Tag Archives: holiday scents

Pumpkin Chai by Nest Fragrances

I like to burn candles. They give a room some umph and can change its energy. As the weather turns and it gets colder outside, I shift to heavier scented ones. I was home one day recently and decided it was a good time to try one I was sent, Pumpkin Chai by Nest Fragrances.

I will admit, when I first heard about it, I thought it’s to early to be thinking about the holidays. (Pumpkin triggers memories of mom’s cooking) But I decided I would give it a try mainly because of who’s behind Nest, Laura Slatkin.

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Harry Slatkin’s candles. Heck, Fresh Bamboo was burning in my home last weekend. So I was naturally curious to smell Pumpkin Chai and what his wife has cooking. Yes it’s warm, and cozy and a great fall scent. But what I appreciated most of all is how subtle it is. I was not expecting that. The scent was just enough to add to the moment without overpowering it.

As we get closer to the holidays, the smells of cinnamon and pine will be chasing you as you stroll through the stores. Oddly, I never really want that in my home. Pumpkin Chai, however, is the best medium, awesome fall scent but not beating you over the head, that I’ve found.

Pumpkin Chai by Nest Fragrances retails for $32 and is a blend of wild pumpkin, spicy Masala chai, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. Available at Neiman Marcus and other fine boutiques.

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John Bartlett Holiday 2008 Collection

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If there was ever a time we fill our homes with fragrances of warmth, its the
holidays. Whether its the smell of various dishes simultaneously cooking to make the
stomach growl or the fresh pine scent from the tree or wreath, it tells a fragrant tale that comforts, envelopes the mind and soul and helps us escape our present reality to feel fuzzy and warm.

This past weekend I had the pleasure of experiencing the new John Bartlett Holiday 2008 Collection. Created in conjunction with the expertise of fragrance curator Eileen Harcourt, the collection includes a wonderful selection of candles and incense that reflects the comfort, joy and spirituality that scent brings to the season. As I entertained family and friends I chose to burn Theobrama which means food of the Gods. With a blend of chocolate, orange, vetiver and patchouli, it was a perfectly sophisticated welcoming atmosphere.

These are not your ordinary holiday scents that major retailers put out after Thanksgiving or after Halloween these days. They’re much more updated to reflect our growing global perspective. If you’re looking for a great gift or you’re into entertaining and every single detail matters or you enjoy the mood scent can create in your home, this is definitely a collection worth looking into and the prices are extremely friendly.

Travel Candle Trio – $45 for set
Glass Candle – $45
Incense – $15 each tube

John Bartlett – 143 Seventh Avenue South @ Charles Street – 212-633-6867