Blog
How Apsley And Company Have Made Candles An Art Form
Interview with Founder, Helen Armstrong Decor + Design Elevate , 13 - 16 JuIy at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, is a unique opportunity for design visitors to experience the latest collections of leading exhibitors from across indoor and outdoor furniture, soft furnishings, lighting, textiles and art. We’re delighted that the elegant Apsley and Company are returning to the exhibition (Stand I24) to showcase their exquisite candles and home fragrances. Helen Armstrong From humble beginnings, Apsley and Company has grown into an internationally adored, Australian-owned brand, available in over 30 countries. Founded in 1995 by Helen Armstrong and David Daff, their passion for sharing the power of fragrance to create ambiance and make homes feel welcoming led them to invest in the expertise of Europe’s finest perfumers. The warm reception from Australians prompted their expansion, and in 2005, they introduced Australia’s first fragrance reed diffuser, gaining global recognition. Today, Apsley and Company encompass three established brands: Apsley and Company , Abode Aroma , and Scented Space . Offering a wide range of 200 home fragrances, their products are crafted with unparalleled quality and timeless style. From luxurious soy wax candles in opulent hand-blown glass to crystal candles with clean lines and original reed diffusers, there’s something for everyone and every occasion. Elevating the realm of luxury home fragrance, Apsley and Company has firmly established itself as a premier purveyor of refined scents and sophisticated ambiance, catering to those seeking to create beautiful spaces. Apsley and Company uphold traditional values while embracing a modern approach. They conduct business with integrity, honesty, and diversity, ensuring no animal testing and providing refill options for sustainability. In the lead up to Decor + Design , we spoke to Helen Armstrong of Apsley and Company about their gorgeous products and recent projects, as well as what visitors can expect to see at the event in July. Helen, what’s Apsley and Company’s point of difference in the candles and fragrance market? Apsley and Company Santorini Home Fragrance Collection We have always been focused on making a product that is aesthetically pleasing and looks beautiful as well as delivering a beautiful scent. This is not necessarily a very commercial approach! If the candle looks beautiful, consumers are often reluctant to burn it! With our fragrance diffusers , we spent months developing a formulation that had great longevity, wasn’t just water and alcohol, and didn’t just evaporate in two months. Again, perhaps not the best commercial decision, because they last so long! Our products are more than a single use item, able to be harnessed in three distinct ways: As a beautiful home scented item — candle or diffuser A lovely décor piece An item that can be reused, repurposed and in some instances refilled Can you tell us more about the design and making process? Apsley and Company Scented Candles We certainly watch trends, particularly in Europe. However, not all those directions translate well to Australia or some other countries that we trade with. Sometimes the trickledown effect can take many years. For example, super-sized candles that are décor pieces. We first saw large candles in Europe more than 10 years ago but is only now we are we seeing consumers In Australia consider purchasing a large candle that will double as a décor piece. Once we have a story theme (i.e. Tribal Luxe) we then talk with our glass maker about the vessel design, and we will sample up until we get the colours, shape and dimensions that we are happy with. Once that is completed, the glass will then go into production. As most of our pieces are individually made and by hand, this can be quite a lengthy process. The glass is then shipped to our factory ready for filling. During this time, we will work with our perfumers, to create fragrances that match the theme and also “work” with the glassware we have designed. i.e., heavier and woody fragrances with darker glass, fresher, uplifting fragrances for lighter coloured glassware. Again, more sampling of the fragrance, and when the fragrance is signed off, we start trialling in our soy wax formulation to ensure we have excellent cold and hot scent throw. Our candles are made entirely by hand. From selecting the ‘right’ wick for the size of the vessel and hand attaching it to a metal shank, gluing the shank inside the glass, and hand pouring the scented wax — normally this is done in 3-4 stages, to polishing the glass, trimming the wicks and packing the candle. Explore The Apsley Brands Abode Aroma Cybus Crystal Ingot Fragrance Diffuser Apsley and Company , the flagship brand, embodies the essence of sophistication and exclusivity. Meticulously crafted fragrances, encased in exquisite vessels, emanate an aura of refinement and timeless quality. From the delicate notes of artisanal perfumes to the intoxicating aromas of nature-inspired creations, Apsley and Company encapsulates the essence of fine living. Scented Space , an extension of the brand’s vision, offers a curated selection of aromatic accents designed to infuse spaces with a sense of luxury and tranquillity. The collection presents an array of the best scented candles Australia has, reed diffusers, and room sprays, meticulously formulated to captivate the senses and transform any environment into a sanctuary of style and serenity. Complementing the allure of Apsley and Company and Scented Space, Abode Aroma presents a range of home fragrance products that celebrate contemporary minimalism. Combining clean lines and sleek design with captivating scents, Abode Aroma captures the essence of modern sophistication. From elegantly understated diffusers to sleek and stylish Candle Holders, this range harmonises aesthetics and aroma, transcending boundaries and embracing the essence of contemporary living. For those who seek to create captivating spaces resonating with elegance and refinement, Apsley and Company’s three ranges offer a harmonious fusion of olfactory artistry and exquisite craftsmanship. Can you share some exciting recent projects? It’s been so wonderful to return to face-to-face meetings with our customers and our HK and China teams. There really is no substitute for face-to-face discussions when working through the nuances of shape, colour and fragrance. Our European presence is growing, and our luxury candle and crystal ranges are doing well in Netherlands, Austria, Belgium and Switzerland. It is pleasing to see this growth when retail worldwide is still struggling from the fallout of Covid, We have been working on creating vessels for candles that can