Plum & Ashby - Journal

The Garden Comes In

2026-08-06T09:26:10+01:00

There's a moment in high summer when the garden stops being something you visit and becomes something that visits you. Windows are left open from breakfast onwards. A trail of grass cuttings and fallen petals finds its way indoors on bare feet. What grows outside starts to furnish what happens inside.

In the early part of the day, it's the brightness that draws you out — hydrangeas heavy-headed along the path, chickens wandering between the borders, a dog stretched out on the window seat deciding whether the garden or the sofa has the better view. The air smells of cut grass and warm stone, and the doors stay open because there's no reason to close them.

By evening, the same garden turns quieter. The light softens to gold, then to grey; the hydrangeas that looked so crisp at noon take on a deeper, dustier white. This is the hour for lingering rather than pottering — a last walk around the beds before the candles are lit, not because it's dark, but because the day has earned its slow ending.

Neroli & Bergamot and Geranium & Orange hold the garden at its brightest: sun-warmed stone, tumbling blooms, the greenhouse door propped ajar. Then, as the light softens, Wild Fig & Saffron and Jasmine & Tuberose take over — warm and rich, the garden after dark, the scent of a summer reluctant to end. Bringing the garden indoors isn't really about cut flowers on a table. It's about carrying the feeling of it with you, long after you've come back inside.

Pressing Seaweed, with Tamra

2026-08-06T09:03:50+01:00

There's a particular kind of patience in Tamra's work. Each piece of seaweed she presses begins the same way — on foot, at low tide, gathering only what the sea has already let go of. Nothing is cut or taken; everything is found.

How to press seaweed

Like the coastline it comes from, no two pieces are ever quite the same. It's a quiet, unhurried craft — and, we think, the perfect companion to Seaweed & Samphire, a scent built from the same fresh, salt-touched air.

Discover Seaweed & Samphire

A Bath for Every Mood: Curating the Perfect Soak

2025-11-27T17:03:55+00:00

There’s an art to running a truly restorative bath. It isn’t about the temperature of the water or the length of the soak alone - it’s about the way the space feels, the scents that rise with the steam, and the quiet rhythm of your own breathing. A well-curated bath can soothe, revive, or inspire, depending entirely on how it’s composed.

At Plum & Ashby, we find beauty in life’s quiet rituals - those small, familiar moments that, when given care and attention, become something truly special. Here, we share our guide to creating a bath that soothes the body, calms the mind, and leaves its warmth long after the water has stilled.

Setting The Mood

Most people light a candle and dim the lights, but the true transformation begins with the quality of light and air. In the evening, let the room fall into soft shadow and allow candlelight to take over - its gentle flicker moves at a rhythm our eyes find naturally calming. In the morning, embrace natural light as it diffuses through steam; it wakes the mind slowly, with quiet grace.

Fragrance, too, shapes mood more deeply than we often realise. Begin the ritual before you reach the bath - a reed diffuser in the bedroom or hallway sets the tone beautifully. Then carry that scent into the bathroom, choosing the same fragrance or one that complements it in harmony.

If you’re unsure where to begin, let your mood guide you. Lavender hushes the senses, wild fig wraps you in warmth, and seaweed brings a breath of coastal clarity. Or perhaps match the fragrance with the season - the crisp clarity of a winter’s morning, or the lingering warmth of a summer’s evening, each scent an echo of the world just beyond your window.

With light and scent in gentle balance, the smallest touches complete the scene - a towel warmed and waiting, a cup of tea or an evening tipple, and your favourite body care essentials close to hand. A few thoughtful details are all it takes to transform a simple soak into something quietly extraordinary.

Creating the Soak

Just as the space around you sets the mood, so too should the bath itself reflect how you wish to feel in that moment. Perhaps you seek calm after a long day, or a touch of reinvigoration to awaken the senses - either way, the perfect soak should see the water embrace you at the right temperature whilst luxurious ingredients - from mineral-rich salts to nourishing lotion - transform each ripple into something deeply personal.

For clarity and energy . . .

A morning bath is a rarity - and perhaps that’s what makes it so special. Water that’s cool yet comforting (around 36°C) gently stirs the senses and awakens the body, whilst a capful of bath essence brings fragrance and silkiness to the moment. It’s a quieter kind of uplift - as enlivening as your first cup of coffee, yet softer, and far more serene.

“There’s something wonderfully indulgent about a morning bath,” says our co-founder, Vicky. “It feels like a quiet awakening - the world still hushed, the light soft, and the water gently bringing me to life. A few drops of bath essence and suddenly the air is laced with fragrance, the water silken against the skin. It’s a though every sense stirs at once - refreshed, revived, and ready to greet the day.”

For moments that call for clarity, reach for scents that breathe life into the senses - earthy seaweed, refreshing spearmint, and the mineral richness of samphire bring a cool, coastal freshness to the air. When the day asks for focus and intent, turn instead to the warmth of spicy ginger, the brightness of lemon, or the grounding calm of patchouli. Whether introduced through a softly flickering candle, a soothing bath essence, or a nourishing body lotion, each note has the power to shape your mood and set the tone for the hours ahead.

For comfort and restoration . . .

An evening soak calls for generosity - in both time and ingredients. To relax the muscles and allow tension to ease away, increase the temperature of your water a little to 37-38°C. Then allow a handful of bath salts to dissolve, replenishing minerals and easing muscles whilst restoring a sense of equilibrium. Be sure to allow the salts to infuse before you step in; that minute of waiting teaches patience - a quiet luxury in itself.

When comfort is what you crave, choose fragrances that embrace you as warmly as the glow of a fire on a winter’s evening. Look to deeper, more intricate blends - those rooted in the amber and woody families. The milky sweetness of fig, the brightness of blackcurrant, and the golden spice of saffron create a heart of quiet indulgence. Beneath them, notes of rich patchouli, earthy moss, and a whisper of soft vanilla brings balance and depth - a scent that lingers like warmth itself.

For reflection and stillness . . .

There is something to be said for stillness - seeking to settle rather than stir the senses. Water that’s warm and embracing (ideally 37°C) soothes away the weight of the day, while a quality wash gently cleanses, leaving the skin refreshed and senses unhurried. It’s a ritual of simplicity - steam rising, light dimmed, and few scents to heighten the moment.

“There’s something beautifully uncomplicated about a bath like this,” Vicky shares. “No elaborate steps, no rush - just warm water, soft light, and a moment to breathe. It’s in this simplicity that I find the deepest sense of calm; the kind that asks for nothing more than stillness and a little time to just be.”

Though this is a soak best kept simple, fragrance still has a role to play. Choose scents that drift gently rather than declare themselves - the soft, creamy warmth of tonka, or the tranquil hush of white musk. For those seeking to feel closer to nature, let notes of jasmine or meadow rose unfold softly in the warmth of the room - delicate reminders of the outdoor, reimagined in stillness.

The Aftercare

The moments after a bath often go overlooked, yet they’re when the skin - warm, open, and receptive - absorbs nourishment most deeply. It is within these moments that true luxury is often found - and so often, it’s the care you take now that lingers, bringing calm and contentment long after the water is gone.

“Stepping out of the bath is as much a part of the ritual as sinking into it,” says our co-founder, Freya. “There’s a quiet beauty in those first few moments - wrapping yourself in a soft, warm towel, feeling the comfort linger on your skin. I always take a moment to gently exfoliate, to soothe and revive, before massaging in a rich body lotion. It’s a simple act of care that leaves the skin nourished, the senses softened, and the calm of the bath carried with you long after.”

Once you’ve gently patted the skin dry, take a moment to revive it. Choose an exfoliator with natural ingredients - soothing oatmeal for delicate skin, or mineral-rich sea salt for a deeper cleanse. When the skin feels smooth and renewed, seal in that softness with a generous layer of body lotion. Ours is enriched with almond and jojoba oils - both rich in essential vitamins and known to balance the skin’s natural oils to leave it nourished, hydrated and beautifully supple.

A Moment to Simply Be

A bath, at its heart, is more than water and warmth - it’s a quiet act of care. When shaped with thought and intention, it becomes a moment that restores and grounds, wearing scent, touch, and stillness into harmony. Whether it’s a morning of renewal or an evening of calm, its comfort lingers - in softened skin, a settled mind, and the gentle trace of fragrance that remains.

Softness in Every Season: How to Care for Skin Year-Round

2025-11-24T12:45:48+00:00

The seasons leave their signature on us. The scent of spring rain, the salt of summer air, the dry chill of winter mornings – each has a way of marking the skin as much as the landscape. Caring for it becomes less about routine and more about rhythm: adjusting, nurturing, responding to what nature brings.

Our hands and bodies, exposed to the elements more than any other part of us, deserve that small kindness. With a little thought and the right rituals, softness can be something we carry all year round.

Spring: Renewal and Awakening

Spring invites renewal. After months of dry air and heavy fabrics, the skin often needs a gentle awakening – a return to suppleness. The key is not to hurry the skin along, but instead gently coax it back to life.

Begin by gently buffing away dullness with a mild exfoliant or soft body brush to revive the skin and stimulate circulation. A sea salt scrub offers an invigorating cleanse, while those with delicate skin may prefer the soothing touch of oatmeal.

As you shower, reach for a indulgent body wash enriched with vitamin E and glycerine. Both are ingredients that sweep away the final traces of winter while preserving the skin’s natural moisture and softness.

Pair your wash was with a light, hydrating body lotion to seal in moisture. Ours is blended with sweet almond and jojoba oils – natural emollients that replenish the skin’s elasticity, absorbing beautifully to leave a soft, radiant finish.

Fragrance is deeply personal, yet spring calls for scents that feel light and full of life. Choose notes of neroli, jasmine, and vetiver; each fresh, uplifting aromas that capture the seasons spirit of renewal.

Summer: Protection and Balance

Summer’s warmth is both a joy and challenge. Sun, salt, and heat can leave the skin thirsty, while time outdoors calls for protection above all else.

Let hydration be your daily anchor. Drink generously, of course, but also lock in moisture after showering with a nourishing body lotion. Look for one enriched with oils that mirror the skin’s natural balance and help guard against dryness. Think marula and argon for deep nourishment, or our favourites, jojoba and almond, for a beautifully soft, supple finish.

Light textures work best in the heat; rich creams can wait until evening. After sun exposure, soothing ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter help cool and comfort, while a gentle body wash infused with vitamin E restores calm.

Hands, often overlooked, need their own protection. A nourishing hand cream rich in cocoa and shea butter provides instant relief after gardening, swimming, or long afternoons in the sun.

Your summer fragrance is an expression of you – a scent that lingers softly on the skin and captures the ease of warmer days. Seek notes that mirror the season’s rhythm: calming lavender to soothe on sun-warmed evenings, coastal seaweed to recall salt-kissed breezes, and opulent saffron to add a touch of golden warmth.

Autumn: Comfort and Nourishment

As leaves fall and the air turns crisp, our skin begins to crave comfort. Central heating and cool winds can quickly undo summer’s softness, so autumn is the moment to rebuild.

Begin with products that cleanse gently while leaving a veil of moisture. Body washes with glycerine or plant-based oils are ideal. Afterwards, take a moment to massage in a lotion or cream while the skin is still slightly damp; it’s a simple way to lock in hydration and enjoy a small act of pause before the day begins.

Look for richer textures now – formulas containing shea butter, almond oil, or oak extract to strengthen the skin’s barrier. And don’t forget the hands: applying cream throughout the day helps guard against dryness as the air cools.

As we drift gently towards winter, invite deeper, more grounded scents into your daily ritual. Rich, enveloping fragrances such as wild fig or amber feel perfectly suited to the season, especially when layered with the warmth of saffron or the freshness of eucalyptus.

Winter: Protection and Deep Repair

Winter demands devotion. Bitter winds and dry indoor heat can leave skin feeling tight, rough, and vulnerable, so protection becomes priority.

Layering moisture is key. Begin with a soothing shower gel rich in vitamin E and glycerine to cleanse without stripping. Follow with a generous application of lotion or body cream containing shea butter or jojoba oil, each ingredients known to replenish and fortify.

At night, take time to massage cream into hands and elbows, or apply a thicker balm before bed to allow ingredients to sink in while you sleep. Gloves and scarves offer extra protection outdoors, but it’s the daily ritual of care that truly shields the skin.

As autumn’s warmth gives way to winter’s hush, those familiar, comforting fragrances still feel perfectly at home. Yet this season invites you to explore deeper, more indulgent notes. Sandalwood remains a timeless favourite, its creamy richness beautifully complemented by the gentle spice of cinnamon and clove – a fragrant nod to the festive months ahead.

Softness as a Year-Round Ritual

Caring for your skin isn’t a seasonal task to be ticked off a list. It’s an ongoing conversation between body and environment – one that rewards attention and tenderness.

Whether through the bright freshness of spring, the languid ease of summer, or the deep restoration of winter, these small acts of care tether us to the moment. The choice of ingredients matters, whether that be vitamin E, cocoa butter, sweet almond, or jojoba, but so too does the quietness with which we apply them.

Softness, after all, isn’t fleeting. It’s something we cultivate with care, with patience, and with a touch of grace – through every season.

