As the festive season approaches and we prepare to welcome in the new year, there’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of a cosy, fragrant home to lift our spirits and create a welcoming atmosphere for family and friends.
The power of scent to evoke memories, comfort, and joy is particularly potent during this time of year, and many of us turn to fragrant candles and diffusers to infuse our living spaces with delightful aromas. But which are best, where should you place them, and how can you make them last longer? Read on for a fuss-free fragrant guide…
Candles vs Diffusers:
Scented candles have long been a favourite for creating a cosy ambiance, especially for those of us who don’t have the luxury of a real log fire. The soft, flickering light combined with a carefully chosen fragrance can transform any room into a snug haven. There’s something inherently comforting about the warm glow of candlelight, and when paired with seasonal scents like woods, cinnamon, forest-y notes like pine, or warming, creamy ingredients like vanilla, it can instantly transport us to a world of festive cheer.
While candles remain a popular choice, scented diffusers have been gaining significant traction in recent years. Their appeal lies in their convenience and longevity. Many modern diffusers are refillable, making them a more sustainable option for the environmentally conscious. The beauty of diffusers is that you can simply place them in your desired location and let them work their magic, continuously releasing fragrance without the need for constant attention or the worry of an open flame.
Perfect Placement:
To get the most out of your home fragrancing, consider strategic placement of your candles and diffusers: For maximum impact, place them in areas with good air circulation – near doorways or in the centre of a room often works well. However, avoid placing them directly in the path of air conditioning or heating vents, as this can disperse the scent too quickly or unevenly.
In the living room, consider placing a candle or diffuser on a coffee table or mantelpiece, where it can become a focal point and spread its aroma throughout the space. For a subtle yet effective approach in the bedroom, a diffuser on a bedside table can create a relaxing atmosphere conducive to sleep.
The kitchen is another excellent location for home fragrancing, especially during the festive season. A well-placed candle or diffuser can help neutralise cooking odours and infuse the space with inviting scents that complement your culinary creations.
Make Them Last Longer:
To get the best from your candles, always trim the wick to about 6mm before lighting. This ensures a clean, even burn and helps prevent smoking. Allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges of the container on the first burn to prevent tunnelling and ensure you get the most out of your candle.
For reed diffusers, flip the reeds every few days to refresh the scent. If you find the fragrance too strong, simply remove a few reeds to reduce its intensity. Conversely, add more reeds if you want a stronger scent throw.
Layering Home Scents:
Don’t be afraid to layer scents throughout your home. You might choose a fresh, crisp fragrance for the entrance hall, a warm, spicy scent for the living areas, and a soothing lavender or vanilla for the bedroom. This creates a journey of scents as you move through your home, each one evoking a different mood or memory.
Remember, the goal is to create an inviting atmosphere that reflects your personal style and enhances your home’s comfort. Whether you prefer the traditional charm of candles or the modern convenience of diffusers, the right fragrance can transform your living space into a cosy retreat perfect for enjoying the festive season and welcoming the new year.
We’ve so many home scents we love to use at this time of year, but here’s our fragrant festive selection for a cosy home right now…
La Montaña Three Kings Candle £39 for 220g
‘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!’
Cochine Juniper & Ginger Diffuser £60 for 150ml
‘This luxurious diffuser combines the crisp scent of juniper with the sweet spiciness of ginger. Reminiscent of lush, green woods and exotic, evergreen mountains this uplifting scent has hints of clove, bergamot and patchouli blended with the freshness of eucalyptus. Containing the finest essential oils, Cochine reed diffusers will visually and aromatically give your room a unique and subtle elegance.’
La Montaña Winter Oranges (3 wick) Candle £100 for 650g
‘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. A perennial winter favourite.’
Cochine Tuberose Absolute & Sandalwood Diffuser £60 for 150ml
For those seeking an alternative to traditional winter scents, this is still cosy but stunningly opulent, too! ‘Exclusively created with master perfumer, Maurice Roucel, this is the scent of exotic and unforgettable nights. Feminine, alluring and intriguing tuberose notes combine with rich leather and sandalwood in this intoxicating, utterly addictive fragrance.’
La Montaña Mistela Candle £39 for 220g
‘Mistela is a Valencian dessert wine usually served at family celebrations, or when lingering after a good meal; it’s a festive blend of raisins and exotic spices often served with a curl of orange peel, or even a coffee bean… The fragrance is distinctive and original yet at the same time warm and familiar. And utterly more-ish.’
Cochine Vanille & Tabac Noir Candle £45 for 230g
‘This rich, sultry candle balances notes of vanilla bean and warm hints of patchouli with soft, sensual tones of tobacco flower. Extracts of cardamom, nutmeg and basil lend a delicate spiciness.’
Written by Suzy Nightingale
