How to scent your home for Christmas

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Part of the magic of Christmas is that it means something different to everyone and gives you the chance to experiment with bold and unusual fragrances that reflect your unique personal style – and evoke what the holidays mean to you.” When thinking about scent-scaping for the festive season, Genson recommends starting with the kitchen and living room as these are the focal points of the home. “Scents such as sweet orange, clove, vanilla, cedarwood, sandalwood, cassis, fig and pomegranate all help us to feel more relaxed and at home when the days have turned darker.” A large candle in a signature wintry scent makes the perfect welcome in the hallway, suggests Winstanley, who finds a diffuser or great-looking bowl of potpourri in the living room offers the perfect ‘light’ scenting for day. As Natalie Schober, founder of Atelier Noitē puts it: “The scent of freshly baked Christmas cookies, the woody notes of a freshly cut Christmas tree, the aroma of table tops and mantelpieces adorned with winter fruits and berries – the scents of Christmas are as evocative as they are inviting.” If you’re entertaining guests over the festive season, she suggests the fresh, dewy notes of iris, lily, white rose and jasmine work well to sharpen the senses before you sit down for dinner. After dinner, she believes a candle with the alluring scent of datura flowers: “With their warm, seductive notes of storied night blooms paired with soft amber, is a tempting invitation to stay for an after-dinner drink over meaningful conversations.” Lastly, when you’re winding down for a restful night, Schober suggests scented top notes of cassis with a base of cedar… “The rich blend of black cassis, fig leaves and raspberry notes, enveloped in a warm woody base, will help you relax and unwind from the last minute stresses of preparing for Christmas Day!” Or for something more subtle yet equally opulent, Genson favours a blend of fig and bergamot: “A great choice to light in the bathroom when enjoying a hot bath during those cold winter evenings.