed with sea salt, evoking lazy afternoons on the dunes.

Ruth Mastenbroek Gaia 2ml Eau de Toilette: Earthy, green, and uplifting – like a walk through a wildflower meadow at dawn.

Parfums de Marly Valaya 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: Crisp, sparkling, and elegant, with a hint of fresh citrus and soft florals.

Lalique Soleil 1.8ml Eau de Parfum: Warm, radiant, and enveloping – imagine amber and vanilla bathed in sunlight.

Memoize Concordia 2ml Eau de Parfum: Vibrant, zesty, and joyful, with unexpected twists of spice and fruit.

Floral Street Sunflower Pop 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: Bright, cheerful, and playful – a burst of sunflower and citrus that’s pure summer in a bottle.

Jeroboam Oriento 1ml Extrait de Parfum: Rich, mysterious, and exotic, with smoky woods and a touch of spice.

skinSense Hydranet Face Mask 25ml: A refreshing treat for the skin, perfect for a summer skincare moment between sniffing sessions.

£21 (VIP Price £17) in the Shop

 

 

Luxurious Fragrances Discovery Box

 

For those who crave opulence, the Luxurious Fragrances Discovery Box is a showcase of fifteen outstanding scents, each set to stun and delight:

 

 

BDK Parfums Vanille Leather 2ml Eau de Parfum: Decadent vanilla meets supple leather – smooth, sensual, and utterly indulgent.

Brioni Suave 1.8ml Eau de Parfum: Sophisticated and refined, with aromatic woods and a whisper of spice.

Creed Aventus 2ml Eau de Parfum: Bold, confident, and iconic – pineapple, birch, and musk for the modern adventurer.

Edeniste Oud Ghazal 2ml Eau de Parfum: Deep, resinous oud with a touch of sweetness – mysterious and magnetic.

Goldfield & Banks Mystic Bliss 2ml Eau de Parfum: Aromatic, fresh, and uplifting – like a breeze through Australian bushland.

Lacoste Original 2ml Eau de Parfum: Classic, clean, and sporty – a timeless scent for every occasion.

Maison Crivelli Oud Stallion 1.5ml Extrait de Parfum: Powerful, woody, and animalic – a scent for the bold.

Ruth Mastenbroek London Dusk 2ml Eau de Parfum: Moody, atmospheric, and elegant – London at twilight.

Memoize London Aurora 2ml Extrait de Parfum: Ethereal, luminous, and otherworldly – a scent inspired by the northern lights.

Molton Brown Mesmerising Oudh Accord and Gold 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: Opulent, spicy, and golden – a true treasure.

Oman Luxury Paramour 2ml Eau de Parfum: Exotic, floral, and intoxicating – romance in a bottle.

Ormonde Jayne Muscat 2ml Eau de Parfum: Crisp, fruity, and effervescent – like a glass of chilled Muscat wine.

Parfums de Marly Valaya 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: (Yes, this star appears in both boxes – a testament to its modern icon status.)

The Merchant of Venice Gold Regatta 2ml Eau de Parfum: Sparkling, golden, and festive – a celebration in scent.

Officine Universelle Buly Eau Triple Fragrance 9ml Eau de Parfum: (A surprise generous size picked from the La Douzaine Parfumée collection)

Officine Universelle Buly Pommade Concrete 10ml Hand and Foot Cream: A luxurious treat for hands and feet, perfect for pampering.

£35 (VIP Price £31) in the Shop

 

 

 

Fragrant Fantasy Discovery Box

 

For those who love a touch of adventure and intrigue, the Fragrant Fantasy Discovery Box is a passport to imagination…

 

 

D’otto 1+7 1.5ml Extrait de Parfum: Mysterious, complex, and layered – a scent full of secrets.

Maison Crivelli Neroli Nasimba 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: Zesty, floral, and vibrant – like a simmering, sunlit citrus grove.

Tocca Colette 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: Flirty, playful, and feminine – a bouquet of peony and violet.

Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal Pour Homme 1.5ml Eau de Toilette: Bold, woody, and seductive – for the modern gentleman.