be repurposed or refilled . We are also seeing a lot more requests for more complex sophisticated scents. Five years ago Vanilla was the number one fragrance — now consumers are looking for more nuanced scents! What’s new in the Apsley and Company ranges? Scented Space Home Fragrance Range Scented Space Vegan Leather Range Experience a little bit of luxury while staying eco-conscious with our new sustainable Vegan Leather Candle range . Bask in sensory delight with the timeless style of leather. Inspired by the wonder of summer living and the classic style of Ralph Lauren, we have created a beautiful range of luxury vegan candles with soft vegan leather holders that are sure to become a treasured item in your home. Scented Space Reed Diffusers We have repackaged our very popular Scented Space Fragrance Diffuser range . We are very excited at the initial reaction to the new look and will be showcasing this at the show. Apsley and Company The Apiary Range Our new Apsley and Company range which will be released at the show. Again, it is a range of exquisitely hard carved, matte glass that was inspired by natural elements and colours. You will need to visit the stand to check it out - no sneak peeks! See The Apiary collection and other stunning products from Apsley and Company: Stand I24 of Decor + Design 2023: Elevate, 13 – 16 July at Melbourne Exhibition Centre Register as a visitor now, entry to the exhibition is free but limited to design trade visitors
Learn more
How To Care For Your Crystal
“Simplicity Creates Tranquillity” Okay, we admit it, we are just a little obsessed with our Abode Aroma Crystal Home Fragrance Collection which combine clean, crisp, timeless designs with beautiful fragrance. Abode Aroma Crystal Candle and Room Diffuser For this range, we craft beautiful aromatic diffusers, soy wax candles, room mists and decorative pieces - perfect as a treat for yourself or a loved one. Our bevelled crystal glass vessels are made by skilled artisans who have a real knowledge and passion for the crystal glass making and designing process. Inspired by the geometric forms and hypnotic sunray reflections beheld in Art Décor designs, Abode Aroma is for those who love the colour of life. So, why crystal? The name ‘crystal’ is derived from the Italian term ‘Cristallo’ which was used for high-end hand-blown glass in Murano, Italy. We were drawn to crystal for its association with sophistication and its incredible clarity, strength and sense of luxury. We’ve previously done a blog ‘Why Is Crystal Oh So Special’ to explain the differences between standard glass and crystal but thought we’d highlight a few of this material’s characteristics specific to Abode Aroma Characteristics of our Crystal Collection Abode Aroma Cybus Crystal Ingot Fragrance Diffuser and Presentation Tray Crystal’s strong structure allows our talented artisans to mould the Abode Aroma pieces into art deco inspired shapes and create clean crisp edges We love the weight of our Abode Aroma crystal pieces. From our 450g Cybus Crystal Tealight Holders to our Abode Aroma Cybus Maximillian Hurricane Vase which comes in at an impressive 8.35kg! The Abode Aroma bevelled crystal pieces have a silvery appearance and feel warm to the touch, but they also have another unique quality. The bevelling creates a prism refracts light providing an alluring spectrum of colours and highlighting the glasswork quality Caring For Your Crystal Abode Aroma Cybus Maximillian Hurricane/Vase Now you know just how precious crystal is, it’s important to also know how to care for it: Avoid Sunlight - Avoid placing your crystal vessel in direct sunlight, it can reflect the sun’s rays & scorch nearby walls or furniture. We always advise you not to place candles or diffusers in the sun anyway as it affects their appearance, performance & longevity Keep It Cool - Crystal is susceptible to temperature variations, sudden temperature change may cause cracking Keep It Smooth - Avoid contact with hard or abrasive materials Forget The Whitegoods - Crystal is a traditional soul. Do not put it in the microwave, dishwasher, oven or freezer Avoid Dripping Wax - When using our taper candle holders do not secure the candles with molten wax or allow them to burn out to the end. If wax adheres to the candle holder, clean gently with denatured alcohol (ethanol) Keeping It Clean - When cleaning the vessel always handwash separately in warm water & mild soap with a soft sponge or cloth. Do not use boiled or cold water & don’t leave it to soak. Rinse the glassware thoroughly & dry with a lint-free cloth or air dry, preventing any risk of scratching or damage Remember To Reuse - Crystal glass cannot be recycled due to the addition of minerals so remember to reuse your vessels with our Abode Aroma Candle Refills , Abode Aroma Diffuser Refills and we have a set of 9 Crisp White Linen Cybus Crystal Tealight Candles to be used with the Cybus Crystal Tealight Holders . The pieces are designed to live in your home in a new form – be it a posy vase or stylish jar for makeup brushes, bathroom essentials and more. Perhaps display the new home accessory additions on our stylish Crystal Presentation Tray to add grandeur to the presentation of these luxury décor piece Removing The Final Wax Chunks - When removing the final chunks of wax, so you can repurpose the candle holder, we recommend carefully using a teaspoon and washing as above. For ideas of what you can do with your vessels take a look at our blog ‘Earth Day, How Can We Help?’ Now you know just how special crystal is, and how to look after it so it becomes a much-loved and lifelong addition to you home, we invite you to create an instant ambience in grand style with our home scent range and exceptional art pieces. The timeless designs will add a touch of glamour to any home whilst filling it with the most luxurious fragrances. Visit our Abode Aroma Crystal Home Fragrance Collection at https://www.apsleyaustralia.com/collections/abode-aroma
Learn more
Top Tips To Make Your Candle Smell Stronger
