I relish scent in all of its myriad of aromas. There’s something about the way scents evoke emotion, feelings and memories, that is rather (pleasantly) addictive.
One of my favorite times of year in terms of scent, is fall + winter. Whether it’s a forest scented candle, fragrant pinecones in a dish or eucalyptus branches hanging above the mantle, the holidays are a time when our noses are awash with evocative aromas. If you spend a lot of time at home (as I do), bringing the outdoors inside is a powerful way to connect to your sense of smell. I am always trying to make the space inside our four walls feel cozy and inviting. And scent is a powerful way to accomplish that.
In celebration of everything seasonal, I’ve put together a few of my favorite home fragrances for the holidays. These products are all perfectly fragrant, seasonably appropriate and will add a level of warmth and groundedness to the rapidly approaching holiday season. Enjoy!
Juniper berries and sage are a staple in every holiday kitchen. The savvy artisans behind the cult brand FIG+YARROW have crafted a delightfully fresh, woodsy room spray out of these two fall scents. Keep a bottle in the living room, kitchen, bedroom — it’s both calming and energetic and helps purify the air. And not to mention, the packaging is a stunner!
In my opinion, every home should have an essential oil diffuser. They are an easy (and smoke-free) way to add scent to your space. And it’s not only about the scentsory pleasure, studies have shown that diffusing oils in the home helps keep you healthy, purifies the air and can enhance your mood in a variety of ways (depending on the oils you choose). I’m a big fan of Floracopeia’s ultrasonic diffuser and their oils. And in time for autumn, they’ve created a package inspired by the scents of the season. An intoxicating trio of high-quality oils: Palo Santo + Eucalyptus Radiata + Silver Fir. Divine!
If this time of year conjures up memories of gathering ‘round the fire and drinking hot cocoa (or a hot toddy), then you’ll love what Juniper Ridge is cooking up. Their incense is as clean burning as it gets (no charcoal or perfumes, only wildcrafted plants, tree sap, wood and bark). The scents are powerful and very reminiscent of a desert campfire with hints of sweet pine. A great scent to burn outdoors, in your backyard or on your balcony, to bring a bit of nature closer to home.
Let your decor pull double duty this fall. Wreaths are an excellent way to touch on your sense of sight and smell (and touch)! This dried eucalyptus beauty brings a bit of magic to your door. The fragrant eucalyptus along with beautiful white berries and pinecones makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a snow-covered wonderland. I’d hang this inside over a fireplace or somewhere else where I could smell it (and see it) daily.
If you’re more of a DIY-er, or want to save your dollars for gifts, this post has some excellent ideas for how to create your own home fragrance by simmering a pot of spices on your stove. Add everyday ingredients like cinnamon sticks, apple peels, vanilla, nutmeg and more and your home will be smelling festive in no time!
How will you scent your home this fall? Have any great tips, products or recommendations? I’d love to hear them in the comments below!
xo
Stephanie
Photo by John Tann via Flickr
