Scent surround

You can’t love flowers without appreciating scent. Fragrance is such a big part of what makes a home a home. As Tania Sanchez writes in her book Perfumes, the Guide (Allen & Unwin), just about any perfume, even the cheapest and most starved of ideas, decorates the day.

There’s nothing cheap about Jo Malone, of course. A long-time favourite of mine, the subtle, unselfconsciously traditional scents are gorgeous (try the combination of Orange Blossom and English Pear & Freesia – it’s the best). But it’s in the home where the Malone fragrances really work their magic. One candle lit for an hour or so will perfume a room for a day, and there are few things nicer than walking into a fragrant home after a long day. A Lime Basil & Mandarin candle + a glass of wine = total bliss.