So when we talk about scented candles Australia and the fragrance they release we refer to their ‘fragrance throw’ simply how well a candle’s aroma travels in the air to fill a space. In the candle world we evaluate both the ‘cold throw’ and ‘hot throw’. Cold throw is the fragrance you smell when the candle is unlit and wax is solid – usually you have to smell the candle up close for cold throw. And, as you will have guessed, hot throw refers to the level of fragrance you smell when it’s lit and the wax is melting. The throw will depend on factors such as wax type, fragrance oil concentration and candle design. As a general guide, cheaper candles tend to smell very strong with a dominant smell unlit but once lit don’t smell as good. Luxury candles might not have an overly strong smell when cold but have a great hot throw, revealing different scents as the candle releases top, middle and base notes during its burn. It’s all about the burn Apsley Luxury Candles One key factor for gaining maximum fragrance strength is the candle quality and how you look after it during and in between burns. If you take proper care of your candle, you will enjoy the aroma even once you’ve blown yours out. So, the burn: When lit, a candle’s wax pool will only extend to the same diameter it reached on the previous burn. The first burn is the most important so ensure you light all the wicks and allow the wax pool to reach the container’s edge. By doing this, not only are you avoiding tunnelling but you are also given the candle scent a chance to diffuse from the melted wax and spread throughout the room. The larger the pool of wax, the higher the scent ratio stronger the smell. Please do make sure you don’t leave the candle burning unattended! As a little side note, when you light the candle for the first time you may notice the fragrance isn’t as strong as you’d hoped but don’t worry, this is generally the case. The scent will get stronger as the candle burns. Size & ratios matter Scented Space Celebrate Candles Select candles that are the right size for the room and choose high-quality candles with a high percentage of fragrance oil. The bigger the candle, the greater the wax pool, the better the scent throw. The sizes of the candle and room matter. The smaller the room, the easier it will fill with fragrance. If the room is too large for the size of the candle the scent throw simply can’t fill the room properly. So when you’re choosing a candle think of the size of space you want to fragrance – the larger the space the bigger the candle. At Apsley we provide a variety of candle size options to help you find the perfect candle for each space you want to fragrance. For example: Scented Space 900g Vegan Leather Candle ideal for a cosy living room or snug Apsley 2.1kg Luxury Candles or Scented Space Celebrate 4kg Candle - Ideal for a large open space like a family room. Purchase candles scented with a fragrance load of between 5% to 10%. High-quality candles tend to have the higher fragrance levels. It is essential a candle producer knows the correct levels to use to create the ideal scent throw whilst not compromising the candle’s stability (wax sweating, discolouration and curdling) Doubling up Abode Aroma Crystal Candles If a large candle doesn’t cut it - burn two candles (or more!) of the same scent … and maybe add a room diffuser for that extra kick You can create a lovely candlescape with a selection of different sized candles in the same fragrance. Perhaps try the Abode Aroma Crisp White Linen fragrance, available in a range of different styles and sizes in the Abode Aroma Crystal Collection . We love to use the fragrance collection as part of our dining table setting when entertaining friends and family. We combine a couple of the 220g Bevelled Crystal Candles with a trio of Cybus Crystal Tealights with Crisp White Linen Scented Tealights Apsley Hint - A bevelled crystal room diffuser or Ingot fragrance diffuser placed on a side table in the room takes scent to another level! Switch it up Apsley Luxury Candles You get used to scents you smell all the time so switch it up Fragrance fatigue is a thing! It’s when your body naturally becomes desensitised to the same smell over time. It does this to all forms of stimulation over time to prevent overloading your nervous system, allowing you to concentrate on the newest sensation that are more likely to be an opportunity or a threat (for example food that’s gone off in the fridge). We also have an olfactory memory that discards recently experienced smells. For example, you don’t notice the smell of your home when you get back from work but it may smell strange to you when you get back from a holiday. When it comes to keeping your nose and home fresh with home fragrance, the easy fix is to simply switch up the scent; for maximum stimulation swap them out for a totally different fragrance family! Our team likes to change our candle scents according to our mood, the situation or time of day. So if you feel you’re struggling to smell a fragrance you’ve had for a while perhaps change from the heady floral notes of our Abode Aroma Bevelled Crystal Candle to the uplifting citrus notes of sparkling fruits, peach and vanilla with our Apsley Luxury Vesuvius Candles Keep it close Apsley Santorini Luxury Candles Position your candle close to you and never leave it unattended An obvious one we know but we had to share it - the closer the candle the sooner you will pick up the scent and the stronger it will be. Avoid drafts Drafty spaces take away the Positioning of a scented candle is key to optimise the fragrance delivery. Keep it away from an open window or air vent as the scent is drawn to the breeze rather than the room meaning the full fragrance effect will be lost. On the other hand, a rotary fan in the same room can enhance the scent by circulating it around the space. It’s also good practice to place it away from excessive heat or light, whilst this doesn’t affect the burn or smell it will affect the look of the candle as it causes wax discolouration. Keep it short and keep it clean Scented Space Sundown Vegan Leather Candle A short wick and clean wax surface will help the quality of the candle’s burn and fragrance diffusion A candle wick should be kept at length between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch. If it’s too tall the flame will grow too large causing it to flicker or soot. This instability will affect the burn quality thus reducing the scent release as the wax will not be melting as quickly. You may also become aware of a smoky smell overwhelming the scented candle as the wick plumes. When cutting, don’t allow wick debris to fall into the wax. Our curated Candle Accessory Set will help you keep your candle in trim. Wax type Some waxes trap fragrance due to their tight molecular structure, reducing scent throw Paraffin wax produces a stronger cold candle smell and is one reason it’s used in cheaper candles. Natural waxes like soy hold onto scent and are harder to work with but definitely worth the effort. We pride ourselves in working with premium European perfumers who develop our fragrances using finest quality elements to ensure a successful burn and strong fragrance throw. Put a lid on it Scented Space Greenhouse Vegan Leather Candle Candle lids are great for containing the fragrance when the scented candle isn’t burning If your candle comes with a lid, put it back on when the candle is unlit and the wax is cold. Not only will it help retain the scent to ensure maximum hot throw on the next burn, it will also protect the candle from pesky dust which can make the candle look messy and affect the candle’s burn efficacy. Particularly good if you’re going away & don’t want to lose the benefit of scent whilst your home is empty. Our Scented Space Vegan Leather Candles have a hand-polished lid to enclose the gorgeous fragrances we have developed. We have a range of fragrances in this collection from the fun fruity summery notes of Sundown to the sensual green ‘straight from the garden’ scents of Greenhouse For more hints and tips regarding candle care and getting the most out of your candle please visit our blog: https://www.apsleyaustralia.com/blogs/posts/for-the-love-of-candles-how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-candle Happy (& fragrant) burning! Team Apsley xxx
