Has anyone else noticed the change in temperature over the past couple of days? It’s now bitterly cold in Edinburgh, but to be honest, if it keeps the driving rain and wind away, I’ll take the cold every time. After all, it means that you can focus all your attention on keeping warm. When you’re out and about, you can layer up in hats, scarves and gloves, and when you’re indoors it’s an excuse to crank up the heating and drink copious amounts of hot chocolate.

Another thing I’ve noticed recently is how quickly my diary is filling up for the festive season. Tonight is my only night in for over a week and so I’m going to relish it, by instigating my perfect midweek winter’s evening. That involves lighting lots of candles and cuddling up under a blanket on the sofa with a bowl of my sweet potato and lentil soup to keep me company, while I catch up on the first two episodes of season three of The Bridge. Sheer winter perfection.

What’s your perfect way to spend a midweek winter’s night?

Presented in an apothecary jar, these candles not only smell luxurious, they also look the part. My current favourite is the Vanilla Flower Luxury Candle, which is the perfect accompaniment to cold evenings, especially when you add a glass of homemade mulled wine.

When the candle burns out remember to keep the jar – talking from experience, it looks beautiful displayed on your dressing table.