There’s a crisp chill entering the air, which means it’s the perfect time of year to curl up indoors with a blanket and a good book, and nothing helps cultivate that cozy atmosphere quite like a candle burning nearby. The fall candles from these five Northern Virginia-based companies will help set the mood and fill your home with the scents of the season.
Smell of Love Candles
This candle company is run by a Fairfax County “kidtrepreneur” who started making candles when he was just 8 years old. The candles are made of non-GMO soy and coconut wax and use essential oils for the scents. In addition to the many creative year-round scents, the fall collection features scents like “Poison Apple,” “Vanilla Spice + Everything Nice,” and “Pumpk Up the Jam.” There’s even a specialty candle in a black cauldron, complete with a wooden wick. Multiple area markets and online, $8–$32
Lumière Candle Studio
At this Alexandria candle studio, you can either buy a pre-made candle or mix up your own with an in-studio session. When making your own, you’ll pick out a jar, select a color, and choose the scents you like best for a personalized product. Or for a quicker purchase, you can buy a pre-made 11-ounce soy wax candle in your choice of three scents, including a clove and spiced pumpkin blend perfect for the colder months. 1316 King St., Alexandria, $20–$40 for DIY candles, $24 for 11-ounce pre-made candles
Shining Sol Candle Company
These candles are made from eco-friendly soy wax and use wood wicks. There are plenty of cozy fall-inspired scents from which to choose. Perhaps you’d like kettle corn–scented “County Fair,” “Fall Breeze,” with notes of citron, orange peel, and cloves; or a pumpkin pie–inspired “Family Tradition” candle? 9109 Center St., Manassas, $6–24
Elementals Soap Co.
You can find the candles, soaps, and wax melts from this Purcellville-based candlemaker on Etsy or at the EatLoco Farmers Market. There are soy candles that come in metal travel tins, or for those who aren’t keen on flames, wax squares for warmers. Try the “Autumn Fig Harvest,” with notes of apple, lemon, ginger, fig, cinnamon, caramel, and coffee; or the “Rustic Woods” with notes of hay, sandalwood, cinnamon, citrus, rum, and tobacco. Candles $10–$20, wax melts $6.50
Rustic Slate Candle Company
For every candle sold by this Leesburg-based candle company, the nonprofit One Tree Planted plants a tree. The candles are made in small batches, are hand-poured into glass jars, and are made with soy wax and all-vegan ingredients. For warm, autumnal scents, try the caramelized pumpkin or the “Apple Orchard.” Various retail stores and online, $18 for 8-ounce candle
Feature image courtesy Smell of Love Candles
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