Learn more
For The Love of Room Mists – How to get the most out of your Room Mist
Don’t overlook a room mist Be honest, when you think ‘room mist’ what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many of us, room mists are something only granny uses, spraying the bathroom (and you if you got in the way!) with burst after burst of an overwhelmingly flowery and powdery smelling spray. BUT, we are here to remove that taboo and make you wonderful fragrance addicts the new generation of Room Mist lovers! Think of them as a cologne for the home, used to target an unpleasant smell or just keep everything fresh and welcoming. Reasons to love a room mist The list is long so let me throw a few key benefits out there – instant, ultra-portable, effortless, versatile, effective, fuss-free, safe, flameless. Their simplicity means they can be used anytime, (almost) anywhere and for any occasion. They provide a different type of scent to that of a candle. Candles tend to give out a headier, room-filling fragrance and are most effective during the burn. Whereas, room mists have an immediate impact, offering a more subtle layer of fragrance, like a light veil of scented mist. Okay, so why not just spritz the room with a bit of perfume? Well, the first thing is cost but also efficacy. Their roles are not intended to be interchangeable. Each is formulated in accordance with its intended role – perfume/cologne is designed to adhere to skin with a higher fragrance oil concentrate so the scent lasts longer. A room spray is lighter and not as heady, it is designed to hang in the air. Handy Hint if you are keen to fashion a signature home scent all of you own, you could combine your personal scent with your room mist How to get the most from your room mist Apsley Luxury Room Mists Our Luxury Room Mists are the perfect solution for any home in need of an uplift. A spritz of the highly concentrated, natural essence-based spray instantly invigorates the space it envelops and creates maximum impact. It’s fragrant benefits should last a couple of hours. We’ve compiled a guide to help you get the most from this interior scenter: A ‘Welcome’ to remember Apsley Kaliningrad Luxury Collection Greet your guests with a heart-warming burst of fragrance by spraying your welcome mat and hallway rug just before they arrive. As they walk through your front door they will be introduced to the homely atmosphere and ambience that is so personal to you and will immediately feel at home. Handy Hint – for even more impact place a complementary room diffuser on your hallway table. We have a lovely selection you can choose from on our website Layer the scent Apsley Reykjavik Luxury Collection Layer fragrance blends and strength with the addition of a candle . You can either use the matching candle or go for a harmonising aroma to create a signature scent. Simply light the candle and spritz the room (it’s most effective if you do this in the centre of the room rather than from the doorway). A little goes a long way so two or three pumps of the spray should be sufficient. You will enjoy an immediate blast of fragrance from the spray, as this gradually subsides the candle’s fragrance emission builds up. Handy Hint – If you decide to go bold and create a bespoke room scent you could focus on your favourite fragrance family. For example, if you fancy a citrus burst perhaps try a combination of Apsley’s Reykjavik Luxury Room Mist with the Vesuvius 1.7kg Luxury Candle or mix it up a little more and accompany the Reykjavik room spray with an Abode Aroma Crystal Angelical Citron Candle Treat your soft furnishings to a little zjoosh Soft Furnishings If you give your soft furnishings a fragrant spritz, the scent will remain in the room for longer. Room sprays eventually dissolve in the air but fabric absorbs the fragrance giving it a longer lifespan. Ideal places include curtains so it catches the breeze, or cushions which will release fragrance every time you give them a plump. In bathrooms, help with the eradication of ‘unwanted’ smells by also spraying the shower curtain and bathmats. If you struggle with sleep, perhaps try a calming scent on the bedding or floor rug. If lavender isn’t your thing try our Apsley Halfeti Luxury Room Mist it offers a calming combination of sumptuous black rose, laced with violet and a grounding musk. Handy Hint – Always check your product’s instructions before using and test on an inconspicuous area first to check it doesn’t stain Long forgotten cupboards? Linen cupboards, shoe stores and coat rooms can build-up a musty aroma over time. A room mist livens up the space and will also settle on the fabrics to give them a burst of freshness too. We like a lovely aquatic fragrance in a linen cupboard for that fresh, just-washed smell! Try the Apsley Santorini Luxury Room Mist which is a lovely marine combination of patchouli, peppercorn and muddled spices Handy Hint – you can spray spare pieces of fabric and place them in closets, cupboards and drawers for a fragrant lift. Weekend travels Travel is a wonderful thing, but there’s no shame in wanting to take a bit of home with you. One of the best ways to do this is with fragrance. Why not include a room mist with your travel essentials and when you arrive at your holiday destination give the room, bedding and curtains a quick spritz (after testing!!!). If it’s not a case of bringing home with you, but simply adding some life to a stuffy hotel room we would suggest you try our Apsley Kaliningrad Luxury Room Mist it will fill the space with a hypnotic swirl of ambergris, pink peppercorns and cedarwood. Handy Hint - You could even treat your suitcase to a quick burst of fragrance before packing your clothes, keeping them ‘journey fresh’ Car love Do you miss that ‘new car smell’? Don’t be afraid to give the interior a spray of our Luxury Room Mists It’s inevitable that over time a car’s interior will start to pick up aromas, including coffee spills, crumb droppings and pet hair. With a quick spritz you can overpower those smells and create a fresh atmosphere making your road trips that bit more pleasurable. Handy Hint – don’t keep the bottle in your glovebox as the heat will cause the fragrance to diminish. It’s always best to store room sprays in a cool space, out of direct sunlight So go on, rediscover room mists, give them the accolade and glory deserved and infuse your home with the fragrances you love. Spray to your heart’s (and home’s) content. Share the newly found love with those close to you. Our Luxury Room Mists have been packaged beautifully to make a lovely gift for a friend. They are the perfect housewarming or birthday present. You can explore our full home fragrance range at https://www.apsleyaustralia.com/ Happy misting! Team Apsley xxx
