In amongst the carols, mulled wine, and twinkly lights, I had my heart set on making the Diptyque Advent Candle my newest festive tradition. With twenty-five layers of luxury ivory wax and elegant gold lettering, it’s the very definition of Christmas indulgence. Unsurprisingly, it has completely sold out: proof that I wasn’t the only one enchanted by its Parisian charm.
But all is not lost. I’ve found a some beautiful advent-style Christmas candles that emulate Diptyque's idea, but there's something else that's special too. Crafted to sit on top of Diptyque's famously stunning Sapin, the brand makes a delicate, gold carousel decoration that gently spins in the glow of your candle, casting decorative shadows around the room. To see it is to love it - and love it for forever.
As a Master Perfumer, I'm always looking for ways to work my candles harder in my home. Now I am invested in the advent candle tradition and I can't get enough of the carousel decoration. Both bring all the glamour of a Parisian Christmas home. I thought the M&S Light Up Candle was pretty, but this is something else.
Diptyque Advent Candle Alternatives
Before we get into the details, you should know that the Diptyque Advent Candle that I originally coveted has sold out, except in select boutiques. Don't worry though; there are plenty of ways to make your house smell good over the festive season as well as other advent candles on offer too.
I'll start with alternative advent candles, because they're where this bringing this Parisian tradition back all began. The thought behind an advent candle is simple. Each day, you burn through one of the twenty five layers. You get to take some time to enjoy a calming ritual, whilst filling your home with the delicate scent of one of the best candles you can buy. As it burns, the flickering light on top looks like a simple star, a delicate, effortless way to feel festive and bright.
Now that the limited stocks of the Diptyque Advent Candle inevitably have run out, there are other ways to keep the advent candle tradition burning:
I searched for hours to find another Advent Candle that's in the shape of a Christmas tree and I cannot tell you how pleased I was to find these pyramids. With 24 numbers to burn through, this candle offers the perfect opportunity to take some time for yourself each day in the hectic lead-up to Christmas time. You'll enjoy 45 hours of candlelit calm, with the flame taking the place of the tree star on top.
It's not in the shape of a Christmas tree, but the Alison Gardiner Pillar Candle is infused with just as much joy. The chunky pillar is handmade in the UK and will burn for 70 hours through all the lead up to Christmas. It makes the perfect festive candle for the table or mantlepiece.
Available in red and ivory, these advent candles are traditional Christmas styling at its finest. The classic gold numbers burn from first frost through to Christmas Eve with perfect, warming charm. You'll be pleased to hear that the Cornish candle company uses natural mineral and vegetable waxes, which burn cleaner than paraffin (which might leave black on your walls).
Diptyque Christmas Candle and Decoration: everything you need to know
The same beautiful fragrance that's infused in the Diptyque advent candle is also poured into their stunning gold vessel. It's a limited-edition version of Diptyque's well-loved Sapin candles and it is also sold with a special gold carousel that spins when the candle is lit. It's easily one of the best candles for the season, but as with the advent candle, it does sell out too.
Infused in luxury mineral wax, you'll smell the gorgeous Diptyque scent Sapin. Brand loyalists will recognise the expert blend of Siberian pine, resin, cedar, and moss.
The 70g candle should burn for at least 50 hours, which is a lot of beautiful fragrance to diffuse into your home over the festive period.
This carousel is signature Diptyque. It's a little bit bohemian and a lot of luxury, infused into a unique decoration. As the carousel sits on top of the festive candle vessel, the heat of your flame will gently make the candle spin, creating beautiful shadow show of lines and curves. It's surely set to be the centrepiece of any festive home.
I love my mince pies, my Christmas jumpers, and decorating the tree, but I have to say that I think the limited edition, gold Diptyque Sapin Candle and candle carousel might be the new tradition that trumps them all.
Around the festive season, this is an easy way to scent scape your home: place this in a room that needs to be a little fresher, lighter, or one that needs some energy injected into it. Just wait until I've got one in my basket. I don't want to miss out on this one too.