Plum & Ashby’s Guide to Reed Diffusers

2025-09-14T20:45:04+01:00

A reed diffuser is more than a vessel for fragrance – it quietly shapes the atmosphere of a room, without striking a match. With the right scent and a little care, it becomes part of home itself, as natural as morning light piercing through the curtains or a worn armchair sat by the fire. As our Co-Founder Vicky White says, “a reed diffuser is like a gentle hand on the shoulder of a room – a quiet presence that softens the day and fills the air with its own story.”

But what should you consider when choosing a diffuser – the fragrance that best suits your space, the quality of the oil, or the reeds themselves? And once it’s in place, how do you make the most of your diffuser – adjusting the strength, knowing when to turn the reeds, and ensuring it lingers beautifully? These are a few of the questions we’ll explore in our guide to reed diffusers.

Choosing Your Scent Diffuser

A Fragrance to Suit Your Space

Fragrance shapes a room as surely as colour. In bedrooms, a soft scent soothes – our Neroli & Bergamot Diffuser lifts the space with citrus brightness and floral calm. In kitchens, Vetiver & Lavender grounds the bustle with herbaceous depth. For living rooms, our Cypress & Eucalyptus Diffuser brings a fresh, verdant welcome. You might even try fragrance zoning – creating a gentle rhythm through the home with a different scent in each space.

The Quiet Power of the Oil

At the heart of every reed diffuser is its oil. Superior blends hold a richer fragrance that lingers beautifully without overwhelming. Look for those led by natural essential oils – pure, layered, and quietly unfolding – balanced with a touch of carefully chosen synthetic oil for stability and a graceful scent throw that lasts.

At Plum & Ashby, our diffusers are crafted with a vegetable oil base. As Vicky explains, “vegetable oil makes the perfect foundation - it allows the fragrance to linger softly, last beautifully, and never overwhelm, creating a scent that feels as natural as it does enduring.”

Look For Complex Blends

When choosing a diffuser, seek a fragrance composed with the artistry of fine perfumery - a thoughtful harmony of top, middle, and base notes. Such complexity creates a scent that feels alive, gently revealing its character over time. Fresh, lighter tones greet you first, softening into a heart that lingers with warmth, before settling into a deep and lasting base. With blends inspired by the world of fine fragrance, your home is graced with an aroma that is at once sophisticated and enduring - a story told beautifully from the very first note to the last.

The Importance of the Reeds

Rattan reeds are timeless, drawing fragrance upward with ease, while fibre reeds offer a modern, consistent throw. Both have their charms, but we recommend using the reeds supplied with your diffuser - chosen by its maker to suit the oil perfectly, so the scent unfolds just as their perfumer had envisioned.

Making the Most of Your Reed Diffuser

Finding the Perfect Balance

The character of your diffuser can be tailored with ease by adjusting the number of reeds. A fuller bundle will release the fragrance more generously, while fewer reeds create a softer, more delicate presence. It’s worth considering the size of your space when choosing - a larger room will welcome the lift of additional reeds, while a smaller nook may be best suited to a gentler touch.

Turning the Reeds

Gently turning the reeds will instantly revive the fragrance, allowing the scented oils held within to softly infuse the air once more. As the reeds become saturated, you may notice them deepening in colour - a subtle reminder that it’s time to refresh them, ensuring a continuous and beautifully balanced aroma throughout your home.

Encouraging a Lasting Scent

You can expect 100ml of high-quality oil to last around 8 weeks. But to get the most from yours, keep it away from direct sunlight, radiators, or draughts – all of which hasten evaporation. Then be sure to replace the reeds every month to prevent clogging, and store any spare refill oils in a cool, dark place to preserve their character.

Placing With Intention

Place diffusers where air naturally circulates – near a doorway, beside a window, or in a hallway – so the fragrance travels gently through the space. Protect wooden or painted surfaces with a coaster or small tray, especially in well-loved rooms where a diffuser may sit for many months.

Vicky often imagines fragrance as a gentle thread, weaving its way from room to room. “The scent should reflect the spirit of the space,” she explains. “A hallway ought to feel inviting, a living room warm and comforting, while a bedroom calls for quiet calm. Just as we choose fabrics or colours to shape an atmosphere, fragrance has the power to soften each moment and make it beautifully our own.”

A Closing Reflection

Like a well-loved garden, a home’s fragrance needs gentle tending. With a little attention – and the right blend for each corner of your life – your diffusers will pair each room together seamlessly, making your home feel both inviting and entirely your own.

Explore our collection of luxury reed diffusers, thoughtfully made in England and enriched with natural ingredients. Each one carries with it a love of the British countryside, echoing the shifting scents of the seasons beyond your door – a way to bring spring, summer, autumn, and winter gently into your home.

Sun-Kissed Scents: Transform Your Home with These Summer Fragrances

2025-08-29T15:37:02+01:00

Summer arrives softly - with golden light spilling through open windows, breezes stirring linen curtains, and the gentle hum of long afternoons. It is a season that invites fragrance to play its part: scents that lift the spirit, soothe the soul, and accompany life’s sun-kissed moments.

Here, we explore five evocative fragrances that can transform your home this summer - each beautiful, and even more enchanting when paired with complementary notes.

Lavender: Calm for Cooler Evenings

Few scents capture serenity as effortlessly as lavender. Fresh and herbaceous, it brings a hush of calm after bright, bustling days. Lavender is particularly captivating when layered with the gentle sweetness of tonka, the earthy depth of patchouli, and the warm embrace of amber. Together, these notes form a fragrance both grounding and comforting.

A lavender scented candle is perfect for cooler summer evenings, when daylight fades and you long for softness. It’s this moment that our perfumer’s created our bedroom candle for – calming lavender cradled by opulent tonka and patchouli with a warm base of amber. Once lit, this candle creates a true sanctuary in the bedroom.

Seaweed: A Breath of Coastal Air

Reminiscent of windswept shores and salt-licked rocks, seaweed carries with it the essence of the British coast. Its fresh, mineral quality is enlivened when paired with zesty citrus and cooling spearmint, while a foundation of amber and woods anchors it in warmth. The result is a fragrance that feels both bracing and restorative - a perfect choice for bringing the cleansing spirit of the sea indoors, even on the warmest of days.

For Vicky White, Co-Founder of Plum & Ashby, few fragrances speak of summer quite like seaweed. “Bracing yet restorative, with a mineral freshness that carries the salt air and the promise of open horizons, seaweed captures the very essence of our British coastlines,” she reflects.

Saffron: A Touch of Sunlit Opulence

Saffron, golden and aromatic, lends an air of quiet luxury to summer. Its spice-like richness pairs beautifully with the luscious sweetness of fig, while amber and vanilla create a smooth, lingering base. Together, these notes weave a scent that feels indulgent yet balanced.

One of the most effortless ways to introduce saffron into daily life is through rituals - a scented hand and body wash, for instance, that turns the everyday act of washing into a summer indulgence. Our Wild Fig & Saffron wash remains one of our customer’s favourite choices, bringing warmth and radiance to moments of pause.

Tonka: Smooth and Enveloping

Softly sweet with a hint of almond warmth, tonka is a fragrance that embraces without overwhelming. When brightened by citrus top notes - think lemon or lime - and deepened by earthy bases such as oakmoss and patchouli, tonka takes on new dimension: at once uplifting and cocooning. It is a scent to savour when you wish to strike a balance between freshness and depth, a versatile companion for the changing rhythms of summer days.

For Freya Nicholson, Co-Founder of Plum & Ashby, tonka holds a quiet allure for summer. “With its gentle warmth, softened by sweetness yet lifted by citrus, tonka creates a fragrance that moves effortlessly with the season’s changing moods,” she says.

Ginger: A Spark of Zest

Lively and invigorating, ginger brings a spark to the season. Its natural heat is beautifully tempered by uplifting mandarin and lemongrass, while oakmoss and cedarwood provide a grounding, woody base. This dynamic pairing makes ginger an ideal choice for summer - bright enough for sunlit hours yet layered enough to accompany the transition into evening.

A Mandarin & Ginger diffuser placed on a windowsill catches the shifting summer light, its glass glowing softly as the hours pass. With each breeze, it releases a fragrance of citrus brightness and gentle spice - enlivening the room with quiet vitality and filling the space with the effortless warmth of summer.

Embracing the Season

Summer is a season of abundance - of colour, light, and sensory delight. Fragrance plays its part in weaving memories, in marking the quiet beauty of everyday moments. Whether through the calm of lavender, the freshness of seaweed, or the brightness of ginger, each scent has the power to transform the atmosphere of home. These fragrances, like summer itself, are fleeting - yet their impression lingers, as soft and golden as the season’s light.

Whether basking in the lingering glow of summer evenings or gently turning the page on spring, discover our collection of candles and diffusers — crafted to fill your home with the scents of the season.

Seaside Serenity: 5 Charming Coastal Spots for a Scent-rich Getaway

2025-08-06T16:53:22+01:00

Along the British coastline, beauty reveals itself not only in the view - but in the air. The scent of salt-laced breezes, sun-warmed pine, and briny marshland speaks quietly of place and season, stirring memory and calm in equal measure.

At Plum & Ashby, fragrance is our way of capturing the feeling of a moment and few places evoke such sensory richness as the sea. So, we wanted to share five coastal spots where scent leads the way: from gorse-covered cliffs to dune-fringed shores, each destination offers a fragrance all its own.

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

A vast canvas of sky and sand, Holkham beach is nature at its most quietly spectacular - windswept dunes, whispering pines, and miles of golden shoreline meeting the sea in gentle rhythm.

Walk barefoot through salt-laced shallows, watch as horses gallop along the beach, or wander the pinewood trails. The air here is clean and bracing, rich with sea salt, dune grass, and sun-warmed pine.

Holkham’s Scent Profile

Top Notes: Sea salt, fresh air, and eucalyptus.

Mid Notes: Pine needle, marram grass, and coastal wildflowers.

Base Notes: Driftwood, sandalwood, and ambergris.

Lindisfarne, Northumberland

Time slows on Lindisfarne, where tidal causeways reveal an island steeped in history and solitude. Sandstone ruins, heather-cloaked headlands, and hushed tidal flats lend an almost sacred stillness.

Meander coastal paths, listen for seabirds, or explore the ruins of the priory. The scent is quietly earthy - sea thrift, lichen-covered stone, and briny air infused with moss and salt.

If visiting Lindisfarne in late spring or summer, take time to wander the castle’s walled garden - a quiet, cultivated haven designed by Gertrude Jekyll, one of Britain’s most beloved horticulturalists. Here, amidst the salt air and silence, you’ll find a gentle tapestry of scent and colour - a fragrant counterpoint to the island’s wild, weathered soul.

Lindisfarne’s Scent Profile

Top Notes: Ozone, sea thrift, and dewy grass.

Mid Notes: Heather, lichen-covered stone, and wild chamomile.

Base Notes: Miss, weathered wood, and salted amber.

Kynance Cove, Cornwall

Turquoise waters swirl around dark serpentine rock at Kynance Cove - a place of wild Cornish beauty where sea and cliff meet in dramatic harmony.

Sunbathe on the soft white sand, clamber over tidal islands, or simply listen to the sea’s rhythm echo off the cliffs. The air is fresh and vibrant, carrying notes of wild gorse, salt spray, and warmed seaweed drying on sunlit stone.

Kynance Cove’s Scent Profile

Top Notes: Sea spray, crushed mint, and citrus peel.

Mid Notes: Wild gorse, rock rose, and coastal thyme.

Base Notes: Serpentine stone, driftwood, and soft musk.

Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk

A place of gentle quiet, Winterton-on-Sea is all rolling dunes, wild grasses and the sound of waves folding into the shore.

Walkers follow sandy paths past a lighthouse, seals bob in the surf, and early risers greet the day beneath a sunrise sky. The scent is one of quiet wilderness - soft, saline breezes drift through marram grass and low bramble, tinged with the cool, earthy hush of sea mist.

For a stay that feels quietly extraordinary, spend a night at the lighthouse. Here, sweeping views of the coastline unfold with every shift of light, while the garden, thoughtfully designed by RHS Chelsea Gold Medal winner Christopher Moss, offers a serene sanctuary shaped by beauty and intention.

Winterton-on-Sea’s Scent Profile

Top Notes: Sea breeze, wet sand, and bergamot leaf.

Mid Notes: Marram grass, bramble leaf, and coastal rose.

Base Notes: Driftwood, earthy musk, and dune heather.

Studland Bay, Dorset

Studland’s golden arc of sand is fringed by heathland and calm, shallow waters - a place of stillness where land, sea and sky blend in muted tones.

Paddle through glassy shallows, picnic beneath ancient dunes, or explore chalk headlands steeped in natural beauty. The air is delicate and fresh, perfumed with sea salt, warm sand, and the herbaceous green of coastal heath and flowering gorse.

Studland Bay’s Scent Profile

Top Notes: Salted breeze, bergamot, and coastal rain.

Mid Notes: Wild gorse, bay laurel, and heather bloom.

Base Notes: Worn sandstone, soft amber, and sun-dried wood.

As the tide retreats and the last light settles on the horizon, what lingers most from these coastal retreats is not just the view - but the fragrance. Each place leaves an imprint: salt on the skin, gorse in the breeze, the hush of pine or stone warmed by sun.

At Plum & Ashby, we believe scent holds the power to transport - to distil memory, place, and feeling into something lasting. Whether through the wild air of the English coastline or crafted fragrance of our candles, we hope these shores stay with you, wherever you find yourself next.

