Flame of the forest

Ivy Ong-Wood

Don't have the budget or space for a real Christmas tree in your tiny Hong Kong flat? You can still have the scents of the season with a well-placed candle or two.

Diptyque has brought back a festive favorite, Sapin (Pine Tree), in its usual 190-gram container (HK$670) as well as a newly launched 1,500-gram version (HK$3,260) and scented advent taper candle (HK$1,300).

It is joined by two other special editions: Etoile (Star), and Friandise (Sweet Treat) (also HK$670). While Sapin captures the scent of fresh Siberian pine, Etoile offers a floral woody aroma and Friandise tantalizes with notes of gingerbread, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian also has its own version of pine scent: Mon beau Sapin. This year, it has been launched with Baie des forets, a blend of warm spices and slightly fruity woods, and mistletoe-inspired Baies des lunes (HK$ 820).

Another woody scent available is Le Labo's new Cypress 21 (HK$670). Reminiscent of a cabin in the woods, its heart of cypress is supported by spicy aromatics - juniper, clove and star anise - and grounded by incense and patchouli.

For those who love creating their own scented atmosphere, Malin + Goetz offers Candles by Design (HK$1,850), where you can pick any four 255-gram candle. Can't decide? There is also Scent the Mood, a box of best-selling candles - dark rum, leather, bergamot and strawberry - in miniature form (HK$845).

ivy.ong@singtaonewscorp.com