As summer edges closer, there is something especially inviting about sitting outside, soaking up the last of the day's warmth. Whether it is a quiet moment in the garden or hosting friends on the patio, creating a beautifully fragranced outdoor space can transform time spent outdoors into something more magical.
A great way to add warmth to quiet corners of the garden is to use outdoor candles. While they already make our homes smell divine, our gardens, patios and balconies can also benefit from their soft, shimmering glow.
Outdoor candles are designed specifically for open-air use. Specialising in home fragrance and décor, the Partylite range has cultivated a devoted following, and its Citronella Collection is sure to be a best-seller this summer.
Citronella is a natural ingredient derived from plants and widely recognised for its insect-repelling properties. Infused with essential oils, citronella candles offer a dual benefit: helping to keep bugs at bay while filling the air with fresh, zesty fragrances that work both day and night.
From elegant citronella candles to delicately scented tealights, there is a wide range of options to suit different garden styles. When paired with lanterns or decorative holders, they can create a striking visual display while enhancing the overall ambience.
Wild Lemongrass Citronella Two-Tone Scented Jar Candle
Priced at £17.95, this citronella candle provides a vibrant scent that enhances outdoor relaxation or gatherings while repelling unwanted distractions. Candle enthusiasts will appreciate the wide range of citronella candles available at Partylite. Adding a sophisticated touch to the garden and a bouquet of stunning scents, the Citronella Range comes in a variety of formats to suit all tastes.
The citronella jars and multi-wick candles are perfect for larger spaces, while tealights add a gentle scent and 'firefly' glow. Alternatively, incense sticks are a flame-free way to enjoy the benefits of citronella, while the fragranced oils can be used with diffusers for slower atomisation and long-lasting smell.
Wild Lemongrass Citronella Two-Tone Jar Candle
The £17.95 Wild Lemongrass Citronella Two-Tone Jar Candle is poured in white wax and encased in a sleek two-toned ceramic jar. Available for £27.95, the scent gives a zesty summer bouquet of lemongrass and citronella enriched with deeper tones of water flowers and musk. With a burn time of between 30 and 35 hours, the candle provides a vibrant scent that enhances outdoor relaxation or gatherings while keeping bugs at bay.
Peach Honey Citronella Multi-Wick Jar Candle
Another option for larger spaces is the Peach Honey Citronella Multi-Wick Jar Candle. The £55.95 four-wick candle comes in a stylish cream and peach ceramic jar, blending sun-ripened peach, honey and vanilla for a beautifully summery scent.
Citronella Mint Universal Tealight Candles
Adding tiny tea lights around the garden table is another lovely way to create a cosy ambience that smells divine while also keeping the bugs at bay. The Citronella Mint Universal Tealight Candles blend freshly-picked garden mint with aromatic basil and fennel, infused with citronella. The 12-pack of tea lights costs £10.95, with each candle offering a burn time of between 4 to 6 hours.
Wild Lemongrass Citronella Garden Incense Sticks
Incense sticks are a great alternative to candles that can also spread fragrance evenly. The Wild Lemongrass Citronella Garden Incense Sticks from Partylite are £19.95 for a set of 12. Designed to gently burn for up to 3 hours of fragrance, the extra-long sticks are one of the brand's bestselling garden incense products. The incense sticks can be placed upright in the ground or sand or used with the Partylite Garden Incense Spike.
Citronella Fragrance Oils
Another way to love citronella is by using fragrance oils. Available in a customisable fragrance form, simply add a few drops to a warmer and wait for the scented oil to infuse the air.
Elsewhere at Amazon, the extra-large M&SENSE Citronella Candle has a burn time of up to 220 hours and comes in a brightly designed tin. A focal point for outdoor tables, prices start from £27.95. Alternatively, Habitat is offering 20% off its Large Citronella Striped Effect Multiwick Candle. With a lively green and white design, the £20 candle burns for up to 95 hours and has three wicks for enhanced use.
Customer Reviews
Partylite is proving to be highly popular with fragrance fans. With an impressive 4.8 out of five-star rating, shoppers have left many glowing reviews.
One buyer who purchased the Citronella garden sticks said: "I always make sure to order the scent sticks because it really does keep the mosquitoes away; plus they smell lovely instead of those awful ones that give you a headache. I have been using these outside on my patio for years. Great for up at the cottage too."
Another added: "If the sticks smell half as amazing as the candles, I will be stocking up on boxes. Good call to buy from my consultant."
Another who purchased a Wild Lemongrass candle added: "The usual amazing Citronella Wild Lemongrass smell, but in a beautiful vessel, perfect for the garden. Strong smell."
The incense sticks are also proving to be popular, with many buyers mentioning how effective they are. One five-star review said: "I almost forgot I had these until I noticed mosquito bites. I lit one when I went to sit outside in the evening, and no mosquito bites! I also ordered the gardenia scented incense sticks, which work just as well."
Some buyers were less impressed, however, with one noting: "A little disappointed since the mosquitoes still attack. Smells nice only."
Another delighted shopper said: "I honestly could not believe the size of the incense! They are huge and work wonderfully! Love the smell! I am very happy with them and the lemongrass oil!"