Blossoms to Embers: A Guide to Seasonal Home Fragrance

2025-06-05T10:43:27+01:00

As the seasons shift, so too does the atmosphere within our homes. The light softens, the air changes, and our daily rituals begin to reflect the world outside. Scent has a quiet way of capturing these moments – of weaving the story of the season into each corner of a room.

At Plum & Ashby, we embrace this rhythm of change. Our candles and diffusers are created to echo the mood of each season, inviting a sense of harmony and seasonal beauty into everyday life.

Spring: Awakening the Senses

There’s a gentle energy to spring – the scent of rain-soaked soil, the first blush of blossom, and the unmistakable feeling of something new. It’s a season of clearing space and letting in light. Around the home, fragrances should feel bright, fresh, and full of promise.

Scents for New Beginnings

- Tulip & Flowering Branches brings the garden indoors, soft and petal-fresh – a reminder that the world is waking up once again.

- Geranium & Orange balances leafy brightness with a citrus lift, perfect for restoring clarity after the hush of winter.

- Neroli & Bergamot is delicate but vibrant – a crisp, elegant scent for spring mornings and open windows.

- Cornflower & Meadow Rose is delicate and sun-warmed – a soft bloom of wildflowers and hedgerow petals that captures the quiet joy of spring meadows coming to life.

Summer: Bright, Breezy, and Sunlit

Summer arrives with a certain ease – doors flung open, salt in the air, the garden buzzing with life. It’s a time to pare back and breathe deeply. At home, fragrance should feel light and sunlit, catching the air as it drifts from room to room.

Fragrances for Warmer Days

- Seaweed & Samphire is cool and crips – like a walk along the shore, toes in the surf, skin kissed by salt and breeze.

- Mandarin & Ginger brings brightness and warmth – a lively, golden scent that lingers just enough.

- Tomato leaf and bay is green, bright, and full of life – the scent of sun-warmed vines and crushed leaves drifting through open windows that’s captured in our kitchen candle.

- Tonka & Patchouli is smooth yet vibrant – a rich, velvety blend with a lingering warmth that echoes the golden stillness of late summer afternoons.

Autumn: Deep Comfort, Golden Light

Autumn asks us to slow down. As the days shorten and the air takes on a familiar crispness, we turn inward – layering blankets, lighting candles, and seeking the comfort of warm, familiar scents. These are the days of dusk-coloured skies and golden leaves underfoot.

Scents for Autumn Living

- Sandalwood & Labdanum feels rich and reassuring – like polished wood, amber shadows, and quiet evenings.

- Cypress & Eucalyptus brings a breath of clarity to autumn days – fresh and clean, like mist rising through woodland evergreens as the season turns and the air begins to sharpen.

- Wild Fig & Saffron is dusky and luxurious – a scent for drawing the curtains early and savouring the slow end to the day.

- Lavender and amber is soft and enveloping – a gentle hush of scent that brings warmth and calm to autumnal rituals. Wonderfully captured in our bedroom candle.

Winter: Rest and Stillness

Winter stills the world. The pace softens, the light turns silver, and our homes become places of retreat and restoration. Fragrance in winter should be comforting – something to gather around, to mark a moment, to offer a sense of stillness and perhaps celebrating.

Comforting Scents for Colder Days

- Fir Balsam & Winter Berries captures the unmistakable winter green – fresh, cool, and quietly joyful.

- The scent of cinnamon and clove is nostalgic and familiar – a scent for kitchens filled with baking, mugs warming hands, and the comfort of tradition.

- Green Sandalwood & Fern is grounding and tranquil – a gentle blend of soft woods and green leaves encapsulated in our living room candle, evoking still winter forests and the calm that lingers after a walk beneath bare branches.

The Ritual of Change

Changing your fragrance with the seasons is a gentle way to mark time – not as a grand gesture, but as something slow and intentional. Just as we reach for different textures and tones, scent too can shape the mood of a room and the rhythm of our days.

A new diffuser in spring, a different candle as autumn falls – these small acts turn our attention to the here and now. Something that can feel elusive amidst the swift rhythm of modern life.

A Year in Fragrance

Each season has a scent. At Plum & Ashby, we believe fragrance can hold memory, anchor moments, and bring a sense of comfort and connection to the everyday. Let your home move with the year, softly, beautifully, and one scent at a time.

Fragrance Layering: A Ritual for Lasting Scent

2025-04-28T15:04:00+01:00

At Plum & Ashby, we believe there is comfort to be found in scent – the way it lingers in the folds of freshly dried linen, settles into the collar of an adored coat, or gently clings to the skin long after the morning ritual has passed. Fragrance is more than something we wear – it’s a thread woven through our day, our seasons, and our memories.

Layering fragrance is a true art – one that begins not with a spray, but with water, warmth, and intention. It’s about building scent in soft, deliberate stages. A way to make your fragrance last longer, but more than that, a way to make it feel more personal.

Begin in the Bath: The First Whisper of Scent

The ritual begins here, in the hush of an early morning or the clam of the evening – with steam curling upwards and skin warmed beneath running water. A delicately scented body wash is the first layer, a gentle veil of fragrance that cleanses and sets the tone for the notes to come.

Whether it’s the mineral brightness of seaweed or fresh green hush of fig, this is scent at its quietest – subtle and sensory, with the warmth of water helping it to gently bloom.

Moisture as a Canvas: Body Lotion

Fresh from the bath, when the skin is still warm and lightly damp, a nourishing body lotion helps to lock in moisture and allow fragrance to cling longer. This second layer helps to anchor the scent – a foundation that ensures the perfume to follow doesn’t simply sit on the surface but rather sinks in and mingles with the skin’s natural warmth.

You might choose to echo the scent of your body wash for a seamless profile or introduce a new but complementary note. Try layering wild fig and saffron beneath oakmoss, or combining neroli with a soft citrus base. It’s not about rigid rules, but quiet experimentation – a way to build something truly personal.

The Final Layer: Perfume

This is the crescendo – the layer that lingers longest. Spritzed gently onto pulse points, or misted lightly across hair or scarf, your chosen scent will evolve throughout the day, unfolding in moments.

Let one scent lead while others support it. Perhaps the herbaceous elegance of geranium and orange sits atop a subtle woody lotion, or a whisper of honey and amber warms up a clear, floral-based wash. Layering allows for nuance – the scent equivalent of harmony rather than a single, sharp note.

Scent Throughout the Day: A Touch of Familiarity

Fragrance isn’t confined to the beginning of the day. It finds us in quieter, in-between moments – a coat shrugged on before stepping out into the cold, a scarf loosely gathered at the neck, the familiar comfort of a jumper worn more often than not. These are the soft spaces where scent lingers – not boldly, but gently, like a memory.

Even the simplest rituals can become part of your fragrance story – those gentle pauses that punctuate the day. Washing your hands after preparing a shared meal, or returning indoors from a sun-warmed garden, sleeves dusted with lavender and soil. A hand wash echoes your chosen scent, followed by a nourishing hand cream to soothe and restore. This ritual becomes more than care – it’s a quiet continuation of the scent that lingers softly with you.

Harmonising Fragrance Families: Notes that Belong

Just as some flavours complement others in cooking, some fragrance families blend more naturally than others. If you’re exploring how to blend scents, consider these tried and true pairings.

Beautiful together:

- Citrus and Floral: Think neroli and rose, or bergamot and peony.

- Herby and Woody: Lavender over vetiver, or rosemary with oakmoss.

Approach with care:

- Overly green or sharp notes layered together can become jarring.

- Complex perfumes can clash if more than one takes centre stage.

Fragrance should feel balanced – like a conversation between familiar voices, never a competition for attention.

Layer With the Seasons

Just as we dress differently through the year, so too can we layer fragrance to suit the season.

- In spring, reach for fresh florals and citrus – scents that feel dewy and light.

- Summer calls for breezy, salt-laced notes or soft green botanicals.

- Come autumn, amber, clove, and woodier tones bring a comforting warmth.

- In winter, allow the deeper notes to shine – smoked woods, myrrh, and vanilla-like spice.

Each season carries its own mood, and scent can help us meet it with intention.

A Scent That Becomes Your Own

There’s no single formula for layering fragrance. What works for one may not work for another – and that’s the beauty of it. As you move through your own rituals – the quiet bath, the slow moisturising, the soft spray at the wrist – you begin to build something distinctly yours.

And perhaps that’s the most wonderful thing about fragrance layering. It doesn’t shout. It lingers. A quiet presence, stitched into your day – steady, subtle, and undeniably you.

Fragrance Zoning: A Scent for Every Room

2025-03-27T10:18:00+00:00

There’s something quietly powerful about a home that smells just right. A scent that feels like it belongs - like it’s lived there as long as you have. Much like a well-loved blanket or your favourite reading chair, fragrance has a way of settling in and telling its own story.

Just as we choose colours that soothe and objects that spark joy, we can layer scent throughout the home to create atmosphere, memory, and a sense of ease. This is the art of fragrance zoning - an intuitive, room-by-room approach to feeling at home in every sense of the word.

The Essence of Fragrance Zoning

Fragrance zoning is less about rules, more about rhythm. It’s about giving each room a voice through scent - a soft cue that shapes how we feel when we step inside. Just as natural light or a textured rug adds character, fragrance brings emotion to a space.

By thoughtfully assigning a fragrance to each room, we create a gentle transition as we move through the day. From the zesty freshness that lifts a morning in the kitchen, to the comforting hush of lavender in the bedroom - it’s a journey of the senses, woven into the fabric of daily life.

Sitting Room: A Warm Embrace

Often the first space we settle into - and the last we leave before turning in - the sitting room is where life plays out in conversations, quiet moments, and everything in between. Here, scent should feel inviting but grounded.

Think sandalwood, vetiver, and fern - fragrances with presence but not fuss. Add a touch of labdanum or the gentlest whisper of vanilla, and the result is warmth with a quiet sophistication. These are the scents that welcome you in, invite you to stay, and linger long after the lights are dimmed.

For our sitting room candle, we chose green sandalwood and fern. Together these create a soft sophisticated scent that implores a good conversation. For further depth, you’ll soon discover notes of vetiver – an early yet refined aroma.

Kitchen: Fresh & Uplifting

The kitchen is a space full of life - where things bubble, sizzle, and stir. It’s a room rich with energy and memories, so its fragrance should feel fresh, clean, and full of clarity.

Herbaceous notes like bay and tomato leaf bring a sense of greenery and garden air, while citrus, eucalyptus, and ginger offer brightness that cuts through with ease. The goal here isn’t to mask the aromas of cooking, but to dance alongside them - to leave the room feeling open, refreshed, and alive.

Our kitchen candle cleanses the mind whilst also building appetite. At its heart is sun-soaked scent of tomato leaf accompanied by subtle woodiness of bay. Our perfumers have then welcomed a tough of peppermint, coming together to create the aroma of a greenhouse bursting with life.

Bedroom: Soft & Restful

The bedroom is our private retreat - a place for unwinding, dreaming, and resetting. Here, fragrance should act like a soft exhale at the end of the day.

Lavender is the natural choice, its floral hush instantly calming. But pair it with tonka’s amber warmth or patchouli’s earthiness, and it becomes something more grounded.

Ylang ylang, chamomile, and neroli each bring their own quiet magic - creamy, sweet, or delicately citrus. A trace of rose can turn a simple scent into a moment of romance, like turning down the bed and softening the lights.

When creating our bedroom candle, we simply had to have lavender at its heart. But for added nuance, this floral scent is cradled in the opulent arms of both tonka and patchouli. Alongside each other, these fragrances are sure to rock you into relaxation.

Bathroom: Clean & Restorative

The bathroom is a space of ritual – where we come to feel renewed. Whether it’s a long soak at the end of the day or a morning shower that shakes off sleep, the scents here should feel like clarity and care rolled into one.

Look to fragrances that feel crisp yet calming – sea salt, bergamot, or mint for that sparkling sense of freshness. Notes of rosemary or juniper lend a spa-like serenity, while subtle florals like iris or lily can soften the edges without overpowering. For something grounding, try a hint of cedar or moss – just enough to echo the natural world beyond the tiles.

This is the scent of steam curling into the air, of light bouncing off clean surfaces, of taking five quiet minutes to breathe. It’s not just about being clean – it’s about feeling restored.

A Home in Harmony

When you zone fragrance through your home, you’re not just choosing scents - you’re setting the tone for your everyday rituals. It’s the lemon spark that wakes you up, the woody calm that settles the evening, the floral hush that carries you to sleep.

And in that rhythm, your home becomes more than a place - it becomes a feeling. One that speaks softly, lives fully, and always welcomes you back.

Autumn Scents: Home Fragrances to Create a Haven of Warmth & Comfort

2024-11-11T15:30:00+00:00

As the golden hues of autumn gently sweep across the landscape, it’s time to invite the essence of the season into our homes. The crisp air, the rustle of falling leaves, and the warm embrace of a cosy evening all come alive through scent. Autumn, with its rich tapestry of fragrances, offers the perfect opportunity to create a haven of warmth and comfort. From the deep, resinous notes of labdanum to the sweet spice of cinnamon, the earthy freshness of cypress, the nostalgic hint of wood smoke, and the creamy sweetness of fig—autumn's aromas wrap us in a sensory embrace, making the transition from summer more comforting.

5 Autumnal Scents to Create a Warm, Comforting Home

Labdanum

Labdanum is a fragrance that evokes the deep richness of aged leather, with a subtle, almost sweet undertone. It’s a scent that envelops you in a soft, comforting embrace, reminiscent of being wrapped in a wool blanket beside a crackling fire. This luxurious fragrance creates a serene atmosphere, making it ideal for bedrooms or living rooms where relaxation is key. As we have done in our labdanum scented candle, pair it with warm, woody notes like cedarwood or sandalwood to enhance its depth.

Cinnamon

No scent embodies autumn quite like cinnamon. Its sweet, spicy warmth fills the air with memories of freshly baked treats and long, cosy evenings. Cinnamon has the ability to bring a sense of comfort and nostalgia to any space—be it the kitchen, living room, or hallway. To create an even more inviting atmosphere, pair cinnamon with the warm, festive notes of clove, orange, and nutmeg. For a gentler, more rounded aroma, consider adding a hint of vanilla, transforming your space into a haven of autumnal charm.

Cypress

For those seeking a fresher, earthy note to complement the warmth of autumn, cypress is the perfect choice. Its crisp, green scent recalls peaceful walks through tall trees, offering a sense of calm that’s often forgotten amidst the excitement of the season. Cypress pairs beautifully with woody aromas like cedarwood, but it also blends effortlessly with sweeter, floral notes such as jasmine. Our eucalyptus diffuser combines these elements to create a refreshing, balanced fragrance that brings the outdoors in during the colder months.

Smoky Wood

The nostalgic scent of wood smoke is an unmistakable sign that autumn is here. Whether it’s the comforting aroma of a log burner after a long walk or the warmth of a bonfire on a chilly evening, the smoky essence of autumn is both evocative and enveloping. Birch, pine, and sandalwood are classic woody scents that evoke the feeling of a cabin retreat. For a more balanced fragrance, pair these with the sweetness of fig or vanilla, or complement them with the opulent undertones of labdanum or tonka.

Fig

Sweet yet earthy, fig offers a unique balance that feels both indulgent and comforting. As sophisticated as labdanum, the creamy fruitiness of fig pairs well with notes of greenery or wood. But when combined with the richness of saffron, it becomes an indulgent, sophisticated scent perfect for any room. For a cosy retreat, let fig take centre stage in the living room or bedroom with our wild fig candle. For a subtler effect, use a diffuser to gently fill the space.

Autumn Fragrances to Welcome Into Your Home

As the days grow shorter and the nights chillier, why not embrace the magic of autumn with our collection of autumn-inspired candles and diffusers? Whether you choose a candle to set the mood or a diffuser to gently envelop your space, these fragrances will help you welcome the season with warmth and comfort. Let the scents of autumn guide you through a reflective, restful time as you create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Rolling Hills & Fragrant Gardens: A Tour of the Cotswolds

2024-10-17T17:10:21+01:00

Wondering around the Cotswolds feels a lot like stepping into a storybook, where every village tells a tale of history, charm, and natural beauty. From flower-filled gardens to cobbled streets lined with independent shops and cozy cafes, the Cotswolds offers an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of life.

In this article, we’ll take you through some of the most captivating villages in the picturesque area, each with its own unique blend of landscapes, architecture, and irresistible shopping experiences. Whether you’re in search of interior design inspiration of simply a peaceful autumnal stroll, these villages promise to enchant and inspire.

Broadway

Broadway, aptly known as the "Jewel of the Cotswolds," effortlessly captures the essence of Cotswold charm. While its expansive High Street may stray from the typical village scene, it’s framed by elegant houses, charming cottages, and stately hotels. Of these, The Lygon Arms stands as a true icon, with its renowned restaurant led by celebrity chef James Martin, adding a touch of grandeur to this picturesque town.

As you meander through Broadway’s High Street, you'll uncover some of the most delightful shops in the Cotswolds. At Home with the Rudds is a particular favourite—not only because it showcases our beloved collection of candles and diffusers, but also for its quintessentially English home furnishings. Another gem is Susie Watson Designs, where you'll discover characterful lamps, rustic furniture, and beautifully crafted bedspreads. These stores, steeped in charm, offer a glimpse into the heart of Cotswold living.

Asthall

Just a short drive from one of the Cotswolds’ most beloved garden centres, Burford Garden Centre, lies the tranquil village of Asthall. As you wander along its narrow roads, you're treated to a harmonious blend of 12th-century relics and Elizabethan homes, their aged stones intertwined with English ivy, sweet honeysuckle, and fragrant jasmine. These blooms seem to weave nature into the very fabric of the village, making Asthall a hidden treasure for any visitor.

On special occasions, the nearby Asthall Manor opens its enchanting gardens to the public. Flowing seamlessly into the Windrush Valley beyond, these gardens capture the essence of the Cotswolds, balancing formality with wild beauty. Asthall Manor is renowned for its exquisite rose collection, with the striking ‘Guinee’ and the deeply fragrant ‘Lady Hillingdon’ just a few of the magnificent varieties you’ll encounter.

Tetbury

For a town with royal connections, look no further than Tetbury. Nestled in Gloucestershire, Tetbury is home not only to King Charles III and Queen Camilla but also to some of the finest shopping in the Cotswolds. Though famous for its antique stores, Tetbury offers something for every interior style, from Scandi minimalism to cozy cottage aesthetics.

If you're seeking a splash of colour, Artique offers a stunning array of Central Asian rugs, furniture, and curios, each piece a vibrant story waiting to be told. For a more eclectic mix, Domestic Science is a must-visit. Here, contemporary homeware sits comfortably alongside vintage finds, creating a space brimming with character. After a browse, be sure to pause at one of our favourite cafés in town for a moment of indulgence.

Winchcombe

Tucked away near Cheltenham, Winchcombe is a town that embodies the spirit of the Cotswolds with its timbered inns, independent shops, and inviting restaurants. Yet, of all Winchcombe's treasures, it is the gardens surrounding Sudeley Castle that truly steal the show.

Each of the ten award-winning gardens at Sudeley Castle offers its own unique charm, from the untamed beauty of the cottage garden to the fragrant allure of the herb garden. However, The Secret Garden, hidden at the castle's heart, is the most captivating. With 2,500 tulips in bloom come spring, this space transforms into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, casting a romantic glow over the summer months.

Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold, with its honey-hued limestone buildings and winding streets, is the epitome of Cotswold allure. Stroll through its 12th-century lanes and you'll find an inviting mix of clothing boutiques, antique stores, and interior design shops. One of our cherished stops is Sam Wilson, where Plum & Ashby’s home and body collections sit alongside beautifully curated country-chic furnishings.

A visit to Stow-on-the-Wold wouldn’t be complete without indulging in its food scene. For a light bite, step into one of the town’s quaint tea rooms—Lucy’s Tearoom and Huffkins both offer irresistible treats. If you’re seeking something heartier, The Old Stocks Inn or The Porch House will satisfy, with the latter holding the honour of being England’s oldest inn, its history stretching back to 975 AD.

Ready for a Wonder Around the Cotswolds?

As you explore the timeless villages of the Cotswolds, each destination leaves a lasting impression of warmth, beauty, and history. From the fragrant gardens of Asthall to the vibrant shops of Broadway, these places invite you to slow down and savour each moment. Whether it’s the charm of a cozy café or a beautifully curated shop, the Cotswolds blends tradition with modern appeal. We hope this guide has inspired your next visit to the enchanting area, where every corner holds a new delight.

Discussing loss by with Seetal Savla

2024-10-02T15:03:32+01:00

When someone experiences pregnancy/baby loss, it can be difficult to know how best to respond. You want to comfort them during this challenging time, but you might be worried about saying or doing the wrong thing. Even having suffered two miscarriages myself, I sometimes struggle to find the words to offer solace to other bereaved parents when they share their stories of loss with me.

As part of Plum & Ashby’s 2024 Wave of Light campaign to honour all the babies lost too soon, I therefore decided to write an informal guide for anyone looking to support people living with loss. This is by no means a comprehensive list because the words and gestures that soothe one person’s grief-stricken soul might have the opposite effect on another.

For this reason, I asked my fellow members of the online loss community to describe what family, friends and colleagues did to help them see slivers of light and hope during their darkest post-loss days. I hope our suggestions lead to more open and empathetic conversations about grief and loss.

Acknowledge our loss

Our babies existed, even if only for a few months. Failing to acknowledge this reality is one of the most painful reactions for us because we want to talk about them, hear you mention their names and show you the only photos we will ever have of them. The best starting point is usually the simplest, i.e. a text message or card saying, “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Six little words that recognise a seismic event in our lives. (I personally also appreciated reading something along the lines of, “This is very sh*t” as it directly acknowledged the unfairness of the situation without any attempts to resolve it.)

You could build on this by asking how we’re coping. Our answers might make you feel uncomfortable because they’re full of anger, sadness and frustration, but please resist the urge to ‘fix’ us with short-term solutions. This is a natural response when you see someone hurting, but our pain can’t be reversed. For example, any sentence starting with ‘at least’, such as “At least it happened early,” or “At least you already have a child,” minimise our loss and invalidate our feelings. Instead of reassuring us, they make us feel even lonelier in our grief because we can’t express the true extent of our pain. All we truly need is to be heard and hugged.

Accept how we’re grieving

Many of us are familiar with the ‘Five Stages of Grief’ model by Swiss-American psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross outlining the five emotions we experience following a loss: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Those who have suffered loss, however, know that the grieving process is far from linear. Three years after my last miscarriage, I still relieve the fear, confusion and numbness I felt whenever I pass the places where the worst happened.

Grief is messy and emotional. It hurts so much because we loved so hard. We repeatedly unravel and have to rebuild ourselves. It’s physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling work, and if we feel like we need to put on a façade around you, that extra effort adds to our exhaustion.

One way of helping us on our grief journey is to meet us where we are: remove all expectations of what grief should look like and actively listen to how we’re actually living it. Contrary to popular belief, losing a loved one isn’t something you ‘get over’ in a month, a year or even several years. While the rawness of our emotions subsides over time, we’ll always carry our grief with us. Part of us will always feel like it’s missing. Although we slowly learn to allow grief and joy to co-exist in our lives, our loss reshaped who we are and how we see the world now.

Create a care package
Depending on the nature of your relationship with the bereaved parent(s), a thoughtful gift might be more appropriate than a standalone card or message. A box containing our favourite sweet or savoury treats, like doughnuts or chocolates, can bring us a bit of joy among the bleakness. Others might prefer to receive a book on living with loss, e.g. ‘Beyond Grief’ by Pippa Vosper, ‘Life, Almost’ by Jennie Agg or ‘Saying Goodbye’ by Zoe Clark-Coates, accompanied by a Wave of Light candle to be lit on the last day of Baby Loss Awareness Week. Alternatively, you could send a selection of healthy readymade meals so that lunches and dinners are one less thing we have to worry about for a while.

A non-conventional option worth considering is a rage room voucher. It may sound extreme, but it’s a healthy and safe way to release our post-loss anger rather than suppressing it for whatever reason, including to avoid the judgment of others. Another idea along these lines is a day trip to the coast to shout at the sea. I haven’t tried either of these, but I found shedding angry tears while swimming on holiday to be very cathartic in the months after my miscarriage.

Ask how their partner is coping (where relevant)

When a couple loses their baby, the focus tends to be on the pregnant person. Partners are often overlooked, but it’s important to remember that they also experienced a loss, albeit in a different way. If you know them, ask them how they are, because they’ll also need support. Being someone’s ‘rock’ and absorbing the intensity of their emotions takes its toll eventually. If you can hold space for them to unburden themselves, they’ll have more capacity to keep their partner afloat.

When partners are unable to vocalise their struggles, they can feel very isolated. In a Q&A video for a fertility diary series documenting our first full donor egg IVF cycle (our fifth IVF in total), my husband revealed how suppressing his feelings to support me at the start of our six-year fertility journey almost broke him. Being regularly asked about how I was coping after each failed cycle, and even more so after our second loss, made him and his suffering feel inconsequential.

Gently suggest seeking professional support

We all love and grieve differently, so it stands to reason that the support we seek is also unique to us. While some loss parents lean on their loved ones, others may gravitate toward a community of people with lived experienced of loss, whether that’s online or in person. Confiding in a therapist/counsellor is another possibility (the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA) is a good place to start), but cost and cultural norms may make this solution prohibitive.

Outside of this option, there are several charities offering support which you could suggest, such as Tommy’s. With helplines run by midwives (including a separate one for Black and Mixed Black-heritage people to acknowledge the higher risk of pregnancy loss and complications), social media campaigns, Facebook support groups, fundraising events and ground-breaking research, Tommy’s offer the compassionate care that bereaved parents deserve.

Recognise failed IVF is also loss

Although this post is about pregnancy/baby loss, I wanted to briefly include IVF unsuccessful IVF cycles and disenfranchised grief. By the time you learn you’re not pregnant, you’ll have injected, inserted and ingested multiple medications for a month, undergone invasive scans then worked hard to keep hope alive during the unbearably long two-week wait between the embryo transfer and test day. It’s an emotional rollercoaster. When you receive the devastating news, you experience a huge sense of loss: time, money, energy, hope. Yet when you share the outcome, there’s no acknowledgement of this emptiness.

If you know someone whose IVF cycles haven’t worked, please allow them to articulate their grief. To go through this intense process and only end up with bills and bruises is also heartbreaking.

Wave of Light 2024

2024-09-15T08:18:45+01:00

As many of you will know, in 2020 we began an incredible journey with the UK’s largest pregnancy research charity, Tommy’s.

Tommy’s funds medical research into the causes of premature birth, miscarriage and stillbirth. Their aim is to stop the heartbreak and devastation of baby loss and make pregnancy and birth safe - for everyone. They work tirelessly to offer support and care to families struggling with baby loss, to raise awareness, drive change and break down taboos.

In 2020 and every year since, we at P&A have produced Tommy’s official campaign candle for the Wave of Light. With the help of Tommy’s ambassador and best-selling author, Elle Wright we created a soothing Fresh Fig & Jasmine fragrance that has helped to support the campaign for the last four years.

“It is a really soothing scent. There is Lilly of the Valley in there and I have always found that fragrance very peaceful. And some orange blossom which is a natural stress reliever.” – Plum & Ashby Co-founder Vicky.

The Wave of Light happens at 7pm on the 15^th of October every year to close Baby Loss Awareness week (9^th -15^th October). Together, supporters all over the world light a candle to honour and remember every little life lost to premature birth, miscarriage and stillbirth and shine the warm glow of remembrance out in the dark of the evening.

In 2022 we created a video with Tommy’s sharing the voices of women who have experienced and still carry the grief of baby loss in an aim to raise awareness further and spread the message of this amazing charity. It was viewed more than 1 million times over both ours and Tommy’s social media accounts and left us speechless with its honesty and tenderness. As a result of that response, this year we have chosen to do the same. Four amazing women: Elizabeth Day, Natasha Sidhu, Yvonne Bayode and Nadia Anya have shared their stories of heartbreak and loss and explained the huge significance of Baby Loss Awareness Week and the Wave of Light to them and others experiencing the same.

The Wave of Light can be a private moment, and many can carry this kind of grief alone. Social media, for some, can provide a sense of connection and togetherness during a difficult time. These incredible women all have very different journeys, but all have experienced baby loss and by sharing their stories with the world we hope they provide a moment of solidarity to others experiencing the same, whilst also working to raise awareness to help fund lifesaving research and support.

We encourage anyone to light any candle they have to hand on the 15^th but 100% of the profits from every single candle we sell does go straight towards Tommy’s work. To date, and along with our wonderful customers help, we have managed to raise over £178,000. Each year we make a minimum commitment, regardless of sales figures, of £35,000 with an overall pledge of £250,000 by 2026. We are very proud to say, however, that the money we have raised has exceeded this by an average of £10,000 every single year and so we hope to raise far more.

Every single candle makes a difference. Each one goes towards funding a 30-minute appointment with one of Tommy’s trained midwives. The money we made last year alone would be enough to fund a full-time midwife at Tommy’s rainbow clinic for a whole year and another for 6 months. It could also fund nearly two of Tommy’s PhD students for a year as they work to understand why pregnancy goes wrong and how to prevent it. It is crucial funding that makes a great deal of difference and a partnership we treasure, and hope continues for many more years to come.

Join us for the Wave of Light at 7pm on the 15th of October by lighting a candle to remember those babies who left us too soon.

You can talk to a Tommy’s midwife for free, Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm on 0800 014 7800 or email midwife@tommys.org.

For more information about Tommy’s and the great work they do, visit www.tommys.org/blaw to sign up for updates from the charity.

Chapter 3 - Interior Masterclass

2024-08-21T09:39:28+01:00

In the last instalment of our Studio Faeger Series, interior designer Vix Barker shares her tips and tricks to bring your home to life.

From colour pairings and mixing prints to following your gut and embracing a clash, there are pearls of wisdom for all.

Tip 1

“You can use the same colour throughout the house as your neutral in different tones or light, mid or dark”

Tip 2

“You can’t go wrong with a mass of potted geraniums on your windowsill”

Tip 3

“It works well to pair a ditsy wallpaper with a fresh or bold linen to lift the tone.”

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Chapter 2 – Dawn, Day & Dusk

2024-08-14T20:46:30+01:00

In this second chapter, we talk to Vix about how she pairs up different types of scents with different moments in the day.

Chapter 2 – Dawn, Day & Dusk

She takes us through, from dawn to dusk; how the light of a candle offers gentle encouragement in the morning and which fragrances help her to focus in the studio and relax into the evening hours.

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A Scent Journey with Studio Faeger - Chapter 1

2024-07-12T20:09:27+01:00

A few weeks ago, we got together with interior designer and friend of Plum & Ashby, Victoria Barker from Studio Faeger. We love how Vix uses fragrance in her designs and wanted to pick her brains to pass on tips and tricks as how best to bring scent into your home.

Chapter 1 – The Scent Journey

In this first chapter, Vix walks us through a recent completed project and how and why she has chosen each scent; how they work with the function of the space and why they help elevate the journey and story of the home.

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In Full Bloom: Creating a Fragrance-rich Cottage Garden

2024-07-08T17:35:22+01:00

There are few greater joys in summer than a cottage garden overflowing with life. A rambling riot of delicate flowers and powdery scents populated with dancing butterflies and fastidious bees. It can be tricky though, to recreate this seemingly spontaneous, tumbling idyll.

Below are a few suggestions for planting tips and flower choices to help those trying to create their own little slice of cottage garden bliss. For those of us without the outside space but who are looking to bring the same feeling inside, there are suggestions of which of our candles and diffusers could help you do just that.

WHAT MAKES AN IDEAL COTTAGE GARDEN

1. Traditional Plants

An English cottage garden is nothing if not traditional. Classical flowers, such as roses, peonies and lavender, should be at the heart of a cottage garden. Roses are a great place to start as the variety is so large. It is easy to find something that will suit your specific aspect or colour preference. By cleverly picking a selection of varieties, you can give yourself the longest flowering period possible in the garden. We suggest some of the older tea rose varieties. Not only are they more traditional but they are also better for all those beautiful pollinators we all want to encourage.

2. Self-seeding Workhorses

Structured informality is key to a cottage garden. Self-seeding plants are not only an excellent way to achieve this organised chaos but can also lower your workload. Plants, such as poppies, will self-seed in their surrounding beds and pop up between other plants of their own accord very happily without the need of any help from you. With a healthy collection of these little workhorses in your garden all you will need to do is pull a few out if you aren’t happy with where they have landed. Let the rambling randomness abound.

3. Layer Upon Layer Upon Layer

Layers are key to all gardens but if used cleverly in a cottage garden these too can add to the deliberate informality mentioned above. Make sure to start some climbers such as a roses or honeysuckle at the base of your walls. These will create a gorgeously textured backdrop to your beds. Small, trained fruit trees can also provide a similar effect. Low lying ground cover will offer the other end of the spectrum either at the edges of beds or mixed into lawns. Trailing plants at the edges of raised beds or pots will also add to the tumble.

4. A Mix of Perennials & Annuals

To keep your garden feeling natural and organic it can be fun to mix several annuals in with your perennials. Whilst we often want the reassuring sight of well-loved regulars popping up throughout the year, it can be very freeing to have the space to experiment with different colours, textures and combinations, knowing that if they don’t work out as planned you can try something new in that space next year.

OUR FRAGRANCE RICH PICKS FOR A COTTAGE GARDEN

Nicotiana

Nicotiana is a wide-ranging group of plants but one thing that most share is their heavily scented flowers. Their scent is often at its strongest in the evenings, offering a musky floral fragrance as you wander out into the golden hour. For those without the luxury of an outside space, Nicotiana’s dusk time performance can be recreated by lighting our jasmine scented candle.

Lavender

Whilst many gardeners can find Lavender tricky to grow in certain areas, it is well worth the effort and a solid staple to any country cottage garden. It is wonderful for pollinators and its instantly recognisable scent offers extra calm and peace to any space. Our V etiver & Lavender Candle is a great way to gently continue the relaxation indoors.

Rose

It is amazing that for a plant with so many different varieties (some of which carry no scent at all) rose is a fragrance that most people can immediately conjure in their mind. That powdery softness is synonymous with every image we carry of the cottage garden, and one wouldn’t be complete without it. The trick is to mix varieties to keep it fresh and vibrant. For those recreating the effect inside, one candle could do the job of many plants. Our rose scented reed diffuser is both familiar and fresh all at the same time.

Dianthus

More often called “carnations” or “pinks”, these firm favourites carry a scent from a different era. Less powdery than roses, they surround their sweetness in spicier, clove-like fragrances. They offer depth and little mystery to a garden and could be recreated indoors with one of our woody fragrances such a Sandalwood & Labdanum Diffuser.

CREATE YOUR BLISSFUL COTTAGE GARDEN

We are tempted by idyllic visions of cottage garden bliss at this time every year as all starts to burst into life. We hope that now, whether blessed with the space outdoors or no, you have a little more information of how to bring that lively, rambling joy into your home for years to come.

Celebrating 10 Years

2024-05-29T17:52:20+01:00

Plum & Ashby is ten years old this year. That’s a whole decade and a whirlwind of a journey. Had we known what a wonderfully warm and loyal community of customers and colleagues P&A would create 10 years ago we would have glowed with pride and excitement. To mark this birthday, we wanted to take a minute to look back at some of the moments and people that have built this decade with us.

Our proudest moments...

We are proud of so much of what our team has achieved over the years but some of the real “pinch-me” moments have come from our work with Tommy’s, not least the fact that we have now raised over £170K for them over our whole involvement with the Wave of Light Campaign. We feel very lucky to have been able to contribute something to a cause that is so close to all our hearts here. And of course, it is always going to be memorable to see the photos of The Princess of Wales with her Wave of Light candle in her hands.

It also must be said that visiting Downing Street to meet the PM as part of The Best of British Business is always going to be one of those moments that, whilst we couldn’t quite believe it was happening at the time, makes our cheeks glow now.

Our funniest moments...

Moments to be proud of are always lovely but it’s the funny ones that have made the last decade such a joy and there have been lots of these.

There was the photoshoot on the beach which was going brilliantly until we realised that the van we were shooting from was gradually sinking into the sand beneath it! After a mild panic from all involved, we managed to find a kind man with a tractor to haul us (and the van) back to safety.

Vicky’s dog Bertie played a key role in the early days of P&A and was the source of many a moment of fun. He was once even asked to be on the cover of a crime novel! Unfortunately, this role required Bertie to pull a quizzical “deductive” expression and whilst he will do most things for a cube of cheese, crime solving clearly wasn’t his thing.

We also ran a competition at one point to find Bertie a girlfriend and were inundated with far more photos of beautiful dogs than were really prepared for. We did find a winner though and her name was Tillie. A lit later down the line though her owners got in touch to say that Tillie was looking for a new home. We felt that since we had now found her, it would be very sad for Bertie to be without her, so she joined Vicky’s family and remains a much-loved addition by all.

Our most challenging moments...

Ten years of business is never plain sailing, but these times have all helped us learn and grow and so we wouldn’t be without them. These have often been times that arise due a little underestimation on our part. Like the time when we moved into our new 6,000sq/ft warehouse believing that we would all just be able to muck in and build the 20ft of warehouse racking we needed to fill it on our own. It didn’t take long for us to realise that, with a single screwdriver between us, we probably needed to call in the experts.

It is at times like these that our and our team’s friends and families are often invaluable. There was a particularly memorable occasion where we had completely underestimated the popularity of a new product launch and were not able to manage the demand ourselves. There was a quick ring through the team’s phone books and soon we had a warehouse full of loved ones all helping to pick and pack.

It has been a wonderful decade. One filled with a lot of laughter and learning and one we are immensely proud of. But really it has all been possible because of the lovely team we have built here and our incredibly loyal, funny and generous customers that have made the whole journey worthwhile.

Thank you so much, and here’s to the next ten years.

Vicky & Freya xx

Spring Scents to Awaken Your Home

2024-04-05T10:30:00+01:00

Spring is one of our favourite seasons at P&A. There is a hopeful excitement to it that arrives just as we were feeling the grey rain would never end. Change is everywhere as we welcome more new flowers to the world daily.

It is completely natural then that we all want to usher a little of this sparkling promise into our homes. We throw the windows open wide and let the spring air in. Aside from the celebration of warmer weather, one reason why this is so natural an act is the desire to fill our rooms with those scents that signal the imminent arrival of summer.

For those of us not lucky enough to have a sweet smelling cottage garden outside every window, we have put together a list of scents we believe carry all the fresh positivity of Spring and how best to bring them into your home.

5 SCENTS THAT WELCOME SPRING INTO YOUR HOME

Rose

Whilst there are few roses actually flowering in the earlier months of spring, the scent is intrinsically linked to warmer weather and longer evenings. Later in May as the world heads into Summer, bringing roses indoors can be wonderful but with a little forward planning you can benefit from the scent much earlier in the year. By drying rose petals in the summer and early autumn they can be scattered under carpets or in small bowls and release their silky, smooth scent into the rainy days of March. For those with less foresight and time however, our Cornflower & Meadow Rose Diffuser has a similar effect, gently releasing the scent of clambering roses and dancing wildflowers into rooms and doorways.

Neroli

Neroli is the oil produced by the blossom of the bitter orange tree. It, along with marmalade, is in our opinion the best thing to be born of Seville Oranges whose trees bloom in spring. Little wonder its sweet scent brings strengthening sunshine to our minds. It has the clever ability to encourage our brains to release serotonin and reduce cortisol levels making it a powerful pick me up. It, perhaps unsurprisingly, blends well with citrus oils of all descriptions complimenting their sharp warmth with its heady floral notes. Our Neroli & Bergamot Candle combines it with basil and petitgrain as well as the citrus hit of bergamot. Petitgrain too comes from the bitter orange tree though in its case, from the leaves. All of these combine to create a scent that shimmers with delicate ease and dappled sunshine – just what a home needs in spring.

Galbanum

Galbanum has an unfamiliar name but is in fact the key ingredient to many well-known “green” scents. It, just like rose, is an ancient perfume ingredient being particularly beloved by the ancient Egyptians. It has a fresh verdant scent that conjures green houses and herb gardens. As the scent itself comes from a gum, it can be difficult to incorporate into your home without the use of scented home fragrance, though an overflowing bowl of green salad would be a good place to start. Luckily our Galbanum & Peppermint Diffuser can help too. By combining galbanum with peppermint and the ever popular scent of tomatoes, this fragrance offers the constant liveliness of new growth and herbaceous plenty.

Jasmine

Jasmine adds a heady intoxication to many perfumes and is instantly recognisable. If you have the time, jasmine will grow indoors as a house plant offering its rich scent as an annual companion. But they are picky, temperamental flat mates and also very fast growing so are really best suited to a garden. To appreciate all the depth of Jasmine with none of this hassle, we might suggest our Jasmine & Tuberose Candle. The deep scent is perfect for lengthening evenings and the dancing flicker of the candle will add to the twilight mood.

Vetiver

Our final suggestion, Vetiver, originates in grass roots rather than flowers and indeed it carries none of the sweetness of Jasmine, Rose or Neroli. It is earthy and spicy and was known by the ancient perfumiers of India as “The Oil of Tranquillity”. We have included it here because as we all emerge from our winter bolt holes and throw ourselves with enthusiasm into the better weather and the widening social calendars, we are at risk of starting too fast to soon. Having a vetiver and lavender scented diffuser to welcome you back to the house and create a safe calming space for you to recharge in will pay dividends by the time Summer arrives. As you go about your day this little bottle will release the scent of rain drenched earth into your busy springtime lives and encourage a few deep breaths.

SPRING FRAGRANCES BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME

And so, as the sunlight strengthens and days exceed the nights, why not welcome the newly awakening world into your home with our spring-inspired candles and diffusers. Remind yourself of the busy work happening in the verges and flowerbeds as you busy yourself with spring cleaning and easter hosting. Fill your home with spring fragrances, jostling with life and promise, invigorating the smaller moments of your day.

A Winter's Glow: How to Care for Skin in Winter

2024-02-18T11:10:13+00:00

Our skin is the largest organ in our body, and it is also our most exposed. It takes a thorough beating throughout the year but most especially in the winter. Wind and snow can crack lips and fingers and very little of our skin is receiving much, if any, vitamin D. But that needn’t mean we all need to wrap ourselves in silk sheets and avoid the great outdoors (although that does sound more than a bit dreamy). These longer evenings can be a great opportunity to add a little more to your daily routines to help strengthen and nourish your skin for the months ahead. With this in mind we have put together a little list of things you need to know to care for your skin in winter.

YOUR ESSENTIAL WINTER SKINCARE

1. HAND WASH

In the cold it can feel like we are perpetually washing our hands, fighting off bugs and scrubbing mud out from under fingernails. Because of this, hand wash can be the perfect place to start caring for your skin. Choosing a wash that contains vitamin E is a good idea as it has deeply moisturising properties. Another great ingredient to look for is glycerine. Glycerine is an emollient, meaning that it helps to trap moisture in the skin and create a protective barrier. This keeps your hands free of that tight dry feeling for longer. You can find both Vitamin E and Glycerine in all our handwashes.

2. HAND CREAM

Hand Cream is the natural follower of hand wash, but it is also invaluable throughout the day. If you can store a tube in a hand bag or coat pocket, your hands will feel the benefit whilst out and about in the chilly air. Chose a cream that is rich in nutrients and something deeply hydrating, such as cocoa and shea butter, as that will help to soak those nutrients deep down into the skin. Shea butter also has the added benefit of being an anti-inflammatory, which will help hands that swell and redden in the cold.

Our collection of hand cream rich in both but also come in a handy metal tube. Not only does this look beautiful by the sink but it can stand up to the hard knocks of life at the bottom of a bag.

Whilst applying hand cream, always remember to draw the excess up and over the wrists, not only does this prevent waste but it is also a great idea if your chosen hand cream carries a scent. Our wrists are excellent carriers for fragrance. They are warm as the skin is more delicate and closer to the blood. They also take less wear and tear than the hands meaning that fragrance is gently released throughout the day as we gesture and greet.

3. BATH ESSENCE

As life giving a force as water is, it can play havoc with the balance of our skins natural oils. We all know the feeling of dryness in our skin, a long hot bath can cause. Bath oil or essence can be a great way to counteract that as well as adding a gentle and relaxing fragrance to the eddies and steam. Almond oil is a popular ingredient to search out in an essence. It is packed full of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants as well as being deeply hydrating. It is also natural, which when it comes to bath essence is important. Aim for products that contain more than 80% natural ingredients as this is likely to mean that they do not contain alcohol. Alcohol, whilst good at carrying scent, will dry skin out quickly and is best avoided in bath products.

Our bath oils are a firm favourite of our co-founder Freya, who regularly uses it in her baths. “It just means I have no need to moisturise afterwards as it leaves my skin feeling soft and cared for without any faff. Anything that saves me time, is a welcome addition.”

4. BODY LOTION

If you are the possessor of more time than Freya however, in the evening before bed say, body lotion can be a brilliant though often overlooked addition to a skin routine. It is easy to forget that all our skin can be affected by harsh weather, especially when so much of it stays hidden at this time of year. As with bath essence, Almond Oil is an excellent ingredient to look out for in lotions for all the reasons mentioned above but another key contender is Jojoba Oil. Jojoba is very similar in structure to the sebum our skin produces naturally and it has been suggested that this makes it less likely to clog up pores. Our body lotions contain both these oils as well as plenty of Vitamin E for even greater moisturising properties.

STEPS TO CARE FOR SKIN IN WINTER

With all these lovely bath products in place, you will be well prepared to create your own spa-like winter skincare routine at home. These early months can be a particularly rewarding time to do this as the shorter daylight gives us the gift of long evenings and the opportunity to stay indoors and restore the balance. To help you on your way here is a short, restorative bath time ritual that will help to ease you mind as well as your skin.

1. PREPARE

Light a candle. If you are able to, dim the bathroom lights and let the dancing flame gently calm the air. At this time of year, the rich scent of Sandalwood & Labdanum or calming herbs of Vetiver & Lavender are good choices to conjure a safe space wrapped with warmth and comfort.

2. STEEP

Enrich the swirling bathwater with essence or salts. The essence, as mentioned above, is perfect for tired skin, but the salts, are a wonder for exhausted muscles. Chose which needs pampering more and apply liberally to the steaming water. Wild Fig & Saffron makes an excellent scent for bath salts. It carries enough honeyed intensity and warmth to feel it penetrating deep into aching legs, but enough herbal freshness to invigorate the spirit.

3. DON'T FORGET YOUR HAIR

If you like to shower quickly following a bath, this is time to treat your hair to a little of the same love you’ve shown your skin. The winter months do just as much damage here. As it dries out in the wind and rain, hair can begin to look dull and brittle. Our Seaweed & Samphire shampoo and conditioner can help to combat this as well as moisturising the often-overlooked skin of the scalp.

4. ENRICH

Now is the time to lather your sparkling new skin with an extra helping of moisture. Apply a rich layer of body lotion or hand cream in the scent you would like to accompany you during the day paying especial care to the elbows, heels and knees.

Whichever way you chose to do it, taking a little extra time to care for your skin in winter can pay dividends in the future – and offer a great excuse for some much-deserved relaxation. Enjoy!

Romantic Fragrances: A Scent Creator's Guide

2024-01-21T21:27:24+00:00

As we creep towards the spring, the natural world begins to turn its thoughts to courtship and nesting. Ever led by the world around us, it is little wonder that it is as the winter draws to a close that we chose to do the same. Perfume has a long association with romance and so with that in mind we asked our scent expert Hélène about the best romantic fragrances.

“For most individuals, a classically romantic fragrance tends to be floral.” Hélène explains, “We traditionally associate romance with a soft feminine scent built around a single flower such as rose or jasmine. Over the course of history, however, some of these fragrances have evolved to form heavier florals with more depth, richness and spice. These have become more identifiable as amber fragrances.”

And so, while the flowers are still firmly in the soil, join us as we take an imaginary tour through a fragrant garden bursting with the most romantic of scents.

HELENE’S FAVOURITE ROMANTIC SCENTS

1. Rose

First up, tumbling over doors and gateways is the queen of romance, the rose, whose romantic credentials stretch far back into Greek mythology. Said to have been created by Aphrodite to symbolise a lifetime of love, it possesses an enduring scent that has been loved for many hundreds of years. The rose has many attributes that make it is as popular and inviting as it is. It can be simultaneously powdery and feminine and woody and rich. There is also an association with opulence thanks to the price of both the flowers and their oil which adds to this flower’s particular appeal.

For our Cornflower & Meadow Rose candle we have combined this traditional fragrance with that of lavender, bergamot and the lighter florals of daisy and buttercup, to create a fresh and carefree take on a classic.

2. Jasmine

Further into our garden, a brick wall supports a cascade of Jasmine flowers. This, as with the rose, is another floral mainstay to many of the most romantic perfumes. Whilst the flowers may be delicate, the scent carries a heady sweetness that can add an intoxicating undertone to any fragrance. An alluring, more attention-grabbing scent than you’d expect from a wall flower.

3. Amber

As our garden is imaginary, we feel it is completely acceptable to bring you next to the wood resins of Egypt and the Indian subcontinent. Amber is another fragrance with ancient, mythological roots. Beloved by the Egyptians, this blended scent is warm and sweet with the deep mystery of wood and spice. It is this mystical warming quality that makes it perfect for the more masculine romantic fragrances.

Labdanum, the resin from the Rock Rose, is a common component in amber and our Sandalwood & Labdanum diffuser is a brilliant example of an earthier romantic fragrance. It carries deep wells of spice, comfort and dried flowers, evoking candlelit evenings with a bottle of wine.

4. Patchouli

After the warmth of wood, we return to flowers, but don’t be fooled, little about Patchouli’s fragrance is floral. Whilst the plant is light and delicate, patchouli is a dark and confident scent. It is also classically unisex. It is perhaps this aspect that lends itself so well to romantic perfumes. It is often compared to petrichor, the scent of rain drenched soil, and there is certainly something of the earth about it.

5. Vanilla

As we leave water-soaked flowerbeds behind us, we venture towards the end of our garden tour. Here sits the fragrance that most of us will find nostalgic. Vanilla, with all its soft muskiness, makes many feel instantaneously safe. It wraps us round in a comforting blanket of warmth and sets us at our ease.

Though it is often combined with sugar in food it is actually far less sweet as a fragrance. It too is powdery like rose, but it also carries a grounding femininity that lingers softly.

Vanilla sits alongside the similar fragrance of tonka bean in the base notes of our Tonka & Patchouli candle. Combined with the dark arts of Patchouli and the feminine florals of rose and carnation, it lends this scent a delicate passion that would be perfect for any evening, though perhaps especially that of Valentine’s Day.

AND SO THAT CONCLUDES OUR TOUR OF A GARDEN PLANTED FOR LOVE.

We hope we have given you a bit more of an insight into how scent can help build romance as the spring slowly arrives. For moments that call for an instant hit of atmosphere, we would recommend lighting one of our Valentine's candles. They also have the added benefit of their gently wavering light. For a scent that will release more slowly and subtly, our Valentine's diffusers would be the best option as they softly usher the fragrance out from between their reeds and into a passing eddy of air. Alternatively, the gift of a romantic scent in the form of natural hand cream or body lotion ensures the wearer will be able to carry it with them throughout the day.

A Countryside Inspired Valentines Gift Guide

2024-01-14T09:30:00+00:00

Valentine’s Day, falling as it does right at the start of spring, is intrinsically linked with nature. The birds are pairing up and preparing to nest as the bumble bees take their first gentle forays out of hibernation. We are surrounded by those first hopeful signs that the season is on the turn. And so, what better way to find something special to show your affection than to turn your mind to the countryside. We have put together a little list of Valentines gifts that might point you in the right direction, all of which draw inspiration from the natural, waking world around us.

A COUNTRYSIDE INSPIRED VALENTINES GIFT GUIDE

Birth Flower Hand Embroidered Napkins from Cressida Jamieson

Birth flowers were not something we had heard of before lighting on these beautiful little tokens by Cressida Jamieson. Hand embroidered with delicate precision, they are a personal, subtle Valentines gift filled with care and that will last for years to come. And really, they needn’t reference a birthday, a matching pair with a month that is special to the both of you would be perfect for Valentines. They are also made from pure linen and can easily be popped in the washing machine should red wine or romantic dinners find their way onto their surface.

Cornflower & Meadow Rose Candle from Plum & Ashby

Cornflower & Meadow Rose is one of our most romantic scents whilst remaining light and uplifting. There is no sugary sweetness here. The traditional softness of the rose is encircled by the youthful scent of wildflowers conjuring summer days in meadows making daisy chains. Its gentle fragrance and the dancing light of the candle is the perfect combination for early spring, shining light into dark mornings whilst tending the hopeful promise of warmer days to come.

The Seasonal Gardener Book from Glassette

This book offers thoughtful inspiration for a partner that lives for the garden. With its glossy photography, it is filled with colourful ideas and planting combinations to get the brain and green fingers buzzing. February is also an excellent time of year to spend long hours poring over plans for the garden and making lists for spring planting. This is a gift that will enrich many a Sunday afternoon.

Hand Dyed Silk Satin Scarf from the Natural Dye Works

The Natural Dye Works is an excellent place to explore the colourful side of nature. With their seasonal rotation of naturally dyed accessories, they harness the power of a whole rainbow of plants. This luxurious silk scarf has been hand dyed to create a shifting, marbled colour than dances with warmth and life. Hand rolled edges make it something extra special and a Valentines gift that will not readily be forgotten.

Vetiver & Lavender Wash & Lotion from Plum & Ashby

Sometimes the best gifts can be those that offer quiet moments of relaxation amidst the busyness of the day. Our Vetiver & Lavender wash and lotion does exactly that. Rich with the natural calming qualities of lavender and vibrant herbal scents of vetiver, it offers up small moments of care every time your partner washes their hands. It is also rich in Vitamin E and Almond Oil making sure hands stay soft and supple.

Framed Herbariums from Faeger Shop

We love everything interior designer Victoria Barker touches and her Faeger Shop is a must for lovers of floral patterns. If you are looking for a slice of the outdoors to give your loved one that will last longer than a couple of weeks, these antique dried herbariums are a brilliant choice. Delicate dried flowers that have stories to tell and that have been loved and studied for many years, these are a gift steeped in history. Elegantly framed and ready to hang, you might find it difficult to pick just one.

A Signature Bouquet from Petalon

Flowers, along with chocolates, are always a firm favourite for Valentines but if you are looking for a bunch that also comes with first rate environmental credentials, look no further than Petalon. One of their signature bouquets will look good and do good. We are particularly in love with the hessian wrapping that it always feels a shame to remove. Based in Cornwall they grow a lot of their own flowers and are certified Carbon Neutral. If you are feeling really generous, why not gift your loved one a seasonal Cornish blooms subscription.

Floral, Herby and Woody Votive Set from Plum & Ashby

If you are not sure which of our scents your partner or loved one will prefer, our votive gift sets are a great place to start. Each set contains three small votives, each in a different scent. Our Floral, Herby and Woody set is a lovely choice for this time of year whilst the greenery is fresh and young, but the soil still carries the depth of winter at its heart. The Floral votive is Neroli & Bergamot, a best seller for us across the board. It is filled with the warmth or summer. The Herby votive is Vetiver & Lavender, relaxing and restorative. And lastly the Woody votive is Cypress & Eucalyptus. Verdant and fresh, it is full of invigorating adventure.

Flora Hand Painted Jug from Rowen & Wren

This hand painted and hand thrown beauty is British made and will look as beautiful filled with flowers as it will filled with punch. The delicate mark making calls up branching foliage and a setting sun and its cool and calming colours will sit happily in any kitchen.

Giant Clam Shell from Matilda Goad

This is a Valentines gift for those that wish every bath was on the beach. For the lovers of the coast and the romance of the ocean. Hand made in Britain these ceramic shells come in two different colours, white and a blushing pink. As each piece is sculpted individually, they are as unique as those you would find on the seabed. They would make the perfect home for soaps or bath salts but could also hold nuts or fruits. A glorious addition to home filled with seashells and pebbles.

WE HOPE WE HAVE HELPED FIND A GIFT FOR THE PERSON YOU LOVE

And so there we are, a list of 10 Valentines gifts that bring the countryside into the home. Whether you are looking to offer the promise of summer or moments of quiet reflection, to restore with the beauty of florals or prepare for a springtime in the garden, we hope that there might be something in there that set sparks flying and ideas whirring. For further ideas have a look at our Valentines candles and Valentines diffusers, adding something that smells heavenly to any gift box will always be appreciated. But however, you chose to show your love and appreciation on Valentine’s Day, remember the birds and keep an eye on the gently awaken world outside.

Celebrate The Winter Solstice With Beloved Old Parlour Games

2023-12-22T06:00:00+00:00

The Winter Solstice is a time for celebration in many varied cultures across the globe. We all, at this point of the year, need lifting from the dark. We all crave a bit of fun to distract us from the cold and the long nights. Well, to help us all do just that, we have collected a fun filled list of festive parlour games that have been tried and tested by many generations and are sure to offer distraction and seasonal cheer.

The Laughing Chorus

This is a game with a simple premise and hysterical results. It is sure to banish any winter malaise.

Sit in circle, or as close to a circle as the size of your group will allow. At gradually increasing speed take it in turns around the circle to say “HA”, “HO” or “HEE”. The last one to laugh wins.

Fictionary

This game is an alternate version of “Would I Lie To You”. One person in the group picks, from a dictionary, the most obscure word they can find and reads it aloud. Every other person writes what they believe the definition to be on a piece of paper and passes it back to the reader. The reader than reads all the proposed definitions out load along with the real definition if it hasn’t been hit upon by any of the players. Each player states which definition they believe to be correct.

Points are awarded for each time a definition is picked and for picking the correct definition.

The Sculptor

This game requires one “sculptor” and a selection of “subjects”.

The people who are deemed “subjects” each pull a pose of their choosing and freeze in that pose (the results of the game are more amusing if the subjects are preforming an action). The “sculptor” may now arrange the “subjects” in any manner they choose to create a tableau.

(Photographic evidence of the resulting interactions is advised)

Charades – Nebuchadnezzar

We are all aware of Charades, the rules needn’t be repeated but a fun alternate version of the game is one popular from the 1920’s. Nebuchadnezzar can be played in teams or as one group.

If playing in teams:

One team agrees on a personality from History, The Public Eye, or Fiction, take “CAESAR” for example. This team then proceeds to act out in turn, a character whose name begins with a letter from the original person’s name. So, one person might act out “C…harlie Chaplin”, then another “A…lexander The Great”, then another “E…lon Musk”, and so on until “CEASAR” is spelt out. The other team guesses with the aim being to guess the overall character before it has been fully spelled out. Points can be awarded for every letter that wasn’t acted out, if desired.

This continues, alternating groups.

If playing as one group:

The original Character is picked jointly or on a rotational basis and the whole group is aware of that character. The game comes from guessing the letter characters from the performances and from knowing what the first letter will be.

So, draw the curtains, light the fire and fill up your glasses. Enjoy winter the old-fashioned way.

Our Top Christmas Gifts for Interior Design Lovers

2023-12-20T17:30:00+00:00

It can be incredibly tricky to buy presents for friends and relatives who have a well-honed style or aesthetic. What we fill our home with is deeply personal and often influenced by a lifetime of relationships and experiences. However, if you are lost for where to start, we are here to help by suggesting our top 10 Christmas gifts for the home in 2023. We have trawled through some of our favourite purveyors of interiors (a taxing task as you can imagine) and drawn up a list we hope might come in useful.

OUR FAVOURITE HOME DECOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Hand Painted Ceramic Bell from Rowen & Wren

We love bells at Christmas. What is more festive than their gently tinkling chimes. For this hand-painted beauty, Rowen & Wren have teamed up with British artist, Alice Passingham to create an elegant seasonal offering with a Bloomsbury Group feel. The soft olive silk that accompanies it provides an excellent counterpart to the bell’s rounded and sculptural form. In our opinion this is a perfectly sized package filled with insouciance and charm.

Interiors: The Greatest Rooms of the Century from Glassette

If there is one thing you can be sure of, people love reading about the things they love, especially if the book also contains page after page of enviable mood board-ready photos of said love object. This huge book will make anyone with a love of interiors happy regardless of their style. There is something for every taste in here. The only small caveat we would offer is to make sure the recipient of your gift likes pink - bright, unapologetic “Barbie eat your heart out” Pink.

Our Wild Fig & Saffron Candle

Candles, understandably, play quite a key role in this list. Not only because it is our particular area of expertise, but also because candlelight has played an incredibly significant role in how we light our homes for millennia and electricity hasn’t changed that. A gently flickering flame, dancing behind our deep brown glass will sit well in any home. If it softly gives out one of our best-selling scents, Wild Fig & Saffron is a perennial favourite, all the better.

"Elise” Hand smocked Lampshade Skirt from edit58

The art of smocking is an ancient one and more often used in dressmaking but for this pretty little lampshade, edit58 have teamed up with Smock London to bring this treasured craft into our homes as well as our wardrobes. This lampshade is perfect for lovers of delicacy and tradition, of petticoats and intricate patterns. The modest cotton fabric is hand smocked and embroidered and available in several colourways and sizes. Elise would make a generous gift for anyone with a feminine and nostalgic style.

Broadfield Candle Dome from Neptune

Candlelight pops up again here with this elegantly shaped glass candle dome. Candle domes are a wonderful way of preserving the scent of a candle but also a brilliant cheat with the dusting. In addition to this, the dome holds onto the scent which enables you to lift it as you walk past for a little hit of something yummy without the need of a match. This can be particularly useful at this time of year if placed over one of our scented candles for Christmas and lifted when you need a quick dose of frankincense as you rush to collect the goose. It needn’t be a candle that sits snugly beneath it either, whether it’s a heap of biscuits or a trinket bowl, these domes are both a little bit special and really very useful.

Blue Basketweave Faceted Jar from Daydress

Even the most organised among us will often have a trinket or two: spare coins or bobby pins, old conkers, pebbles, shells - those bits and pieces that set up residence in our pockets. It is for these random assortments that this choice is intended. Exquisitely made from cotton rag paper, this lidded jar is as environmentally friendly as it is beautiful, using cotton waste from the clothing industry. The rag paper is then block printed by hand and finished with its contrasting, red ceramic handle. We are particularly fond of the print which calls to mind the dancing prints of Jaipur and the more austere fabric designs made in the UK in the 1930’s. Playful and perfectly pitched.

Our Geranium & Orange Diffuser

Geranium & Orange is a really hard-working scent. It has all the gentle comfort of a floral but with a bright freshness that invigorates and energises. It is a particularly good addition to a bedtime routine, especially as a diffuser. The nostalgia of the Geranium wraps blankets of safety around the uplifting zing of the citrus. Beneath both, heart notes of Lavender soothe and relax. Diffusers release fragrance gently as air moves over the reeds, making them ideally placed in window seats or by doorways. If you want something especially festive you could swap out the Geranium & Orange for one of our Christmas-scented diffusers instead.

Cephalopod Ornament from Berdoulat

Interior design titans, Patrick and Neri of Berdoulat have teamed up with master caster Alexander Griffin to create an exclusive series of decorative plaster casts for the home. This little beauty was cast directly from a four million year old fossil. Often known as Ammonites, these geometrically pleasing spirals contain the worlds of both science and legend among their curves. Whether it links you back to Mary Anning or the Egyptian god Ammon, this is a present fit for any lover of The Ancient.

Winkie Candle Snuffer from Rowen & Wren

The thing we really love about this clever tool, is the sense of formality it brings to the end of a candlelit evening. As with many of Rowen & Wren’s beautifully designed pieces, this snuffer would sit with equal ease among rambling Dickensian rooms and polished minimal apartments. In any setting it suggests a comforting feeling of nostalgic ritual. (it would look particularly well alongside one of our seasonal votives…)

Porcelain Dog Bowl from John Julian

We are a team of dog lovers here at Plum & Ashby so no gift guide would be complete without a small nod to the hounds. If you have a loved one with a beautiful kitchen housing just any old dog bowl, this is the Christmas gift for them. And quite frankly even if there is no dog on the scene, this dish is quite beautiful enough for the table too. John Julian champion skill and tradition in everything they do. Their hand-crafted pieces are timeless and would sit beautifully among any number of differently styled homes.

AND SO THERE YOU HAVE IT, THE PERFECT GIFTS FOR A INTERIOR DESIGN LOVER

We hope we have given you a few ideas, we have certainly given ourselves some. Whether maximalist or minimalist, traditional or modern, we love nothing more than window shopping Christmas gifts for our homes.

Naturally, we'd love you to take a glimpse at our Christmas range too. From cosy scented candles to diffusers sure to prove nostalgic, you're sure to find a little something for family and friends this Christmas (or yourself, of course).

Match Your Festive To Do List With Hard Working Scents

2023-12-10T06:00:00+00:00

Whilst December is always manic, the Christmas To-Do list is one we are actually very fond of. Filled with festive tasks, it offers guilt free “productive” moments to fully submerge ourselves in seasonal spirit. This year we are exploring how scent might work within these rituals, elevate these moments and contribute to family traditions.

One of our team came to work the other day having spent a long lazy Sunday making Christmas Puddings (one of her favourite foods!). The kitchen was filled with the delicious scent of fruit and spice. Alongside this busy work she had lit her Spiced Orange & Red Berry candle, letting it burn all day. The fragrance of the candle mixed beautifully with that of the simmering puddings and sent gentle waves of festive cheer easing through the house. She has continued to light the candle now each day as she feeds the puddings their daily dose of booze, just to help “build the excitement” for when she finally gets to eat them!