Learn more
World Sleep Day - 18th March 2023
Time at home has allowed us to stop, take a breath and reflect on how we live our lives. As a result we have become more in tune with our mental and physical well-being with a big focus on exercise, nutrition, homelife and relationships. However there is another basic human need that many of us neglect or take for granted - Sleep. Globally, over 45% of people suffer with sleeping issues and this has big impact on general well-being. Sleep Easy Quality sleep, Sound mind, Happy world – The World Sleep Society A World Sleep Society ? – who knew!!! It was their World Sleep Day Committee who founded ‘ World Sleep Day’ with a global aim to lessen society’s burden of sleep problems by promoting better sleep through sleep disorder prevention and management skills. Why? They strongly believe quality sleep leads to a sound mind and a happy world. Let’s take a look at the importance of sleep and what we can do to help our sleep pattern: The Facts We spend up to one-third of our lives sleeping!!!! Sleeping is a basic human need, crucial to our overall well-being Most sleep disorders are preventable or treatable, yet less than one-third of us seek help Sleep problems actually constitute a global epidemic (sorry to use the ‘E’ word!), threatening health and life quality for up to 45% of the world’s population Examples of how poor sleep can affect our health: Poor attention span, memory recall, decision-making and learning Obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes Weakened immune systems Psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety Negative impact on family life and relationships So what is ‘Healthy Sleep’? Healthy sleep is sleep that restores and energises you, making you feel wide awake, recharged and ready for the day ahead. Basically gives you your ‘get up and go’! It’s a case of quality over quantity – poor quality sleep affects our health more than the quantity of sleep we have. Saying that, sleep experts do agree the range of 6.68-10 hours per night is the optimum amount depending on the individual. There are 3 elements to restorative sleep: Duration: The length of sleep should be sufficient for us to feel rested and alert Continuity: Seamless sleep without fragmentation Depth: Sleep should be deep enough to be restorative Healthier Sleep in Adults 1. Routine, routine It’s good to set aside approximately 7-8 hours for sleep, with an aim to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. On weekend’s TRY to limit the difference to no more than one hour as this consistency will reinforce your body’s sleep-wake cycle. If you don’t fall asleep within around 20 minutes, leave the bedroom and do something relaxing like reading or listening to chilled music – don’t do anything that will activate the mind – definitely don’t switch your tablet or phone on! 2. To siesta or not siesta There’s nothing wrong with a cheeky daytime nap but keep it to 45 minutes or less and avoid doing it late in the day. If you work nights, you might need a nap late in day before work to help make up your sleep debt – for you night shift heroes - we’d say just do whatever works for you!!!!! If you are in the habit of taking siestas, do not exceed 45 minutes of daytime sleep 3. Take a look at what you eat and drink Mealtime: It’s a tough balance but don’t go to bed hungry or full. Do all you can to avoid a large meal within a couple of hours of bedtime and avoid heavy, spicy or sugary foods - your overloaded stomach might keep you awake Treat Time: Don’t shoot the messenger on this but be cautious with your nicotine, caffeine and alcohol intake within 4 hours of going to bed. The stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine take hours to wear off wreaking havoc on your sleep. Whereas alcohol might make you feel sleepy but it can cause disruptive sleep later in the night Snack Time: A light snack before bedtime is okay BUT I’m afraid you are advised to avoid chocolate, lollies and soda – basically any sweet stuff! Confession Time: I am the world’s worst for committing most of the above sleep prevention offences!!! 4. Let’s get physical Exercising regularly can also promote better sleep, but don’t do it right before bed with all those endorphins whizzing around you will have no chance of dropping off! Being out in the fresh air during the day can also help 5. Write your worries away Try to resolve your worries or concerns before bedtime. If they can’t be dealt with immediately, jot them down with the aim of solving them tomorrow. If you wake in the night with stressful thoughts whizzing around your head, again note them down so you can put them to one side in your mind, knowing you will look at them when you’re (hopefully) fully rested. Remember - most things seem so much worse in the early hours of the morning when it’s just you alone with your thoughts 6. Get in the ‘sleep zone’ Before you go to your bedroom try to do calming activities, such as taking a bath, listening to soothing music or using relaxation techniques, it might promote better sleep. Avoid prolonged use of light-emitting screens just before bedtime. As for your sleep sanctuary, reserve your bedroom for sleep, avoid using it for work or general recreation. Create a calm and welcoming room that is the perfect sleeping place for you. For most this means a cool, dark, ventilated and quiet space. If this isn’t easy to come by, try earplugs or headphones, an eye mask and small (quiet!!) fan. Limit the amount of clutter and electronic devices around you as they can be a distraction and cause sleep disruption. Choose comfortable, soft bedding to make you feel cosy and safe. And the pièce de résistance? Fragrance . The bedroom should be a haven from the outside world where you feel peaceful and calm. Just like snuggling into a freshly plumped cushion, a fragrance can help you relax and unwind. The ‘go to’ scent for many is lavender, but don’t panic if it’s not your thing, there are other options. Perhaps try