Maya Njie Tobak 2ml Eau de Parfum: Warm, smoky, and nostalgic – leather and tobacco with a modern twist.

Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue 2ml Eau de Parfum: Fresh, energetic, and invigorating – adventure in a bottle.

Experimental Perfume Club Pistachio Haiku 2ml Eau de Parfum: Creamy, nutty, and poetic – a scent to spark conversation.

BDK 312 Saint-Honoré 2ml Eau de Parfum: Chic, floral, and urban – Parisian elegance at its finest.

Yardley London English Rose Hand Cream 50ml: A classic English rose scent, perfect for keeping hands soft and fragrant.

£22 (VIP Price £18) in the Shop

 

 

Perfume Party Ideas and Tips

 

Scent Matching: Playfully ‘match’ each guest to a perfume you think suits their personality. It’s a fun way to spark conversation and laughter.

Blindfolded First Impressions: Blindfold guests and let them sniff each fragrance, sharing their immediate thoughts and feelings. It’s amazing how scent can evoke vivid memories and emotions.

Sample Swapping: Encourage guests to swap their favourite samples and discuss what they love (or don’t) about each scent.

Lucky Dip: Guests get a scented surprise as they wont know what they’re choosing – a brilliant way to ensure everyone explores outside of their usual ‘comfort zone’. And they may just meet the fragrance of their dreams!

Zoom Sniff-Along: If friends can’t make it in person, send them the same Discovery Box and host a virtual ‘sniff-along’ over Zoom. Pour a glass of something lovely and enjoy a good catch-up while exploring scents together.

Perfume + Cocktail Pairings: Get creative and make cocktails that evoke your favourite fragrance from the box. For example, a citrusy cocktail for Floral Street Sunflower Pop or a smoky old fashioned for Maya Njie Tobak.

Hen Night Perfection: This party idea is ideal for a hen night – unique, interactive, and budget-friendly. Plus, scent and memory are so entwined, your celebration will live long in everyone’s happy memories.

 

 

 

Whether you’re hosting a garden picnic, a relaxed evening in, or a virtual event, the Discovery Boxes offer endless possibilities for fun, fragrant discovery, and a genuine sense of emotional connection. So, gather your friends, open your senses, and let the scents of summer (and beyond) inspire your next unforgettable celebration…

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Fragrant gift ideas for friends

While looking for fragrant gift ideas for friends, consider this Christmas as an opportunity to say thank you in scented form – for the shared memories, hope-filled future plans and laughter-filled Zoom catch-ups that got you through the last couple of years!

The best thing about these gifts is, you don’t have to plump for one perfume and hope its ‘the one’ – these gift sets include a range of fragrances with something to tempt everyone. So, instead of getting them the same old thing (which can come across as not really having put any thought in), or randomly picking a scent you’re not sure they’d like (which seems a bit impersonal); choose a set based on the type of friendship you have, and on their unique character – you probably know them best in the whole world, after all!

This Christmas looks set to be better than last year, when so many of us were estranged from loved ones; but if you’re unable to see some of your friends in-person again this year, why not send them one of these boxes of joy, gift one to yourself, too, and arrange another Zoom call (possibly with a cocktail on-hand, why not?!) and enjoy some time smelling through the scents together.

That way you’ll really get to know what they love, and it will give you gift ideas for many years to come as a bonus: genius! For friends near or far – give them one of these to say…

 

 

“Thank you for always having my back, no matter what!”

For friends that have stayed with you through good times AND bad – the ones you could call at 2am crying, and they’d listen / come and get you / can always trust. This socially-conscious, luxury fragrance house have bottles created entirely from recycled glass, along with a sustainability program to help the Moroccan women who pick the orange blossoms used in several of perfumer Carlos Benaïm‘s stunning creations. A magic carpet-ride for the senses.

Sana Jardin Discovery Set: £30

 

 

“Thank you for being as ‘strange’ as me, I love you!”

