Transform Your Evening Routine with Candles

Recently, I caught myself saying, "I don't have time for candles anymore." Life feels fast-paced, and I’ve defaulted to quick options like room sprays for filling my space with fragrance. Room sprays are convenient – Spray it, let it do its thing, and it takes care of itself. But candles? They require a little more presence, more attention. And yet, isn’t that what we’re craving in our busy lives – more intention, more presence?

As I reflected on this, I realized the real issue wasn’t about not having time for candles; it was about how I was using my time after work. I’d been rushing through the evening, jumping from one task to another: coming home, taking care of my dog, dinner, tidying up, maybe sneaking in an hour of reading before bed. That hour should feel like an indulgence, a moment of relaxation. But, instead, it often felt too rushed with added anxiety, as if I should be using my time more productively.

That’s when I decided to make candles part of my homecoming ritual, again, transforming my evening routine into something more intentional. Rather than waiting for everything to be done before relaxing, I now light a candle as soon as I walk through the door. It signals the start of my evening, the moment when I shift from work mode to home mode.

Here’s how my new ritual looks: I step inside, say hi to Charlie (my dog), and put down my bag. Before I do anything else – before dinner, before emails, before the whirlwind of tasks – I light a candle. This small action sets the tone for the rest of the evening. It’s a reminder to slow down, take a breath, and create a calming atmosphere for the night ahead.

Whether it’s the warm, grounding scent of Amber Noir or the bright, citrusy freshness of Pomelo, the right fragrance can change the energy of a room. Lighting a candle isn’t just about the scent; it’s about creating ambiance, marking a transition, and giving yourself permission to enjoy your time at home.

I’ve made it a habit to light a candle during my wind-down hour before bed, letting its calming fragrance fill the room as I change into my comfy pyjamas (you know the ones – perfectly cozy but still fine for stepping outside). Whether it’s the refreshing scent of Bergamot or the earthy blend of Fig & Vetiver, the gentle aroma sets the tone for a peaceful evening. Paired with the soft flicker of the candlelight, it creates the ideal atmosphere for relaxing with a good book or catching up on a show.

Incorporating candles into my routine has helped me reclaim my evenings. It’s a simple yet powerful way to be more present and intentional with my time off. And now, instead of waiting for the "right time" to light a candle, I’ve made it part of the reason why my evenings feel so restorative.

If you’re looking to bring more calm and luxury into your daily or nighttime routine, try this approach. Start with your favorite scent – whether it’s the sophisticated blend of Rose & Oud or the earthy richness of Fig & Vetiver. Light a candle the moment you step through the door and see how it transforms your evening.

Currently, I’m loving Bergamot as my go-to candle for autumn. With its vibrant top notes of bergamot, lemon leaf, and ylang ylang, it adds a refreshing energy to the room. But it’s the warm, grounding base of sandalwood, cedarwood, and vetiver that creates a cozy, earthy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding on cooler evenings. The mix of citrus and woody notes strikes the perfect balance between bright and comforting, making it an ideal scent for creating a calming and inviting ambiance this season.

And for those moments when you want the scent to linger, simply let the candle burn a little longer to fully enjoy its fragrance and ambiance. A well-chosen scent can transform your space and make your evenings feel even more special, adding a touch of luxury to your routine. Your evenings will never be the same.