rose, chamomile, jasmine, or as a move away from florals, look to citrusy bergamot, soft woody notes of sandalwood or the herbaceous notes of sweet marjoram. During your pre-sleep relaxation routine burn a candle – it will provide the perfect ambience whilst you’re bathing, reading or meditating. Apsley Suggestion – Try the Scented Space Sundown 900g Leather Candle . When you light the candle let your mind drift away and imagine watching the sun setting on the horizon whilst enjoying the tropical sweet notes of mango and summer peach, softened with a base of white musk Scented Space Sundown 900g Leather Candle In the sleep sanctuary look to using a room diffuser which will constantly permeate your room with fragrance without the concern of falling asleep with a lit flame. Apsley Suggestion – Abode Aroma’s Crisp White Linen Cybus Ingot Fragrance Diffuser and Crisp White Linen 140ml Bevelled Crystal Diffuser gently exude fresh drifts of white lily and posies of ylang ylang blooms with luscious servings of peach, red apple & citrus leaves to form a liberating perfume that dances on a soft ozonic pillow of musk and summer jasmine Crisp White Linen Cybus Ingot Fragrance Diffuser For a quick but calming burst of fragrance spritz your room, bedding and curtains with a fragrance mist (always read product instructions first – unexpected staining will cause you stress – this is not the feeling we’re going for!). Apsley Suggestion - Our Halfeti 100ml Luxury Room Mist would be the perfect fragrance to relax to with its sumptuous notes of black rose, laced with violet and ground in musk. As you drift to sleep take your mind on an exploration of the beautiful ancient towns and beaches of Turkey Halfeti 100ml Luxury Room Mist Nobody’s Perfect Let’s be real - life, family and work all get in the way when it comes to establishing a consistent sleep routine. However, investing some time your sleep quality will have a positive impact on your personal and physical health giving you a stronger grounding to cope with the busy world you live in. Be realistic and focus on the changes you know you can make and, more importantly, stick to. It is all about establishing a sleep healthy routine that works for you. Nearly everyone has an occasional sleepless night, but if you often have trouble sleeping you may need to contact your doctor. Identifying and treating any underlying causes can help you get the better sleep you need and deserve! Sweet dreams Team Apsley xxx
Learn more
The Art of Single-Tasking
Single Tasking Day evolved as a form of rebellion against the global obsession with multi-tasking habits. Whilst heralded as being the only way of getting as much done in as many areas as possible in one day, the act of multi-tasking has actually been shown to cause our work to be sub-par, less productive and leave us even more exhausted than we could have been if we had just concentrated on one task. There’s something about focusing in and cutting out all other distractions that has the power to let us perform at our very best. My brain has too many tabs open! Single-tasking is a long-forgotten art, it is almost frowned upon as being ineffective and a sign of ineptitude. Whereas the ability to multi-task is the mainstay of job ads! The phrase ‘a strong ability to multi-task’ is like a badge of honour as we all endeavour to get as many things done in a day as possible. However, research over the past 25 years has shown multitasking is ineffective as the brain cannot fully focus when attempting to carry out numerous tasks at once. Think of it this way – how many times have you been frustrated by your computer freezing when you’ve got too many files open? Well, the brain is the same – too much going on and our minds can shut down or slowdown. The reality is we’re not actually ‘multi-tasking’ or working on things simultaneously, we’re actually toggling back and forth between jobs, causing us to restart and refocus over and over again. This dilutes concentration, exposes us to more distractions and errors, presents delays and basically takes longer to reach the finish line – it results in a pile of half-finished tasks, leaving us exhausted and demoralised. What is single tasking? Single Tasking Day encourages us to embrace focusing on one job and one job only. It’s all about the art of dedicating oneself to a given task and minimising potential interruptions and distractions until that task is done, or an allotted time period has ended. It involves reviewing a task, breaking it down into parts, completing each part thoroughly with undivided attention. Basically - prioritise – ignore everything else until you complete it!! Benefits of single tasking Better focus resulting in a quality outcome and better energy management Increases accuracy, productivity and efficiency in doing a job Makes you feel less stressed and allows you to enjoy your work It’s good for the brain – once you’ve sat with the initial discomfort of monotasking, you will find it actually unlocks the creative side of your brain and bring better results How to honour Single Tasking Day Declutter your workspace Physical and digital clutter is a distraction. Take a look around your workspace. Do you have an in-tray overflowing with paperwork, a home screen full of post-it notes, reminder notifications buzzing away and a desk cluttered with used mugs, empty wrappers and redundant stationery? If so, before even considering monotasking spend a bit of time decluttering. Having less ‘stuff’ around you creates more time, space and energy. Having the physical space around you makes it easier to find the essentials you need to get a task done, it also gives you breathing space to think, helping to subside feelings of stress and overload. Home fragrance helps Apsley Luxury Santorini Collection As we’ve mentioned in a previous blog “The Importance of Home Fragrance” zoning a home has become particularly important in the last couple of years as a home has become a place to live, work, exercise, socialise and relax. Home fragrance will help take the pressure off you and your home to perform all these roles. For your workspace, we would suggest you go for soft herbal fragrances or citrus scents to help boost concentration and alertness. They are less dominant but enduring so will carry you through your hours of work. Our Scented Space 200ml Lemongrass Ginger Room Diffuser will invigorate you and your work space with the zesty vigour of lemongrass, bursting with ginger, pine & thyme. This energising scent will gently awaken your mind, and the beauty of an aroma diffuser is the fragrance is constant and doesn’t need any looking after during your working hours! But remember for a cheeky burst of perfume just flip the reed diffuser sticks for an instant fragrant hit that will take you through