Christmas candles & fragrance

Place Christmas candles wherever you want to create warmth and atmosphere. Dining tables, mantelpieces, windowsills, and side tables work particularly well. For dining tables, cluster varying heights down the centre or place pairs at either end. Mantelpieces suit symmetrical arrangements with taller candles at each side. Windowsills look inviting with candles visible from outside, while console tables create a welcoming entrance.

Always position candles away from draughts, fabrics, and decorations such as wreaths or trees.

Popular Christmas candle scents include warm spices like cinnamon and clove, citrus notes such as orange and cranberry, and fresh woodland aromas like pine and fir. Spiced orange with red berry creates a classic festive winterberry candle fragrance that feels bright and comforting, while pine and clove candles offer a more traditional, cosy atmosphere. Vanilla, ginger and frankincense are also popular for their warming qualities.

The best scent depends on your preference. Some prefer sweet, fruity notes, while others favour earthy, herbal aromas.

Arrange candles down the centre of your table in a line or cluster, varying the heights to create visual interest without blocking conversation. Use candlesticks for taller tapers at intervals, interspersed with lower pillar candles or votives to add depth.

Group candles in odd numbers - three or five work well, for a balanced, natural look. Place candles on a tray or runner to define the display and protect your table surface. Pair with seasonal greenery, pine cones, or metallic accents to enhance the festive feel.

Alternatives to Christmas candles include diffusers, battery-operated LED candles, potpourri, room sprays, or simmering spices like cinnamon and orange peel on the hob. Christmas diffusers offer continuous, flame-free fragrance throughout the day, making them ideal for homes with pets or children.

LED candles provide the visual warmth of candlelight without any flame, while potpourri and room sprays deliver quick bursts of seasonal scent. For a natural approach, simmer orange peel, cinnamon sticks and cloves in water for an instant festive aroma.