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Warm and inviting. Nostalgic and comforting. Hitting the right festive note with fragrance is simple when you know how, says expert Suzy Nightingale.
What does Christmas smell like to you?
Like a blend of freshly baked gingerbread, spiced mulled wine, and the crispness of a winter forest. It’s the comforting aroma of cinnamon and clove wafting through the air, mingling with the sweet notes of orange and the earthy scent of pine needles. These fragrances create an atmosphere that feels both familiar and magical, wrapping us in a warm hug as we gather with loved ones.
What does it take to make a really good Christmas scent?
There must be an overlapping of evocative aromas; for me, this is no time for fragrant minimalism! The classic The White Company Winter scent always marks the start of Christmas in our house. There’s something about the freshly zested orange mingling with the simmering spice of cinnamon and clove which makes me smile to unwrap one, even before a single candle has been lit.
Why do these scents have such a strong impact at this time of year?
Winter has always been a time for making safe, drawing closer to the fire and snuggling with loved ones. Therefore, we spend a lot more time in our homes – or visiting other people’s – so their intrinsic scent becomes all-the-more emotionally resonant. As we witness Christmas through the eyes of new generations, or tell tales of those who’ve past, scent memories (the strongest of all human recollections) have the power to act as olfactory time travel.
What’s the best way to manage a house full of guests with lit candles?
Move candles out of public thoroughfares and gather them all around a fireplace or central table for maximum impact en masse. Consider using scented diffusers dotted throughout rooms, and especially hallways (as people pass through, they waft the scent and act as fragrant fans). Room sprays are brilliant, too – they don’t evaporate as quickly. If you do want to have lit candles, think about using candle holders or hurricanes to keep flames contained. Alternatively, opt for tealight holders on tables, which are far less likely to be knocked over.
How can we layer scent around our homes so that it’s balanced?
Look for common notes that act as a scented thread to connect differing fragrances. For example, the richly gilded woodiness of Kyoto Oud is achieved via the golden amber note, so you might want to layer this with Nordic Woods in the same room. That scent also uses amber, but contrasted with the coolness of a frosted forest. If you then chose the warming, smoky Myrrh for a connecting room or hallway, you’ve set an invisible but richly scented scene conjuring woodland walks to a cosy cabin.
Scented candles at mealtimes: yes or no?
The consensus is usually that scented candles should be kept subtle when eating. While delicious gourmand notes, like juicy clementines and blackcurrant, can get mouths literally watering in anticipation (so perfect to scent the living room or add freshness to a kitchen – where people tend to gather whether welcomed or not), in a dining room, opt for something more neutral, such as a soothing forest-y scent.
How do you pick a scented gift? Particularly if you’re not sure the person’s preference?
If I know what their home is like, or how they dress, that’s a great starting point. Textures, colours, and styles can all give hints (do they prefer plushness, nostalgia and opulence, or pared-back and contemporary?). If all else fails, I don’t think you can go wrong with a citrus-forward, or even sea-scape, fragrance.
What is your favourite thing about fragrance at this time of year?
It’s the ability to create a warm glow, both literally and emotionally. The flickering light of candles can be so meditative, especially when paired with the comforting scents of Christmas which can transform any space into a sanctuary of warmth and joy.
If you only do one thing with scent this festive season, what should it be?
Train yourself to ‘switch off’ with scent – learn to light a candle at the same time every evening, close the laptop, put down your phone, and allow fragrance to signal it’s time to get cosy. There’s nothing better than hunkering down, all snuggled in a soft blanket on your sofa, and really relishing some me-time in a safe, scented haven.
Suzy Nightingale is a Fragrance Foundation award-winning fragrance writer and co-host of “On The Scent” podcast.
For wrapping up to delight others (and one thing for keeping to herself)
“To my friend, Nicola. It’s a classic for a reason, and she says it’s always the scent of Christmas in her house, too (plus, I get to enjoy the scent when I visit!)”
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“To my friend, Hester. She’s had a difficult year and deserves some soothingly scented downtime.”
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“For my friend, Emma. She’s just started a job as a teaching assistant at her daughter’s school, and never has enough time to pamper herself.”
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