Create a magical ambience with scented candles and diffusers

As the nights draw in, it’s time to wax lyrical about candles – and, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love them? Whatever the mood: romantic, relaxing or energising, a candle can help to enhance it, making it the perfect accessory to pleasure. 
 
In the bathroom, bedroom, living or dining room, the flicker and fragrance of a scented candle adds warmth and ambience, evoking anything from an alpine forest to a Mediterranean garden. 
 
Fragrances range from floral, fruity, sweet and citrussy to fresh, green, spicy and woody, so there’s something for everyone and for every season.
 
We’ve been burning candles for around 3,000 years. Back in Ancient Rome, rolled papyrus was dipped in melted animal fat (tallow) to light up religious ceremonies and homes. 
 
During the Middle Ages in Europe, beeswax candles were introduced. Unlike tallow, beeswax burned cleanly, without a smoky flame. It also emitted a pleasant sweet smell rather than the foul, acrid odour of animal fat. But beeswax was prohibitively expensive, so only the wealthy could afford to burn these candles in the home.
 
Today, although we don’t need them for practical purposes, we Brits are like moths to the flame of the humble candle. According to a recent report, UK consumers buy an average of six candles per year at £7.40 a go, meaning the country collectively spends £1.9bn on them annually.
 
In keeping with this trend, luxury furniture and interiors firm La Residence Interiors has just introduced a brand new range of hand-blended, hand-poured and hand-packaged scented candles and reed diffusers using the most exclusive and natural ingredients available. 
 
Produced by Parkminster in small batches in its artisan Sussex workshop, the candles and diffusers are made from natural plant-based ingredients only: essential oils, soy wax and other sustainable ingredients, so they’re cleaner and healthier to burn. There’s a range of fragrances to tempt you, including pomegranate, fresh fig, cucumber & mint, lavender, lemongrass and coconut.
 
Choose from large 300ml votive soy candles (£19.95) with a burn time of around 60 hours, or smaller 90ml votive soy candles (£5.95) with a burn time of around 15 hours – ideal as a gift for teachers or a dinner party host, or just for yourself! Or choose a reed diffuser (£19.95) and enjoy the beautiful scent for up to 3 months. All are presented in an elegant brown card gift box.
 
For more information, visit www.laresidenceinteriors.co.uk