Thursday 8 February 2018

My Gift Choices For Valentine's Day 2018

Hot on the heels of Christmas and New Year comes Valentine’s Day with a new set of stresses about what to buy, when to buy and even who to buy for. It’s a gift that can so easily go wrong and one that many people greet with the phrase, “it’ll be half the price next week”. With this in mind I thought that I’d steer away from fragrances this year and focus on another perennial favourite. Candles, and everything that goes with them, are great choices as romantic gifts and there is something for the most modest budget and even the hardest of hearts. So, let me show you my top three choices for 2018.

We’ve come a long way since every home was subjected to the vanilla overload of those classic eighties candles and, just as fashionable, the various accessories now seem to be never-ending. From plates to plugins and shades to plinths, the choice of what to sit beside your favourite candle is pretty daunting. Many people like to have the full set of candles and accessories from one company but I think that there’s nothing more attractive than spreading the love, especially at this time of the year.

My first choice for 2018 are the wonderfully eye-catching matches from Penhaligon’s. You may remember that they used to sell these in a metal tin as part of their Brighton Collection but they have now been relaunched in their new Portraits Collection. The matches are a great length for lighting both candles and open-fires and the box looks eye-catching if it’s left nearby. The company describe them as being “inspired by the burning passions that lay at the heart of the Portraits Collection” and advise to “strike away from the loins”. The matches are available from all Penhaligon’s stores priced at £10.

This leads us on to my candle choice for Valentine’s Day and there really could have been so many suggestions. The one that I plumped for was Delicious Rhubarb & Rose by Molton Brown. The idea of a voluminous rose scent as a gift is not to everyone’s taste but this offering from Molton Brown is perfect for those who want something a little more playful and coquettish. The citrus-laced rose is paired beautifully with stunningly realistic rhubarb and the throw of scent is impressive. Delicious Rhubarb & Rose is available from all Molton Brown stockists priced at £39 or £60.

The final choice for Valentine's Day has to go to the ultimate gifting company, Jo Malone London. Their candle range is well known all over the world but there is one item that is a bit of a boutique secret. Most people end up gouging their candle in an effort to keep the wick at the optimum length for burning but Jo Malone London have solved this with their Wick Trimmer. In stylish and elegant black metal, finished off with the iconic Jo Malone London logo along the arms, it is both practical and very attractive. The Wick Trimmer is available from all Jo Malone London boutiques priced at £25.

I hope you all have a great Valentine’s Day and, even if you end up buying your own gift, enjoy a bit of scented relaxation.

2 comments:

  1. I cannot believe Valentine's Day is right around the corner! Do you celebrate?! I'm all for an excuse to celebrate, so we do! Care about less, care about freedom. Also, I'd add my two cents on accessories. Think about a minimalist slim wallet. Nothing ruins the lines of a suit or blazer and makes you look more like a doofus than when your pockets are crammed with stuff - a wallet, a cell phone, keys, a calculator, a calendar, pens, etc. I favor Kisetsu wallets , the classic bifold reinvented a feature-packed Premium minimalist wallet made with Full Grain Nappa Leather and RFID protection. How about you?

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    1. Hello Robert, I'm not sure if this is an advert but I'll always reply to everyone. I actually love slim wallets and completely agree that a chunky one ruins the line of a suit. I'll have a look at the link. Bets wishes, Stephan

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