How many of you have sought out your scented candles in the last few days, we wonder? There’s something undeniably comforting about lighting a candle when the nip of autumn’s chill and the darker nights have drawn in. While we may not rely on them to illuminate our spaces entirely, the gentle flicker of a flame has an enchanting way of drawing our attention and soothing our senses.
In these darker months, when the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, candles become more than mere décor; they transform our homes into sanctuaries of warmth and tranquillity.The soft glow of candlelight can evoke the cosy ambiance of a crackling log fire, even if we’re not fortunate enough to have one in our living rooms. There’s a rhythm to the flickering flames that mimics the natural dance of fire, creating a serene atmosphere that invites relaxation and reflection.
This visual comfort is especially potent as we retreat indoors, seeking solace from the brisk winds and early sunsets.While it’s true that scented candles can be enjoyed year-round, there’s a special allure to them as the temperatures drop. The colder months bring with them a unique yearning for warmth, both physical and emotional. As we wrap ourselves in blankets and sip on warm beverages, reaching for candles feels instinctive. They become companions in our evening rituals, casting a soft light that enhances our surroundings and elevates our mood.
Moreover, the act of lighting a candle can be a mindful practice in itself. It serves as a moment of pause amidst our busy lives—a chance to breathe deeply and set intentions for the evening ahead. The flicker of the flame encourages us to slow down, inviting us to embrace the present moment and relish in its simplicity.
As we gather with loved ones or enjoy solitary evenings, candles create an inviting backdrop that fosters connection and conversation. Their presence can transform any space into a haven, offering not just light but also an element of magic that enhances our experiences.
So, as we embrace this season of longer nights and cooler air, let’s celebrate the humble candle. It’s more than just a source of illumination; it’s a beacon of comfort that draws us in with its warm glow and soothing presence. Whether you’re curling up with a good book or sharing stories with friends, let the flickering flames of some of our favourite scented candles remind you of the beauty in stillness, and the joy found in simple pleasures…
La Montaña Alfredo’s Café Candle
Capturing the essence of a vibrant Spanish village hub. Inspired by a real-life café owned by Alfredo, this fragrance embodies the heart and soul of community life. As you light the candle, you can almost hear the lively chatter, hearty laughter, and the satisfying clack of dominoes hitting the table. This complex aroma took exceptional craftsmanship to perfect, requiring over forty iterations before achieving its final, captivating scent. The result is a sophisticated blend of black tobacco, coffee, and brandy, intertwined with notes of leather and church incense. So evocative and alluring is this fragrance that it’s become the most requested as a personal cologne. Alfredo’s Café Candle doesn’t just scent a room; it transports you to the warm, cosy atmosphere of a bustling Mediterranean café.
£39 for 220g
Cochine Cedar & Vietnamese Oud Candle
Close your eyes, and imagine hidden temples of Central Vietnam’s lush forests. This exquisite fragrance artfully transports you there via nuanced tones of cedar and sandalwood with the precious resins of amber and oudh. As the candle burns, it releases a warming aroma that envelops your space in comforting woody notes. The deep, resinous scent of oudh adds a luxurious depth, while hints of incense evoke a sense of ancient rituals and tranquility. This grounding fragrance soothes the senses, creating an atmosphere of calm contemplation. The interplay of these noble ingredients results in a sophisticated, multi-layered scent that transforms your home into a serene sanctuary, perfect for meditation or unwinding after a long day.
£45 for 230g
Ostens Illumination Rose Candle
If you’re not quite ready for full on spices, consider the plush velvety scent of an opulent rose candle. Ostens Rose Illumination, for example, transports you to the valleys of Anatolia, Turkey, where the exquisite Rosa Damascena, known as the ‘Queen of Flowers,’ is harvested at dawn. The delicate blooms are kept in the shade until they reach traditional copper stills, where their essence is distilled into a luxurious rose oil, capturing the fragrance of thousands of fresh petals. This candle unfolds with a vibrant, green freshness that transitions into a voluptuous, warming heart of jammy rose, accented by notes of exotic fruits and ripe red berries. Light it to fill your home with the enchanting aroma of a blooming Turkish rose garden, and wrap yourself in a velvet robe, darling!
£65 for 220g
Cochine Agarwood & Amber Candle
Discover the divine essence of Cochine’s Agarwood & Amber Candle, a luxurious fragrance inspired by the legendary ‘Wood of the Gods’. This rich, woody scent masterfully blends the profound depth of agarwood with the sensual warmth of white amber, ethereal tuberose, and earthy patchouli for a scent that bridges seasons and feels cosy yet not overpowering. Crafted with meticulous care, the candle features eco-friendly cotton wicks and creamy botanical palm wax sourced from renewable resources. Each hand-poured candle promises over 50 hours of sublime fragrance, elegantly finished with an embossed silver lid, proving cosy can be ultra chic.
£45 for 230g
La Montaña Mistela Candle
Inspired by the cherished tradition of Valencian dessert wines, the Mistela candle captures the essence of this beloved libation, perfect for family gatherings. Picture loved ones around a table, laughter mingling with the gentle clink of glasses filled with amber nectar. The candle’s aroma unfolds with the luscious sweetness of raisins, complemented by a blend of exotic spices like cinnamon and star anise, creating a complex yet comforting scent. Notes of zesty orange peel and roasted coffee bean add depth, making this fragrance both distinctive and familiar. With its warm embrace, the Mistela candle invites you to indulge in nostalgia and celebration.
£39 for 220g
Written by Suzy Nightingale