For the friends you share secret in-jokes (perhaps even brains) with, and are just as wonderfully unique as you – the ones you only have to look at to know what they’re thinking, who can make you laugh across a crowded room. The quirky flair of perfumer Christophe Laudamiel is only matched by his genius skills and superior ingredients. Together with raw ingredient pioneer (Elizabeth Gaynes), and a fragrantly-obsessed supermodel (Helena Christensen!), this ultra-luxe niche collection is addictively fabulous.

Strangelove Discovery Set: £60

 

 

“Thank you for creating precious memories, and allowing me to dream!”

 

For the friends that have travelled with you: around the world, and emotionally, too – they’re by your side no matter how far apart you happen to live, and in even the darkest times you can smile at the shared memories you have. All these fragrances capture snapshots of happy memories in scent, crafted with such sophistication, a sense of refinement, true love and great attention to detail by this brilliant British perfumer and former president of The British Society of Perfumers.

Ruth Mastenbroek Discovery Set: £27.50

 

 

“Thank you for inspiring me with your love of myths / art / history / culture!”

 

 

For the friends who always recommend amazing books / art / places & films – you’re always inspired by what they’ve read or seen, places they’ve been or want to take you to. Here’s a house that takes founder Manos Gerakinis‘ family Istanbul heritage and childhood memories of Greece, and intertwines his love of art, history, classical mythology and philosophy. Scents that simmer with spices and precious ingredients, radiating diversity and passion, like friends who have you writing lists of wonderful new things to explore.

Manos Gerakinis Discovery Set: £35

 

 

“Thank you for understanding the REAL me!”


For friends that see right through to your soul, somehow, and always know when you’re upset or need some extra hugs – these ones just ‘get’ you (the real you) and you never have to explain: they just know. Personality types are integral to choosing the perfect perfume because it’s such an emotional connection. So, each of these fragrances is formed around a distinct character profile, allowing the person choosing to have a strong idea of where to begin. A beautifully thoughtful collection, brilliantly explained.

Olfactive O Discovery Set: £30

Fragrant gift ideas – Six sets to send someone you miss…

Over the next few weeks, we’re going to be walking you through some of the many fabulous fragrant gift ideas we’ve got to take the stress out of shopping for scent online. So will it be a well-deserved little treat for yourself, or something to send those friends and loved ones you miss most…?

During this strangest of years, we’ve been reaching for fragrance as a way to soothe troubled nerves, remind ourselves of places and people we love. While reseraching an article for The Scented Letter magazine, on how the pandemic has changed the way we use perfume, I was contacted by many fragrance lovers who told me moving stories of why they’d been switching up their scents.

‘I changed fragrances every day so that there wouldn’t be a single “Lockdown” perfume in my memory,’ one woman related, while another agreed that ‘I’ve been forcing myself to wear something different everyday’, going so far as to put away the recent purchase of a new favourite, ‘Because I don’t want to associate this year with one particular juice…. I’d never wear it again!’

While not everyone has taken it to quite these extremes, many of you, it seems, have been adding more fragrances into your wardrobe, simply for the pleasure of experiencing new things – newness and diversity being something the majority of us have been sorely missing for so long! Because people are desperately missing getting to try new perfumes on their skin.

A busy nurse told me ‘I SO miss going to sniff new things and try them on,’ while others chimed in, expressing frustration, ‘The virus has affected my ability to travel and to ‘go sniffing’ – I think that’s where I’ve felt the biggest impact.’

But we know it can be confusing to work out where to start when searching for a new scent. That’s where samples can be so useful – a unique way to try fragrances at home, and perhaps discover houses you’ve never heard of and perfumes you’d never normally get to try (or even overlook, because you didn’t think they were ‘you’!)

Why not treat a loved one (and yourself) to one of these brilliant Brand Sets – some of the most exciting niche luxury scent houses in the world – all without having to leave your sofa…?

Escentric Molecules Discovery Set £25

Perfumer Geza Schoen revolutionised the fragrance world by showcasing fragrance molecules – both in isolation, and mixed with harmonious notes to echo and bolster the sometimes subtle complexities of the molecules alone. These molecules were the secrets of the scent world for many years – many perfume houses wouldn’t mention them, but Geza wanted to shout about how incredible they are.TEN fragrances in all – the entire range – which suits any gender or age, but will particularly appeal to those fascinated by science, ultra cool brands and wanting to smell unique.

Anima Vinci Discovery Set £20

With a background at the very first ‘niche’ perfumery house – and years at the creative helm of one of the UK’s most historic fragrance names – Nathalie Vinciguerra brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. But it’s her passion for authenticity and sustainability within the world of fragrance that finally drove her to create Anima Vinci. Nathalie genuinely believes in perfume’s power to uplift our senses, and to enhance our own ability to emotionally connect to our surroundings. Building their scents around a central ethos of literally allowing yourself time to stop and smell the roses (and jasmine, Palo Santo, citrus, sesame seeds…) these are fragrances to gift someone who’d appreciate a beautiful moment of calmness – a fragrance focus for each day.

 

Floral Street Discovery Set £14

Florals, but absolutely not as you know them, were the driving passion for founder Michelle Feeney launching British niche house of Floral Street, and they’ve since had roaring success with their so-modern fragrances that look as beautiful as they smell – and with sustainability very much in mind. Each scent is created by star perfumer Jérôme Épinette, known for his mastery of natural ingredients. As Floral Street put it: ‘These are bunches – not bouquets. Ingredients, not notes. And it’s about ease, modernity and joy.’ Michelle adds: ‘My mission is to bring fine fragrance to the modern female – so that she might build an entire fragrance wardrobe, which can express the many facets of who she is.’ Perfect, too, for younger family members or best friends who’d love to explore more…

Map of the Heart Discovery Set £35

Co-founders Sarah Blair and Jeffrey Darling created Map of the Heart – award-winning fragrances that come from a passion for telling stories and their understanding that scent can transport the wearer in a split second. Proudly Australian, each fragrance by perfumer Jaques Huclier has a seam of sandalwood at its core, and it throbs life through the perfumed pulse of this niche house’s scents, using indigenously and sustainably sourced Santalum spicatum. Encompassing a passion for telling stories and understanding that scent can transport the wearer just as words, images and films can whisk us to another world – this set showcases their entire range, and is a wonderful gift for the artistic traveller in your life.

 

Partere Discovery Set £20

Over a dozen of Parterre’s perfume ingredients are uniquely grown and extracted in a state-of-the-art still at their botanic estate at Keyneston Mill, in Dorset. But the exquisite compositions themselves are the masterful work of Jacques Chabert – one of the world’s leading perfumers, who has worked with such esteemed houses as Chanel and Guerlain. This British house are completely groundbreaking in the way they work, and we fell in love with everything they do. Showcasing ferns, lavender and mosses, roses, jasmine and geranium – and did we mention the British-grown Vetiver…? The Parterre perfumes make the journey ‘from botany to bottle’ in the most exquisite way, so perhaps one to gift a gardening-obsessed loved one – they’ll find this set nothing short of magical.

Kierin NYC Discovery Set £15

Inclusive of all genders, races and life experiences, these fragrances are aimed particularly at a younger market who are searching for something extra, other than just a nice smell in a bottle that means nothing about who they are. For founder Mona Maine de Biran this means inviting people ‘…to be inspired, not defined or confined, by fragrance.’ Mona’s philosophy is that ‘wearing the right fragrance for you can be like putting on battle dress or going to peace-out in a park. I’m trying to use fragrance not only to recall memories but to help me be in the moment, to live in the present.’ One of the most talked-about perfume houses to emerge from that metropolis in years, these are scents that particularly appeal to individualists, younger loved ones who want a fragrance to express themselves, tell their own stories in scent.

 

Whichever of these six scent sets you choose – be assured that the recipient will love the opportunity to try something new, perhaps even find their next fragrant love, all thanks to you. And really, who wouldn’t love to receive a fabulous box of fragrant wonders through the post at any time – but most especially when we can’t be together in person…

By Suzy Nightingale