For me the holidays mean more than just going crazy shopping or staying up all night writing cards. Visits with family and connecting with old friends that have distanced themselves by shifting to other parts of the county is the best part of what makes holidays incredible! 

Sometimes there’s a beautiful ambivalence around these meetings as we reflect on what has gone on in our lives over the past year, both the good and the not-so-good, the successes and the losses. Emotions are so high, whether or not we’re even aware of them, so wearing a reassuring fragrance feels like a warm blanket around our heart.

Maybe you and friends are enjoying a cozy gathering  around a fireplace with delicious smelling candles providing holiday cheer. Or sharing hilarious stories with family members about holiday baking disasters. Chances are you’ll be indulging in sweet and savory treats delivered by friends and neighbors. Perhaps snacking on your favorite cheeses  with biscuits and wine, remembering holidays past.

This is the time of year to say yes to chocolate ganache cake, sugar cookies and French macaroons and no to the gym work-outs.

Since Christmas and New Year’s Eve are just around the corner and we are all preparing to make it worthwhile, here are some ideas about what fragrance to wear to make your festivities even more special. The holidays only happen once a year and the perfect scent will set the stage for making this one to remember.

Here are some of my gimme now choices that will help you do just that.

Tolu by Ormonde Jayne

Even though I tend to gravitate towards fresh floral scents, when I want to feel really   indulgent and crave something rich and plush, I turn to orientals. But not just any oriental, since many are too overpowering and way too heavy on my skin.

Tolu is that rare oriental that manages to be rich, almost decadently so, while also smelling bright and crisp. It contains notes of orange blossom, clary sage, juniper berry, lily of the valley, orchid, amber, frankincense, tolu balsam and tonka bean.

Although it’s on the heavier side, the herbal and floral notes make it easy to wear. It can be worn by men too, especially men who love Paco Rabanne One Million and Guerlaine Habit Rouge.

A little goes a long way with Tolu so try to kill the urge to get heavy handed while applying. Less is more:)

The price of a 50 ml bottle is $176.

As of now, Tolu can only be purchased at one of it’s stores throughout Europe, with it’s flagship boutique located on Old Bond Street in London. It is also sold on their website (www.ormondejayne.com). The bad news is that shipping charges to the US are steep but this fragrance is worth it. And this is coming from someone who hates (despises) paying for shipping.

Be prepared to receive tons of compliments while wearing this warm and majestic scent!

Ta’if by Ormonde Jayne

Another floral oriental, Ta’if is created with Ta’if rose oil and is an opulent scent that makes a grand entrance – flamboyant yet sophisticated. This a belle of the ball fragrance and the heads will be turning, the noses sniffing in your wake.

It starts out with sweet/spicy notes of pink pepper, saffron and dates before unleashing notes of rose oil, freesia, orange flower absolute and jasmine. The base contains notes of broom and amber.

Ta’if is named after the town of Ta’if which sits above the shores of the Red Sea and overlooks the Arabian desert.

A 50 ml bottle costs $144. It can be purchased in Ormonde Jayne stores or through their website.

In case you’re wondering if I am being paid to promote Ormonde Jayne perfumes, the answer is no. I just fell in love with Tolu and Ta’if and think that they are perfect for the holidays.

Pomegranate Noir by Jo Malone

This one stands out as the perfect sitting around the fire scent with close friends and family, such a warm, cozy and affectionate scent. It’s quietly comforting but not boring.

Maybe it’s the juicy notes of plum, raspberry, pomegranate, rhubarb and watermelon that draw you in, but it’s the warmness/spiciness of clove and pink pepper that start commanding, followed by the woody/smokey mixture of frankincense, myrrh and woods. Minor appearances are made by rose, jasmine and lily of the valley.

I’m really impressed by the unique spicy, peppery and slightly tart buzz it has. I love Jo Malone scents but find that the longevity often falls short. Pomegranate Noir runs the full mile; wish all of the Jo Malone scents could last this long on the skin.

A 1 oz. bottle costs $65 at Nordstrom.

PS. I’m in the middle of reading Jo’s newly released autobiography “My Story” and am learning much more about this amazing lady. Can’t wait to get back to it after the holiday storm has passed.

Midnight Fleur by Nest

I love Nest candles but haven’t been too wowed by their perfume. Dahlia and Vines and Amazon Lily kind of turned me off frankly. So lo and behold when I smelled this on a friend I was quite frankly shocked!

Exotic woods, black amber and patchouli take center stage with night-blooming jasmine and vanilla orchid making it work. It’s a really delicious and understated wintery fragrance that’s ideal for the holidays, especially if you want to veer on the lighter side.

A 50 ml bottle can be purchased for $68 at Sephora as well as other locations.

Holidays are a time best spent with those you care the most about. There may be that obligatory extended family dinner, maybe a couple of drinks with an ex (who will be scratching his head on why he ever left you), but hopefully you will spend it with the ones nearest and dearest to you.

Make yourself a vow to be the best you starting now. Fragrances alone can’t do it but they sure can help. I speak from experience:)

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a wonderful New Year!

Please give me feedback if you dare to try any of my suggestions!

Cheers!