Scent-sational greetings

But the scent of the season is just as potent.

The smell of pine, woodsmoke, cinnamon and cloves can instantly get you in the Yuletide mood.

The power of home fragrance is now regarded as an essential accessory and is particularly apparent at this time of year.

“When it comes to choosing scents for the home at Christmas, perhaps the most popular are the traditional spices because they are warming and comforting,” says Lisa Hipgrave, director of the International Fragrance Association - United Kingdom.

“I’m always looking for products with clove, cinnamon and orange notes.”

If those are too predictable for you, she suggests black peppercorns and vanilla.

Follow your nose for scents to suit your style and your budget.

Kate Rowland, fragrance buyer for Sainsbury’s said: “Lighting candles in a scent you like instantly creates a welcoming, cosy atmosphere.

“To make the aroma last longer, spritz the room with a complementing scented room spray.”

If you’re stressed by all the festivities, you probably need scents which soothe.

“There can be a lot of tension in the lead-up to the holiday and soothing scents can take the temperature down. Calming scents include lavender and geranium,” says Rosey Barnet, artistic director of Shearer Candles.