Get ready to set the mood for a cozy season

My favorite candle brands and scents for a treasured fall and winter ritual

I burn candles year round but there’s no denying that I really lean into the practice once fall hits—or, these days, when I’m wishing for fall to arrive. (Although the past few mornings have been cool and far less humid than has been typical here; we might even have used the word “crisp” in my house to describe those pre-8am hours? Don’t be too jealous, the forecast says it won’t last.)

I know I’m in good company when I say that for me, fall means baking, and putting the throw blankets back on the couch, and burning all the candles. Whether you’re lighting up a new-to-you seasonal scent or an old standby, candles help set a cozy mood, no matter the season.

Sometimes I forget that candles aren’t just for fall! While burning a candle is a daily practice in the cooler months, I enjoy burning them more sparingly in the summertime. (Any morning feels more inviting when a candle is burning!)

Candles are also one of my favorite gifts to give or receive; I gift candles year-round. A candle that’s perfectly suited to the recipient’s interests (which around here usually means great literary candles), or is downright luxurious no matter their interests, makes a lovely gift any time of year. (There are candles on this list that I would never think to buy for myself, but that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed after having been the recipient of a thoughtful and delicious-smelling gift.)

I’ve been looking at my candle stash to see what I have to look forward to and what needs replenishing, and thought I’d share some of my favorites with you, in case you also wouldn’t mind some candle inspiration yourself.

Trapp Fragrances

Black Pepper was a forever favorite but Trapp unfortunately discontinued it several years ago. I still miss it desperately, but until they bring it back (a girl can dream) Tabac & Leather and Sexy Cinnamon are also pretty great.

Opalhouse

I like many of the scents but Opalhouse is probably best known for Island Moonlight because it’s been widely plugged as an Anthropologie Capri Blue dupe. You can find Opalhouse candles at Target, in store or online.

Boy Smells

This candle company was started by fashion veterans as an experiment—and quite a successful one at that. I first discovered this candle company when the unusual brand name caught my eye … and then I started smelling the scents and fell in love! I love most of their offerings but especially Cedar Stack.

Ranger Station

Candles made in reusable cocktail glasses? Genius. I found this brand when I was looking for elevated candles for my husband Will, who appreciates a nice-smelling candle. I especially love the Old Fashioned Candle, which I will confess to buying for Will based on the name alone, but which we both ended up loving.

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia

These candles are easy to love and easy to toss into my cart when I’m shopping at Target: the scents are great and the price is right! I like some more than others but have never bought a bad one, in any size, shape, or scent. Pampas is pictured here.

Jo Malone London

Jo Malone has some of the best scents out there! These luxury candles are sold at a luxury price point, so I tend to pick these up when I’m looking for a nice gift. (I’ve also been lucky to receive several as very nice gifts.) Their signature fragrance Lime Basil & Mandarin is one of my favorites, and I cannot wait for them restock Pine & Eucalyptus this holiday season.

Threshold

This Target brand features crackling wooden wick candles. If you’re a candle fan and haven’t tried wooden wicks, please do! You won’t be sorry. I especially appreciate Threshold’s earthy scent profiles, particularly that of Ocean Air and Moss.

Frostbeard

The candle company for book lovers, it’s impossible to go wrong. They have myriad options ranging from Old Books to Reading at the Café to Sherlock’s Study.

Anthropologie

My relationship with Anthro candles is devoted and long. While they offer a wide and top-notch selection of scented candles year-round, I can’t resist picking up their candles at a discount during periodic sales. For scent and aesthetics, I especially love the Boulangerie jar candles: they’re beautifully designed and smell amazing, especially Vanilla & Fig. Anthro also makes amazing scented tea lights that are seasonal; I keep an eye out for them every holiday season.

Paddywax

Of course I had to share this Jane Austen candle from Paddywax’s Library collection! These adorable little tin candles are also go-tos, for burning at home and for gifting. I know people who will toss one in their suitcase on a long trip just so they can bring a scent from home with them! Plus I just discovered they make national parks candles; Will may be getting one in his stocking or for his birthday.

Homesick

Homesick candles are beautiful and highly personalized; of all the candles we’ve talked about today I’ve found these scents are most likely to be … a little weird. But I LOVE the ones I love, and am particularly partial to Book Club, Gone Hiking, and Kentucky (of course). We give Homesick’s state candles A LOT as housewarming and moving away gifts.

Do you have any go-to candles? Please tell me us about them in comments!

P.S. Our home library and The little luxuries that make you feel pampered every time you use them.