the rest of your day. If you prefer to burn a scented candle – especially good in times of stress as the flickering flame can calm the mind – you could try our Abode Aroma 220g Limone Olive Vervain Bevelled Crystal Candle with its vibrant fresh scent of Japanese Kabuso blended with crispy lemony verbena for a refreshing, inspiring and zesty scent. For an instant zjoosh of fragrant energy blast a spray of our Apsley 100ml Vesuvius Luxury Room Mist Uplifting and effervescent, Vesuvius is bursting with fragrance notes of sparkling citrus, peach and vanilla, erupting like a blazing volcano and will get all your productive work juices going! Set your priorities or a time frame for the day By planning ahead we can see what we need to do, when it needs to be done by and what order we need to do it in. This will lead to less pressure, reduce the likelihood of forgetting things and possibly provide more scope for planning all-important free time. Review the tasks that are on your mind, prioritise them then work through the list ONE at a time, selecting the most pressing first. Concentrate on resolving it on that day, or within a certain timeframe before moving on to the next task. Bask in the glory (and relief) of getting that task done! Ditch the smartphone We are all so reliant on phones, yet ironically, it’s the main thing that causes distractions, slows us down and forces us to multitask. Step away from your smartphone for a day – yes it might hurt, but there is such a thing as good pain and you might feel the benefit from the separation. This disconnection isn’t only important for working hours but also for quality time with family and friends. Have you ever looked around a family gathering or restaurant and noticed how many people are distracted by mobile phones? Have you yourself been tempted to glance at your mobile phone and have the urge to immediately respond to a message even though you are mid-conversation with an actual person right in front of you? Some social venues now urge patrons to place mobile phones in a box. You could do the same at home and ban phones around the dinner table, encouraging everyone to monotask – by being in the present and having conversation with each other without disruption! One for the memory bank Abode Aroma Crystal Collection It’s inevitable whilst working on one a task, new ideas or tasks will pop into your mind and risk distracting you. Have a pad to hand or to-do list open on your computer so you can jot them down for evaluation and completion at another time. You deserve a break Set an alarm to remind you when it’s breaktime! Spending too much time on a task can mean loss of focus and waning productivity. Use the breaks to stretch, grab a glass of water, go out for a blast of fresh air, light a scented soy candle!!! Get the blood flowing back to your brain to increase creativity and energy. In conclusion Remember, multi-tasking is no longer a badge of honour! Don’t be tempted to give into the social pressures and expectations of others to multitask. Take a deep breath, declutter your work area, have a schedule review, plan, prioritise and go for it - focusing on one task at a time. Find value in slowing down – let simplicity help you reconnect with yourself and what really matters to you and your deadlines! Let’s light a candle & be less busy but more effective together! Team Aspley xxx
Learn more
For The Love of Candles – How to get the most out of your candle
There are two types of candle buyer. The first can’t wait to get their new candle home, strike a match and luxuriate in the burn. The other prefers to take the candles home and put it pride of place to be admired as a piece of home décor. We obviously encourage the burning of a candle as it has so many benefits. We thought we’d share some handy hints and tips on how to get maximum enjoyment and performance out of yours. You never know we may even manage to encourage the more cautious of you to light that wick! How many hours burn time do you get from a candle Abode Aroma Crystal Collection There are numerous factors that will affect a candle’s burn time including wax type, number of wicks, burning environment, shape and size of vessel. As an approximate guide smaller scented candles like a single wick votive will burn at a rate of 7 to 9 hours per ounce/28 grams of wax. Larger multi-wick scented candles will average 5 to 7 hours for each ounce. Apsley and Company Tip – Here are a few examples of the burn times you can expect from Apsley Candles. Our smallest Apsley and Company duo wick 400g Luxury Candles Australia will burn for up to 60 hours. Our largest 4 wick 2.4kg Luxury Candle will burn for up to 240 hours. Our single wick 220g Crisp White Linen Abode Aroma crystal candles will give you around 30 hours of burning pleasure. Okay, so that’s the burn time you can expect but how do you make sure you get the most out of your candle? Apsley Santorini 2.1kg Luxury Candle In this blog we will highlight the key principles of a safe and successful burn but you can find more detail on our website at https://www.apsleyaustralia.com/pages/candle-safety and who knows, we may even do a cheeky little Candle Safety article sometime soon. First Things First The first burn is the most important. Just like the human body’s muscle memory, soy wax has a burning memory. When lit a candle’s wax pool will only extend to the same diameter it reached on the previous burn. To avoid tunnelling, on that first burn ensure you light all the wicks and allow the wax pool to reach the edges of the container to enable an even burn when next lighting it. If you don’t do this the candle will tunnel and you will be left with unused wax around the circumference of the vessel, shortening the life of your candle. The general rule from candle suppliers is to burn a candle for at least one hour per inch of the container's diameter (please note, tea lights are the exception to this rule). Don’t burn scented candles for less than one hour or more than three hours at a time and do not let the flames come into contact with the side of the glass. Apsley and Company Tip – If you want to enjoy candlelight late into the evening, keep a stockpile of candles and rotate burning them during the night. You could mix it up and light different fragrances at different times or have a stash of your #1 fragrance to create a signature scented space. Helen, our Creative Director, does this with her personal favourite, the woody scent of Kaliningrad from our Luxury Candle Collection A Candle’s Psyche Candle Accessory Set Just like us humans, a candle will perform better when it is feeling centred and in a stable, calm environment. Centred – The candle performs better when the wick is centred. Once a candle has cooled down after a burn, gently coax the wick back