When I walked into the M&S Christmas food press show a few weeks ago, the very first thing I noticed wasn't the food or the decorations – it was the smell.
The room was filled with THE most beautiful festive fragrance, and before I'd even picked up a pig in blanket or cocktail, I found myself asking where the scent was coming from.
The answer? M&S's brand-new THE Christmas Joy candle, created in collaboration with interior designer Kelly Hoppen.
After smelling it in person, I can honestly say it's one of the nicest Christmas candles I've come across this year. It immediately reminded me of Jo Malone's iconic Pomegranate Noir, but with a proper festive twist. Think warm, comforting mandarin, clove and cinnamon layered with pine needles, balsam fir, cedarwood and sandalwood. It's rich, cosy and wonderfully sophisticated without smelling overly sweet.
M&S x Kelly Hoppen THE Christmas Joy Fragrance Candle
What really impressed me, though, was just how well it scented the room. This wasn't one of those candles you have to stand next to in order to appreciate it. The fragrance filled the entire space (and it was a BIG space), creating exactly the sort of warm, welcoming atmosphere you want from a Christmas candle.
And the best part? It only costs £25, which is considerably kinder on your wallet than many luxury alternatives. For comparison, a 200g Jo Malone candle costs £56, while M&S's Christmas Joy candle comes in at less than half the price with a burn time of up to 40 hours. We've just spotted they also have an adorable trio gift set for £30 which would make such a lovely Christmas stocking filler.
M&S x Kelly Hoppen THE Christmas Joy Fragrance Candle
It's housed in a beautiful glass jar finished with a gold-tone crest, it looks every bit as premium as it smells, making it a really lovely gift. Having smelled countless Christmas candles over the years, this is genuinely one I'd buy with my own money. If you're looking for a fragrance that makes your home smell like Christmas from the moment guests walk through the door, I'd put this right at the top of your list.
