Go with the Glow

In such dreary times as these, moving just isn't an option. Instead, batten down the hatches, stay put, and concentrate instead on transforming your abode into a chic refuge from the stresses and strains of the outside world.

Scented candles instantly instill bedrooms, sitting rooms and bathrooms with calm, elegance and sensuality. Don’t be put off by the cheap, garishly coloured medley available on the high street, which are frankly more Croydon than Capri. You can't go wrong with Jo Malone, Ila, Miller Harris, and, of course, the cultish Diptyque.

Another great option for those in search of a decent candle is The White Company’s Premium White Scented range. The creamy opaque glass holders look ultra-stylish, and these sturdy candles burn for 40 hours (and will last even longer if placed in the fridge for eight hours before use).

The White Fig candle, which I tried, was a delicious blend of exotic fig fruit and green fig leaf, mixed with sweet blackcurrant, warming amber and smoky fig bark. The combination of woody and fruity scents didn't jar, and although potent, the candle was surprisingly light and crisp, helping me to unwind after a long day.

I must admit that I prefer Diptyque’s fig candle (Figuier), as it is fresher, less saccharine and burns for longer. Then again, as a long term devotee of this Parisian company, it would take a very special candle to persuade me to jump ship.

Finally, a couple of tips: the first time that you light a scented candle you should allow it to burn for at least two hours to make sure that the whole of the surface is melted.

Trim the wick each time that you're about to light the candle to prevent the old wick from falling back into the wax, creating smoke and blackening the holder. It should be trimmed to no more than half an inch (1.3cm).

Please login below: