Lakeland’s sellout alternative to the cult Always Pan is now available in three new colourways that look even better than the OG

Lakeland’s sellout alternative to the cult Always Pan is now available in three new colourways that look even better than the OG

We’re no strangers to an Always Pan lookalike at Ideal Home. In fact, it seems like most major retailers have now designed their spin on this once-viral frying pan. And new to the scene is Lakeland’s Only Pan. Aptly named and fairly priced at £59.99, it’s a close call with the OG, but at a fraction of the price tag. When first released, however, it didn’t come in all the colours we’d hoped. Until now — a recent upgrade sees three extra colours added to its collection.

Previously only available in Sage Green, Slate Grey and Mushroom Grey, this range now comes in a Dusky Clay (a muted pink), a neutral Vanilla Cream and Steel Blue. Thoughtfully designed when it comes to both cooking and aesthetics, this pan has so many good points, as we rated it 4.5 stars out of 5 in our Lakeland Only Pan review.

How does this pan differ from the Always Pan, other than in price? Well, there is a rather large difference in price, £125 vs £59.99, but a little research tells you why this is.

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The Lakeland pan isn’t dishwasher safe — the Always Pan is. They are both the same size in diameter which is 26cm, and both come with a steamer basket and a built-in spoon rest (as well as a compatible spoon!).

Another competitor on the market, which I’ve personally tested, is the M&S All-in-One-Pan. This retails at a seriously affordable price tag of £30.

Alternatives

The M&S affordable alternative is actually slightly larger than the other two, at 28cm in diameter. It does only come in 2 colourways, however, and these are charcoal and natural. Impressively enough, it’s dishwasher-safe like the OG version, unlike the Lakeland dupe.

It’s also induction compatible, and it comes with a steamer basket. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a spoon rest or a utensil, which for £30, you can’t really expect. It boasts a very similar design to the other two pans, with one longer handle, another shorter one and one on the lid.

This pan is sought-after for a good reason, and the M&S alternative at £30 might just be a better option for those on a tighter budget. If you do want something colourful, then the £59.99 Lakelakd lookalike is your best bet.

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The White Company has slashed the price of its bedding in its end-of-season sale – these are the luxe pieces you don’t want to miss out on

The White Company has slashed the price of its bedding in its end-of-season sale – these are the luxe pieces you don’t want to miss out on

With autumn tiptoeing around the corner, it’s almost time to bring your duvet back out of hiding and to pack that fan away in the loft for some well-needed R&R. If you’ve already been dreaming of cooler nights and cosier days (same!), then what better place to start than with a bedding glow up.

High on most of the Ideal Home team’s wishlist is a set of bedding from The White Company: crisp, high-quality sheets, plump duvets and gorgeous textured bedspreads. However, for most of the year, The White Company’s prices are just a little out of reach, which is why our insider secret is to stock up on the brand’s staple pieces in their amazing sales.

Right now, The White Company is holding an end-of-season sale, and some bits in this sale are better than Black Friday at 60% off. Here’s everything you don’t want to miss from the current The White Company sale — from aesthetic bedding buys to comfort necessities.

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If your bedroom is crying out for an upgrade, don’t miss your opportunity to snap up some luxe pieces for your bed.

Lidl’s retro espresso machine is giving Smeg looks without the £500 price tag – this bargain cafe kitchen buy lands in stores this weekend

Lidl’s retro espresso machine is giving Smeg looks without the £500 price tag – this bargain cafe kitchen buy lands in stores this weekend

‘Tis almost the season to start dreaming about your homemade pumpkin spice lattes. And while most of us are still on iced coffees, after the last heatwave of 2026 (fingers crossed!) passes us by, we can all start thinking of better and cosier things: autumn! Warm coffees, fluffy blankets, double layers and… did I say warm coffee?

If you’ve been holding out for Black Friday to invest in the best coffee machine, then you needn’t wait any longer. Just head to your local Lidl and take a browse down the Middle Aisle for yourself. Come the 16th of August, it’ll be bursting with pastel-coloured boxes. Yes: the pastel appliances are back! Think toasters, kettles, and even coffee machines, all in pretty shades of mint green and pale pink.

A simple solution for kitchen worktops that need some colour, the retro-inspired pastel coffee machine is definitely the best bargain of all, at only £49.99. Available in your choice of pink or green, this ground coffee maker also boasts a steam wand for frothing milk. Plus, it has a sizeable 1L water tank for when you’re serving multiple coffees at once.

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Landing in stores very soon, be quick to snap up yours, as when they’re gone, they won’t return for quite a while. And don’t forget: it’s never too early to think of Christmas presents…

The coffee machine comes with a 3-year guarantee. It includes a 2-in-1 coffee scoop and tamper, both coming in the box, and with only 3 buttons, it looks to be pretty intuitive and easy to clean, with a removable drip tray and water tank.

Green Swan coffee machine with coffee in mug on drip tray and milk in jug under frother

(Image credit: Amazon)

This Silvercrest coffee maker is not too dissimilar from Smeg’s Espresso Coffee Machine. Except the Smeg one is a mere £450 more expensive, of course.

The Smeg one does come with a host of perks for that price tag, including a cold-brew function. It is one of Smeg’s most affordable coffee machines, with the retro-style bean-to-cup Smeg Coffee costing from £599.95.

Another comparable retro-inspired coffee machine is the Swan Retro Espresso Maker, at £109.99, available in green, black, cream, or grey. Its tank is the same size as the Silvercrest model, and has a steam wand for milk frothing. You can also control its brewing temperature. The best part about it? You can use it with ground coffee or espresso (ESE) pods.

Frances Tophill reveals the controversial paint colour she uses on sheds and fences – ‘it creates a really beautiful backdrop for the plants’

Frances Tophill reveals the controversial paint colour she uses on sheds and fences – ‘it creates a really beautiful backdrop for the plants’

Love Your Garden’s Frances Tophill just shared a controversial gardening opinion, and it isn’t about plants – it’s about shed and fence colours. More specifically, the colours she likes and dislikes the most.

There’s always going to be a mix of opinions when it comes to fence colours you should avoid, but the British horticulturist, author and television presenter thinks pastel colours are out – and a surprisingly bold colour is in: black.

Well, surprising to some people. Personally, I (and my mum) love a black fence – and I think it can completely transform the look of a garden.

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garden area with grey fence and white stone pathway

(Image credit: Future Publishing PLC/ Colin Poole)

Bold shed colours are said to boost a home’s value, but black is one of those paint colours that people tend to sit on the fence about. Frances Tophill thinks it’s a wiser choice than pastel colours, though.

Pastel fence colours can attract bees to your garden, of course, so there are merits to painting your shed and fence a lighter shade – but soft greens, in particular, are the ones that Frances highlighted as a no-no.

‘I don’t like when fences and sheds are painted soft greens and pastel colours,’ Frances said in a recent Instagram reel. ‘I like it when they’re painted black.’

Black painted fence lining garden border with raised wooden planter and alpine planting

(Image credit: Future PLC / Sophie King)

That was music to my ears, because I’ve been obsessed with my mum’s shed and fence ever since she painted both black. Protek Royal Exterior Wood Finish, which you can order from Robert Dyas, is a water-repelling timber treatment that contains a mould inhibitor, so it protects and paints the wood at the same time.

Some gardeners believe that black-painted fences can make a garden feel smaller, but Frances thinks it’s the perfect background for our plants.

Black shed with white flowerbeds and table

(Image credit: Future PLC / Lizzie Orme)

‘It seems controversial – a lot of people love it, some people hate it – but actually, what it does is it creates a really beautiful backdrop for the plants to become the main thing that you see, whereas a bright colour can sometimes make a space feel smaller and make the plants disappear against the colour,’ she said in the video.

‘It’s just my opinion – not everyone needs to do it – but, for me, sheds should always be black.’

Other experts agree that dark paint colours have their place in the garden, too.

‘Dark colours such as charcoal, black and deep brown give a premium feel, create a cosy glow and make warm white lighting appear richer and more golden,’ says Jon Saeed, managing director of LightingLegends.com.

‘They’re also great for allowing plants to stand out and making their colours appear richer. This is why you’ll often find that dark fences are used in high-end outdoor spaces such as restaurant terraces, because they let the lighting and plants become the feature.’

Black fence with pot plants and a yellow sign

(Image credit: Future PLC / David Giles)

Of course, a really tiny garden with minimal planting might benefit more from a lighter shade of paint to make your garden feel bigger than it really is.

‘Lighter colours like soft sage, off-white and light grey will make gardens feel bigger and more open,’ says Jon. ‘They reflect light around the space and are a good option for those with smaller gardens.’

It’s worth adjusting your planting scheme in favour of deeper tones, though. Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding from Crocus, for example, looks striking against a lighter fence or shed.

‘Lighter fences are great for areas that have plants with darker or more pastel foliage,’ says Jon.

Where to buy black garden paint


Would you take a leaf out of Frances’ book and paint your shed and fence black?

I’m calling it, this Next pumpkin bedding set will be an instant sellout – it nails this year’s biggest autumn trend

I’m calling it, this Next pumpkin bedding set will be an instant sellout – it nails this year’s biggest autumn trend

Yes, I know, it’s summer, and depending on where you live in the UK, you may be recovering from yet another heatwave.

However, bedding trends wait for no man, woman, or well-dressed bedroom, and pumpkin bedding is already having a moment.

Plus, Next has just quietly dropped a pumpkin bedding set that I think will soon be an instant sell-out, so if you want to get your hands on this autumn-themed duvet set before it disappears, you may need to move fast.

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As Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, I’ve spent the past five years immersed in the world of bedrooms, and when it comes to where to buy bedding, Next is always one of my top recommendations.

Plus, in recent years, the brand has absolutely nailed the most sought-after bedding trends.

Last Christmas, Next launched its Robin Fleece Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set, which quickly went viral and became one of the most-shopped bedding collections of the year.

That winter-themed bedding set featured robins leaving footsteps on a snowy fleece duvet cover, and I predict the brand’s new pumpkin-themed bedding is going to follow its lead and become an instant autumn bestseller.

Next pumpkin bedding set

(Image credit: Next)

In fact, with ‘pumpkin bedding’ searches already spiking on Google, I don’t think it will be long before this trending bedding set starts selling out.

Not least because Next has nailed the double autumnal whammy with this design.

There are smiley-faced pumpkins embroidered onto the duvet cover, but to up the cuteness factor even further, the brand has also stitched that autumnal favourite – the now iconic pumpkin-spiced latte – to the surface.

And did I mention this duvet set also features a gingham background (still one of the biggest bedding trends of the year) *and* is made from super snuggly and cosy brushed cotton?

Next pumpkin bedding

(Image credit: Next)

To my mind, this duvet cover and pillowcase set nails everything you might want in an autumn bedding set, and what’s more, there’s a whole collection of coordinating items available.

Personally, I think the £125 pumpkin-spiced latte-shaped side table may be a step too far, but the rest of the collection is *far* more stylish! And it means you can choose whether your nod to the cosy season is subtle or as OTT as you like.

I’m generally not a Halloween lover, but I have to admit, even I’m tempted by this autumn-themed collection and its understated Halloween-ish vibes.

After all, considering how long and hot it feels like this summer has been, for the first time in a long time, I’m actually looking forward to the change in season.

Some cooler weather, cosy bedding, and a pumpkin-spiced latte sounds like something I could definitely get behind right now!

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They Stretched Every Dollar and Gave Their Kitchen a Contemporary Redo

They Stretched Every Dollar and Gave Their Kitchen a Contemporary Redo


When food blogger Christine Han and her partner moved into their Brooklyn apartment in the summer of 2021, they knew they had a big renovation project ahead of them. Luckily, they were more than willing to tackle the work — especially the kitchen, which was a mishmash of furniture, inefficient appliances, and odd backsplash tiles. Before they began, Christine convinced her partner that they could revamp the space for less than $2,000.
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The Ultimate Homeowner’s Pest Prevention Checklist: Protect Your Home’s Interior and Garden

The Ultimate Homeowner’s Pest Prevention Checklist: Protect Your Home’s Interior and Garden

Fresh Design Blog readers spend a lot of time thinking about the details that make a home feel finished, the right lighting fixture, a well-chosen paint color, a garden layout that makes the most of a generous plot. But none of that matters much if ants are marching across the kitchen counter or spiders have claimed the corners of your newly styled sitting room. Pests are the uninvited guests that undo good design, and they tend to show up right when you least expect them.

That is why prevention deserves the same attention you give to a renovation project or a seasonal decor refresh. Homeowners in warmer, humid climates face a steadier stream of pest pressure than most, and if you live around the CSRA, working with a local team like Clear Defense Pest Control can help you stay ahead of the ants, roaches, and rodents that thrive in Georgia’s climate. Think of this checklist as a maintenance routine for your home’s defenses, just as essential as cleaning gutters or sealing a deck.

Table of Contents

Seal Entry Points and Secure Your Home’s Perimeter

Every home has small gaps that pests treat like open doorways, and finding them is the first real step toward keeping your interior pest-free. Walk the exterior of your house and work through this list: 

  1. Check foundation cracks and gaps around utility lines, 
  2. Inspect weatherstripping on doors and windows for wear,
  3. Install fine mesh screens over vents and chimney openings, 
  4. Repair damaged siding or soffits where moisture has softened the wood, and 
  5. Trim any tree branches touching the roofline, since they act as bridges for ants and rodents alike. 

Modern Pest Services found that 55 percent of homeowners already take proactive steps before fall pest season, and 58 percent specifically focus on sealing cracks and gaps, which tells you this single habit carries real weight.

It helps to do this walk-through twice a year, once in spring and again before temperatures drop in fall, since pests looking for warmth will test every weak point they can find. A caulk gun, some steel wool for larger gaps, and a flashlight for dim crawlspaces are really all the tools you need to get started. The goal is not perfection, it is removing the easy entry points so pests move on to look elsewhere.

Eliminate Food, Water, and Shelter Sources Inside Your Home

Once the exterior is buttoned up, the next checkpoint is your interior habits, because pests that do get inside are usually drawn by something specific.

Run through this routine: 1) store dry goods in airtight containers rather than their original bags, 2) wipe down counters and stovetops nightly to remove grease and crumbs, 3) fix leaky faucets and pipes promptly, since standing moisture attracts roaches and silverfish, 4) take out trash regularly and keep bins sealed, and 5) declutter storage areas like basements and closets where pests can hide undisturbed for months.

These habits matter because ants remain the most common household pest concern, affecting roughly 66 percent of homeowners according to recent surveys, with spiders and rodents close behind.

Kitchens and bathrooms deserve the most attention since they combine food, water, and warmth in one place. Even a small crumb trail or a damp sponge left in the sink overnight can be enough to draw scouts from a nearby ant colony. Consistency matters more than intensity here, a five-minute wipe-down each evening does more long-term good than one deep clean every few weeks.

Maintain Your Yard and Garden to Prevent Outdoor Pest Bridges

Your garden is often the first line of contact between outdoor pest populations and your home’s interior, so it deserves its own checkpoint. Work through this list seasonally: 

  1. Keep mulch beds a few inches away from the foundation to reduce moisture buildup near the house, 
  2. Store firewood off the ground and away from exterior walls, 
  3. Remove standing water from birdbaths, gutters, or plant saucers where mosquitoes breed,
  4. Mow regularly and keep shrubs trimmed back from siding, and 
  5. Inspect raised beds and compost bins for rodent burrows. A well-tended garden is beautiful, but overgrown vegetation right against the house is essentially an invitation for pests to move indoors when the weather shifts.

According to Common Urban Pests: Identification, Prevention, and Control, integrated pest management combines several low-toxicity tactics and leans heavily on prevention rather than reactive spraying, which tends to be more cost-effective over time. That approach applies just as well to a home garden as it does to a commercial farm. Choosing plants that naturally repel pests, rotating mulch, and keeping compost properly balanced all reduce the odds that your garden becomes a staging ground for an indoor infestation.

Conduct Regular Inspections and Know When to Call a Professional

The final checkpoint is simply paying attention, since most pest problems start small and stay manageable if caught early. Build a habit around this list: 

  1. Check attics and crawlspaces twice a year for droppings or nesting material, 
  2. Look under sinks and around appliances for signs of moisture damage, i
  3. Inspect stored boxes and fabric for evidence of fabric pests or rodents, 
  4. Monitor exterior foundations for termite mud tubes, and 
  5. Schedule a professional inspection annually even if you have not noticed obvious signs.

Structural damage from pests is more common than most homeowners realize, with half of surveyed homeowners in one 2024 study reporting damage tied directly to an untreated pest problem.

Professionals bring tools and training that a homeowner’s checklist cannot fully replace, especially for termites, carpenter ants, or a rodent population that has already established itself in the walls. If your seasonal inspections turn up anything that looks like more than a stray bug or two, it is worth having someone experienced take a closer look before the problem grows. Catching an issue in its early stage almost always costs less, in both money and stress, than waiting until it becomes visible throughout the house.

Statistic Figure
Households experiencing an ant problem annually 50%
Average annual homeowner spending on pest control (2023) $489
Homeowners focused on preventing ants, spiders, rodents 66%, 60%, 58%
Homeowners taking proactive fall pest prevention steps 55%
Homeowners experiencing structural pest damage 50%

Pest prevention rarely gets the same attention as a fresh coat of paint or a new light fixture, but it protects everything else you have invested in your home. A sealed perimeter, a clean kitchen, a tidy garden, and a regular inspection habit together form a defense system that works quietly in the background. Treat this checklist the way you would any other seasonal home maintenance routine, and your home stays both stylish and pest-free year round.

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Florists say this easy hack is a great way to breathe new life into an old plastic plant pot – it looks unbelievably pretty

Florists say this easy hack is a great way to breathe new life into an old plastic plant pot – it looks unbelievably pretty

If you’ve been looking for a way to reuse an old plastic plant pot, I’ve just found the best TikTok hack that not only makes use of old plastic but will turn your cut flowers into a florist-worthy display.

I’m always down to discover a new way to recycle a plastic plant pot. While they’re great for starting young plants, they’re also one of those items that you are unsure of how to dispose of once they break or you run out of use for them.

If you need floral decoration ideas, this hack couldn’t be easier. Using the drainage holes in the base of the pot as you would a flower frog, it’s perfect for creating a stunning floral display this summer.

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The TikTok video posted by creators @jeffandlaurenshow shows Lauren placing a plant pot upside down in an opaque vase. She then pushes the stems of her cut flowers through the holes to hold them in place, creating a full-looking bouquet. This is essentially how a flower frog (£6.99, Amazon) works, holding your stems in place so you can arrange a display to your liking.

‘The drainage holes naturally help to hold your stems in place, giving you a little more structure and support as you arrange. While you won’t have quite as much control as you would with a traditional flower frog, it’s a lovely way to experiment with arranging and, importantly, means you’re giving an old pot a second life rather than sending it to waste,’ says Lucy Hook, Plant and Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild.

However, Lucy does recommend looking at the shape of pot holes first, as interestingly, this can determine what sort of vase to use.

‘A pot with holes arranged in a circular pattern works particularly well in a bowl or wide-necked vase, as it gives you plenty of space to spread your stems out and create a fuller, more natural-looking arrangement,’ she says.

‘If the holes are arranged in lines or a less open pattern, you may find your flowers are a little more restricted. If the pot allows, you could add a few extra holes to give yourself more flexibility when arranging.’

Is this a good hack to use?

If you’re looking for a budget garden idea that breathes new life into old plastic, this flower arranging hack is a good one to try.

Vase of flowers on rustic dining table with beige table runner.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Rachael Smith)

‘The biggest benefit is that you’re upcycling and getting creative with something you already have at home. Repurposing an old plant pot is a simple, inexpensive way to reduce waste, while also creating a lovely, informal arrangement,’ says Lucy.

‘You can also experiment with different sizes and shapes of pots, depending on the vase or bowl you’re using. The only downside is that you’re limited by the existing drainage holes, so you have slightly less control over where you place each stem compared to a traditional flower frog.’

As Lucy points out, a flower frog offers a little more structure, with you able to position stems exactly where you want them. It’s also worth noting that flower frogs have a more subtle look than plastic posts. This hack simply wouldn’t work in a glass vase where you can see the brown or black plastic.

However, if you’re looking to save money or reuse plastic around your home rather than binning it, it is a good one.

Will you try this easy flower arranging hack for your next soiree

IKEA is about to become the go-to place for buying affordable art – these are the pieces that will instantly make your home look expensive from £19

IKEA is about to become the go-to place for buying affordable art – these are the pieces that will instantly make your home look expensive from £19

Art shouldn’t be reserved for galleries and the homes of the rich and famous. And that’s exactly why IKEA’s releasing a limited edition collection of art objects with prices starting from just £19 in order to make art accessible to everyone. The IKEA KONSTRUNDA collection is launching on 1st September both online and in stores – and I’m already planning on elevating my home with a few of the featured pieces.

IKEA’s been killing it lately with imaginative and design-forward collections, from the viral IKEA PS 2026 collection filled with future design classics like the PS 2026 floor lamp to the clever and compact IKEA KOMPISHÄNG range which launched only a few weeks ago. But the IKEA KONSTRUNDA range takes things even further as it focuses purely on the aesthetic value of the 22 objects created by seven different designers and artists.

An industrial-style space with white pillars displaying decoration pieces from the IKEA KONSTRUNDA collection

(Image credit: IKEA)

‘Art should be available for all to enjoy, not a luxury reserved for galleries,’ says Karin Gustavsson, the collection’s creative leader. ‘Art evokes emotion, sparks conversation and helps transform a house into a home. With KONSTRUNDA, we wanted to create a collection that encourages people to express themselves and surround themselves with objects they love.’

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An industrial-style space filled with pillars displaying pieces from the IKEA KONSTRUNDA collection with the printed cushions at the front

(Image credit: IKEA)

Art can make your home look more expensive and considered. But it usually comes at a rather high price. But that’s not the case with the IKEA KONSTRUNDA art objects and creative pieces of furniture and soft furnishings.

Named after the Swedish word for ‘art tour’, the KONSTRUNDA range includes both purely ‘decorative’ objects and more practical pieces of furniture with a playful design – like stools and side tables – as well as soft furnishings like cushions and rugs, which can also be turned into wall hangings.

My top IKEA KONSTRUNDA picks

Of course, you don’t have to wait for the 1st September to inject some artistic flair into your home without breaking the bank. Here are a few pieces that will make your home look more interesting and intentional that are available to shop now.

Which piece (or pieces) are you planning to adorn your home with once the new collection drops? Don’t forget to mark your calendars to avoid missing out.

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Aldi’s sellout autumn candles are back – forget the heatwave, here’s what everyone’s buying this summerween

Aldi’s sellout autumn candles are back – forget the heatwave, here’s what everyone’s buying this summerween

There’s nothing that screams autumn more than a warm, spicy candle. And whether you already have a collection that’s getting dusty somewhere (it adds to the spookiness!), or you’ve been online shopping for some pumpkin-spiced scents but don’t want to spend a fortune, all you really need to do is head to your local Aldi.

Yes, the summerween stock has started littering itself across the shelves. And I’m totally here for it. Aldi’s autumn-scented candles landed in store this week and they are returning sellout Specialbuys that went viral last year, so act fast if you want to get your hands on one. They’re nice and affordable — so perfect for your Boo Basket. We’re just thinking ahead here.

As we know with all Aldi Specialbuys, when they’re OOS, they’re gone. So don’t miss your chance to smell (and inevitably snap up) a spicy candle from just £2.69. And as someone who used to test home fragrances for a living, I just know that these beauties will turn Aldi’s middle aisle into a ghost town.

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Not only are they all pretty, but this candle range comes in several scent choices, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you love a warm scent or prefer to go for something subtle, it’s all here.

I’ll be sure to grab a few of these for everyday lighting come October, but as far as my special autumn candles go (you know, the ones you only light when guests are coming over), I’ve got a few skeletons hiding in my (candle) closet.

I absolutely love The White Company’s Fireside Candle, which is perfectly woody and will also last you into the Christmas season. I’m also a big fan of Nest New York Fragrances, and their orange Pumpkin Chai candle, available on Cult Beautywon’t disappoint even the fussiest of noses.

It’s safe to say that I’m excited for autumn!