As well as baking, our to-do lists often feature a fair bit of making, and one thing we look forward to the most is building the wreath. Staggering home from the florists or a dog walk, arms heavy with a random assortment of winter branches we hope in a rather vague way, might go together. Whether you are attaching baubles and ribbons or leaving the foliage to speak for itself, Nature is the star here. Cedarwood & Pine Needles is the perfect accompaniment for this. It cuts through muddled brains and frazzled minds to offer all the clarity and joy of crisp winter walks. This is a scent for Yuletide, a scent that celebrates the outdoors (whether it ends up as a perfect circle or not.)

And once the wreath is on the door you will soon find people come a knocking. Festive gatherings are, for many of us, a staple part of any December. Why not accompany the ever-rotating bowls of nuts and Turkish delight with the celebratory fragrance of Pink Pepper & Nutmeg. This is a scent that dances in the night and unwraps glinting chocolates from their foil. It bubbles and fizzes alongside champagne glasses and welcomes guests to any party.

Finally, the crowning glory of any Christmas to-do list, the dressing of the tree. This most beloved of family traditions calls for the very essence of festive cheer. For us this can mean only one thing, Festive Spice & Clementine. This is a joyfully rich and sparkling fragrance with all the history and tradition of ancient spice and the decadence of a midwinter feast. As little and large hands alike adorn prickly pine branches, wrap yourselves in Frankincense and Myrrh. And once the candle is out of the box, why not add to the fun by cutting out the baubles on the sides, stringing them with velvet ribbon and adding them to the pile of decorations to be hung!

Whatever is on your Christmas To-Do list this month, make it magical with scent.

Get Stir-Up Sunday Ready With Our Christmas Pudding Recipe.

2023-11-15T08:59:04+00:00

Christmas Puddings, like many of the best things, get better over time. Specifically, over Advent. With Stir-Up Sunday just around the corner we have asked around and dug out the recipe books to find you a really reliable recipe that the whole family can enjoy making.

It will take you about 45 minutes to make, less if you have several sets of hands, and 7 hours to cook so it is best tackled straight after breakfast.

For one 700g pudding you will need:

75g Self-raising flour

75g Shredded suet (this can be swapped for veggie suet if desired)

75g White breadcrumbs

75g Currants

115g Sultanas

115g Raisins

75g Soft, dark brown sugar

1/3 tsp Salt

½ tsp Ground Allspice

40g Chopped mixed candied peel

40g Glacé cherries

½ Small carrot, peeled & grated

½ Small apple, peeled & grated

2 Eggs, beaten

Zest & Juice of ½ an Orange

Zest & Juice of ½ a Lemon

100ml Guinness (or other stout)

2-pint pudding basin

Grease the pudding basin.
Mix the dry ingredients and the dried fruit together in a large mixing bowl.
Stir in the salt and spice along with the candied peel, cherries, grated carrot and the apple.
In a separate bowl whisk the eggs, citrus juice, zest and Guinness together.
Add this liquid to the dry ingredients until it softly drops from the spoon.
Add more Guinness if it needs loosening.
Pour the mixture into the pudding basin ensuring there is a 5cm gap at the top of the basin to allow for rise.
Cover the basin in tin foil, baking parchment or any heat safe wrapping and place in a saucepan of boiling water.
Place a lid on the saucepan and boil for 7 hours, topping up the water as necessary.
Cover with fresh greaseproof or muslin and store in a cool dry place.
On Christmas Day or whenever you choose to tuck in, simply steam for a further 3 hours and enjoy!

The Inspiration Behind Our Festive Boxes

2023-11-01T12:43:19+00:00

This Christmas we really wanted to do something a little special with our new festive boxes. It is a time of year when, despite our best efforts, we are all inundated with so much extra wrapping and waste. We are both constantly aware that as retailers, a huge amount of responsibility lies on our shoulders to help reduce this in whatever way we can. Whilst we are careful to use recyclable and dissolvable packaging for our products all year round, we wanted to bring something extra special to the effort this Christmas.

We have both always been instinctive crafters and jumped at the chance to make the most of all sorts of beautiful cards and papers. Vicky cherishes the Christmas cards she receives each year by saving them and cutting them down to make gift tags for the next and Freya has shelves of scrap books filled to bursting with snippets of crackers and wrapping paper going back far into her childhood.

It was with these memories in mind that we came up with the idea for the baubles that adorn our new festive selection this year. Chiara Perano painted a beautiful selection of decorations to fit the different sizes and shapes of the boxes and we couldn’t be more trilled with them. By cutting out the baubles on the sides of the boxes and threading them with the complimentary velvet ribbon provided, the decorations can enjoy the whole festive season from the branches of your Christmas trees long after the candles and diffusers have been unwrapped.

By making the most of these festive frills that might otherwise have been forgotten even the smallest moments can add joy to the season. We hope you love our baubles as much as we do and that they make worthy additions to all your gorgeous trees. Do share how you style them with us, we would so love to see.

Vicky & Freya xx

Spooky Reading Recommendations for Misty, Autumn Evenings

2023-10-25T14:00:08+01:00

October will always be a month that conjures mysterious images. Fleeting figures in autumnal mist and the swirling smoke of newly reignited fireplaces. In it’s position on the cusp of the downturn, it is little wonder that it has ever been time for us humans to think on those things which live in the dark.

Perhaps as a way to alleviate the fear of another winter, or as a way to replace the heady days of summer, we love to scare ourselves a little at this time of year. In celebration of this we have drawn together a list of our best loved (and more than a little frightful) reads.

“Daphne du Maurier is the master of a haunting tale. All her books are wonderful, but my favourite is Don’t Look Now. The twisting streets and bridges of Venice are so steeped in history and veiled secrets. All those old windows and doorways, those narrow unlit passageways, of course they’re filled with ghosts!” says Freya and we couldn’t agree more. Du Maurier has plenty of dark tales to revel in before the fire. Also, on our list is, of course, Rebecca and the slightly less widely read Jamaica Inn and My Cousin Rachel.

Writing in a similar vein as Du Maurier is the much less well-known Irish writer Dorothy Macardle. Macardle has a similar gift for created a creeping sense of foreboding and dread. Her book Dark Enchantment is very Du Maurieresque in this respect and it’s alpine setting will have you thinking of Byron and Mary Shelley and the rest of the gang held up in the mountains conjuring monsters. Another book of her The Uninvited is a truly brilliant example of that classic of ghost stories, a haunted house. With inviting cliff tops and spectral sobbing at midnight it has everything you could want for an autumn night.

A haunted house is where Vicky naturally navigates towards in search of frights.

“For me an historic setting is key, a dilapidated mansion. The Woman in Black (Susan Hill) and The Turn of the Screw (Henry James) are both excellent examples of ghost stories that play out within the walls of a creaking old house.”

Alongside haunted houses, graveyards are often an auspicious setting for a spine-chilling tale. Wilkie Collins’ The Woman in White is a melancholy tale of loss and heartache (and of course haunting) that has a particularly atmospheric graveyard at its centre, along with a fair bit of lonely road wandering and misty evenings.

Weather of course is a fantastic tool in ghost story and the wind-swept wilds of some of our further flung British isles have provided many a salt-tinged yarn. The Story Keeper by Anna Mazzola has everything from a remote island location to an isolated community filled with secrets. Whilst Skule Skerry is a short classic from John Buchan involving that most recognisable of characters, the sadly misguided scientist, in way over his head.

Scientist and explorers in over their heads in untameable environments are also the subjects of Michelle Paver’s two brilliant and utterly terrifying books, Thin Air and Dark Matter. Bravado meets the extremes of mountain top and arctic isolation and comes out very much the worse for it in these two modern classics.

And of course there are many, many older classics to be devoured whether that be MR James (we are particularly fond of The Casting of the Runes) or Arthur Conan Doyle (find The Signalman or of course The Hound of the Baskervilles), Edgar Allen Poe or Sheridan Le Fanu (any by either will send shivers from hairline to ankles), From Frankenstein through both Jekyll and Hyde to Dracula, we have become so very adept and scaring ourselves, at finding joy in the fear of the shadows.

So, whether trying something new or cherishing familiar frights, make sure to allow a little part of your mind to wonder what is lurking behind you.

Happy Halloween.

Reading List

Don’t Look Now Daphne Du Maurier

Jamaica Inn Daphne Du Maurier

Rebecca Daphne Du Maurier

My Cousin Rachel Daphne Du Maurier

The Uninvited Dorothy Macardle

Dark Enchantment Dorothy Macardle

The Woman in Black Susan Hill

The Turning of the Screw Henry James

The Woman in White Wilkie Collins

The Story Keeper Anna Mazzola

Skule Skerry John Buchan

Thin Air Michelle Paver

Dark Matter Michelle Paver

Casting of the Runes MR James

The Signalman Arthur Conan Doyle

Hound of the Baskervilles Arthur Conan Doyle

The Story of our Relationship with Tommy's

2023-09-17T18:09:00+01:00

This month, as the global Wave of Light campaign gets underway, we sit down with founders Vicky and Freya to discuss their work with baby loss awareness charity, Tommy’s.

Plum & Ashby have been working with Tommy’s for four years now. Tell us a little about how you came across Tommy’s and what began this relationship with the charity.

Vicky: I first became aware of Tommy’s after my sister’s baby boy was tragically born sleeping. My whole family was so shocked by the experience. I can remember thinking, “how can this possibly still be happening in this day and age.” We all needed some answers I think, some support trying to get our heads around it.

And then, fast forward a number of years and through my own personal experience, I was once again drawn to Tommy’s for advice and support.

A couple of years later my son was born and my Instagram feed lit up, literally, with images of the Wave of Light campaign. I remember thinking, how Tommy’s and the work they do had been so important to me and my family and I had this incredibly strong desire to get involved. I saw the candles and just thought… “well this is what we do, it couldn’t be more perfect, why don’t we make a candle for this event and donate all the profit.”

I pitched it to Freya and luckily, she loved the idea too and was equally keen to get involved.

Freya: I don’t think either of us thought then it would be as big as it has become. I still can’t believe the scale of what we have managed to raise for the charity with the help of all our customers!

And so, leading on from that Vicky, tell us a little bit about the significance of candles in a campaign like this, in the act of remembrance.

Vicky: Well specifically in this instance, for The Wave of Light, lighting a candle is a unifying act, a simple ritual that anyone can perform to show solidarity and remembrance.

Freya: But I think more broadly candles have always been used in religion and personal rituals. There is a symbolism there, a small light in the dark. There is a delicacy yet perseverance to those little flames that I think it would be hard not to attach to ideas of hope.

Vicky: Yes, hope and remembrance are both key I think. But also, the accessibility of it. Although we would love people to buy and light our candle during The Wave of Light, any candle will do, even an old tea light. It’s just a time to reflect and remember any life that was taken too soon.

Freya: But buying our candle will mean we can raise even more money for Tommy’s, so do do that, if you can!

Well on that note, let’s talk about the Plum & Ashby candle, why did you choose the Fresh Fig & Jasmine scent?

Freya: It was something we developed alongside Elle from @featheringtheemptynest. We all wanted to create something that was both comforting and reassuring, something that had an element of hope.

Vicky: And it is a really soothing scent. There is Lilly of the Valley in there and I have always found that fragrance very peaceful. And some orange blossom which is a natural stress reliever.

What would you say have been the moments from the last 4 years that have stood out the most for you?

Vicky: I think for me, seeing the huge developments Tommy’s is making is staggering. Only a few weeks ago the Pregnancy Loss review on NHS miscarriage care was published with a number of the recommendations that Tommy’s has campaigned for, being included. They are affecting real, lifesaving change, right now.

I was personally affected by the ‘3 miscarriages in a row before you can see a specialist’ statistic and so, reading that this is going to change had a huge impact on me. It is such a great step forward and it has just made me realise that the small part we play is actually really helping to change things.

Freya: I think the video we did last year also had a big effect on me personally. Seeing the amazing women we worked with on that share their stories really took my breath away. Their bravery and compassion in the face of such heartrending loss was astounding. And the shoot itself was such a hopefully day despite, or perhaps because of, the stories they were sharing. It was filled with laughter and love, vulnerability and great strength.

Vicky: And lots of people clearly agreed. That video was watched by over 1 million people! I mean the amount we have raised is also pretty huge. Over £135,000, we never dreamed it could be that big. The support is amazing. We are constantly blown away. Every year the awareness seems to grow, and that is precisely what we are aiming for.

Join us for the Wave of Light at 7pm on the 15th of October by lighting a candle to remember those babies who left us too soon.

You can talk to a Tommy’s midwife for free, Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm on 0800 014 7800 or email midwife@tommys.org.

For more information about Tommy’s and the great work they do, visit www.tommys.org/blaw to sign up for updates from the charity.

You can read the Pregnancy Loss Review summary report at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pregnancy-loss-review/pregnancy-loss-review-summary-report and order copies of the full report here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pregnancy-loss-review

100% of the profits from every single purchase goes straight towards Tommy’s life saving research and support services.*

* Each year we, as a company, make a minimum commitment, regardless of sales figures, of £35,000. We are happy to say that the money we have raised has exceeded this by an average of £10,000 every single year.