With Valentine’s Day just a week away, now seems like the perfect time to be dropping some (un)subtle hints about what would really make us smile on 14th February. I don’t see anything wrong with a bit of prompting – chances are our other halves will be glad of the steer!
When it comes to Valentine’s Day gifts, candles are a certain pleaser. And few come more theme-fitting and luxurious than these two: the Rathbornes Dublin Tea Rose, Oud & Patchouli; and the Charles Farris Garden of Eden Signature Candle.
As I’m typing, both are sat on the table in front of me. The aromas emanating from their direction are so captivating that I keep stealing sneaky sniffs – hang on, I’ve yet to light them! Even fresh out-of-the box these two deliver an ‘oh wow!’ moment.
Rathbornes Dublin Tea Rose, Oud & Patchouli
Rathbornes is the world’s oldest candle company (founded in 1488) and this rose candle is from its Beyond the Pale Collection. It’s a sturdy and thick pillar candle, with two wicks, and comes housed in a beautiful white frosted glass holder.
Hand-poured in Dublin using traditional methods, Rathbornes’ beeswax candles are fragranced with premium essential oils, which probably explains why I can still smell the fragrance wafting around the house hours after I’ve pinched the wick. Warm citrus and berry notes at the top, creamy rosebud and vanilla in the middle, and a base of oud, patchouli and amber resin meld to create a deeply sensuous and passionate aroma.
The Rathbornes Dublin Tea Rose, Oud & Patchouli candle (150g) has a burn time of up to 40 hours. It costs £30 and can be bought here.
Charles Farris Garden of Eden Signature Candle
Another candle maker steeped in tradition, Charles Farris holds a Royal Warrant of Appointment, a mark of recognition for those who supply goods or services to the Royal family. The Garden of Eden is one of its most popular fragrances.
The candle comes contained in black textured glass and, like the Rathbornes, a beautiful presentation box. The blend is creamy tuberose (a night-time flowering white rose from Mexico renowned for its rich luscious creamy scent) at the top, English lily of the valley in the middle and oriental base notes of jasmine and yang. Deep scents, classic florals and modern notes combine in this romance-building fragrance.
The Charles Farris Garden of Eden Signature Candle also has a burn time of up to 40 hours. It too costs £30 (210g) and can be bought here.
