Spitalfields Candle Company ~ fragrant flickering Christmas

I love it when someone’s passion becomes their way of life, when they pour so much of themselves into something they love that it touches other people’s lives in a really positive way.  A couple of years ago Andrew and Philippa made a dozen orange and clove candles on the stove as Christmas presents for friends; last year they made more than 4000!

They have now moved from a small stall at Spitalfields Market to the High Street, but each candle is still lovingly hand blended and poured...

“We use a soya wax from a sustainable source, and only aromatherapy-grade essential oils. Wherever possible we use organic oils, or those made from UK-grown plant and herb extracts. The result is a 100% natural candle which gently fills any room with a beautiful fragrance.”

The Spitalfields Candle Company is a small company with big dreams.  Still in its early days, the company has had very little marketing or exposure yet, so I was honoured when Andrew invited me to review a few of his creations.  He’s also allowed me to share a special Christmas discount code with all of you… more about that later.

I’ll start with my favourite…

 Orange & Clove I’m not generally a fan of any fragrance that includes clove; it can have a sharpness that just doesn’t appeal to me - but not in this case. This smell is soft, warm and strangely comforting - both calming and uplifting. The orange is stronger than the clove (another plus) and it’s Christmassy, but not the kind of Christmassy smell that you go right off on the 26th December (is it just me that does that?).  Truly, it’s the most perfect Christmas fragrance I’ve ever come across. We’re bombarded with them on the High Street, and the best I’ve found in the past is White Company’s Winter Oil, but this candle knocks its socks off and everyone who comes into our home when it’s burning just swoons. I’d defy anyone not to like it.

Frankincense & Juniper are two scents that I personally adore - and a gorgeous alternative for Christmas. This candle is gorgeously rich, warm and spicey… I’d quite happily bathe in this fragrance.  The essential oil content means that you actually do sense the benefits when these candles burn ~ exotic, calming and soothing sums this one up perfectly. 

Ylang Ylang & Patchouli is Spitalfields Candle Company’s best seller. A sweet, exotic, floral scent, it is sensual, relaxing and balancing.  My sister, who adores candles, fell so in love with this fragrance I gave it to her.  She normally favours the likes of Diptyque, but has declared this little number the most beautiful candle she has ever smelt! This one, pictured above, is the smaller Classic Votive, 60g size. You can see how it compares to the others in the first pic at the top.

One of my favourite things about cold dark nights is lighting a candle and relaxing in its glow...

If you’re thinking of treating yourself or a loved one to a fragranced candle this Christmas, I’d definitely recommend that you head over to spitalfieldscandles.co.uk to check out its gorgeous range and support an amazing fledgling company! The full range includes Lavender & Chamomile, Lemon Verbena (next on my list!), Rose Geranium, Rosemary & Thyme, Vetyver & Lavender.

The little Class Votive 60g candles (see Ylang Ylang & Patchouli above) cost £8.99 and the Large 200g cost £25.

Enter CHRISTMAS+2011 at the checkout for 25% discount until 15 December 2011. P&P is free on orders over £25.