into the centre of the candle. Wicks can move in the molten wax over time and if they get too close to the edge the vessel can overheat and crack. Plus if the candle wick is centred it is also straight allowing for a longer burn. Apsley and Company Tip – We provide a luxurious matt black stainless steel Wick Dipper in our Candle Accessory Set . This can be used to gently reposition and straighten the wick Stability - The scented candle needs to be on a solid surface that is non-flammable and heat resistant. It is also important not to put a hot candle on a cool surface like glass or marble – the heat could cause them to crack. Apsley and Company Tip – For added safety and to protect your home furnishings, place candles on coasters or plates and in hurricanes or lanterns. Our Abode Aroma Cybus collection includes an elegant crystal presentation tray which would be perfect for this Calm – The scented candles will last longer, burn cleaner and have a better fragrance throw if it’s not in a draughty area. Air currents can cause candles to burn unevenly or produce excessive smoke or soot. Keep them away from open windows, fans, air ducts. It’s also advisable to avoid any heat sources like radiators and fire hearths. Apsley and Company Tip – If you really can’t avoid drafts or want to burn the candle outside, it could be placed in a hurricane or lantern to protect the flame Keep it Short Apsley Vesuvius 2.1kg Luxury Candle A wick should be kept at a length of between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch. If it’s too tall the flame will grow too large causing it to flicker or smoke and the wick to mushroom, soot and leave black marks on the glass. It’s also a safety hazard. Apsley and Company Tip – Our curated Candle Accessory Set includes a black stainless steel wick trimmer. You can use scissors but be warned, it does get tricky once the candle has burned down. Whatever you use, make sure you trim the wick before every burn and only trim it when the wax is solid! Don’t let any cuttings fall into the wax Keep it Clean Pesky dust gets everywhere and it will form on the surface of your candle. You may also find small pieces of debris have fallen onto the wax during a burn. Be sure to wipe it clean before lighting. Apsley and Company Tip – Once the candle is cooled and solidified, turn it upside down and remove the unwanted fragments with a tissue, sponge or towel Lights Out Putting a candle out is as simple as one big blow and it’s out, right? Wrong…. Yes, you can do this but you risk creating a smoke cloud and also hot wax splattering out of the vessel. The candle flame needs to be extinguished by exhausting the carbon and hydrogen supply. You can do this by placing a candle snuffer, glass lid or small glass over the flame until it goes out. Make sure there are no burning embers or signs of smoke before leaving the candle. Apsley and Company Tip – We have included a Candle Snuffer in our Candle Accessory Set which is perfect for hard-to-reach wicks, tall candles, candle groups and tapered candles. It will reduce the risk of any wax splatter! Be SunSmart Like our skin, candle wax is sensitive to the sun. If positioned in direct sunlight for long periods, the wax may discolour. Some fragrances in scented candles are more prone to this than others, for example vanilla-based scents will turn yellow. Whilst it doesn’t affect the burn or smell it will affect the look of the candle and you may not want to have it out on display which would be a real shame. Apsley and Company Tip – Always store your candles in a cool, dry and dark place. Our scented candles are enclosed in a gift box which would be perfect for keeping your candle when it’s not in use The Last Ounce A candle’s life is over once you are down to the last ¼ inch of wax. This is for safety reasons, if you do burn it beyond this point you risk the candle jar shattering from the heat. Apsley and Company Tip - Okay so you now have an annoying chunk of unused wax at the bottom of your glass - don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be thrown away – scoop it out, remove the wick and use it in a wax burner. If it’s difficult to remove, place the candle holder in the freezer for 30 minutes. Then, with the help of a spoon the remaining wax should just pop out Time For A Change? Abode Aroma Candle Refills So sadly the candle’s life is now officially over, and that beautiful vessel stands empty but don’t stress it can be used in so many ways!!! You could buy a candle refill, use it as a vase or a storage jar for life’s essentials…. For more information about cleaning and reusing your vessels take a look at our blog https://www.apsleyaustralia.com/blogs/posts/earth-day-2022-how-can-we-help Apsley and Company Tip – In our bevelled Crystal Candles collection we have created a range of Abode Aroma scented pillar candle refills to replace the used candle, meaning your beautiful crystal holder will be as good as new and ready to go again! Burn Baby Burn Apsley Vesuvius 400g Luxury Candle With any luck you now feel confident about how to get the maximum enjoyment and life out of your scented candles. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the magical ambience created by the flickering candlelight and beautiful aromas. You never know, our handy hints might even encourage our lovely ‘candles are for décor only’ customers to light the wick - we hope, so because we know you will love it! Never leave a lit candles unattended Whilst we encourage you to not hold back and to light your scented candles we ask that you ensure you do it safely. And remember, if in doubt, you can refer to our candle safety guidelines at https://www.apsleyaustralia.com/pages/candle-safety Team Apsley xxx
Learn more
NEW ADVENTURES FOR YOU IN 2023
NEW ADVENTURES FOR YOU IN 2023 Well, it’s been a tumultuous few years, each one being memorable for the wrong reasons. Whilst we know 2023 will still come with its challenges, we are determined to focus on happy thoughts and wanted to share with you just a few things to look forward to in 2023! Holidays Travel started to feel ’normal’ in 2022, and with further easing of restrictions, 2023 promises to encourage many more of us to pack our bags and set off for sun and snow. Now is the perfect time to start planning where to go, whether that’s somewhere close to home or travelling further away to experience different cultures and traditions. If you’re looking for inspiration, the Australian Traveller has come up with a list of their readers’ favourite things to do in Australia. To give you a small taster of places to explore here’s a very brief summary: Visit Lord Howe Island, NSW – a 10km long and 2km wide island described as “the last paradise” by the locals. Fly over the Purnululu National Park’s Bungle Bungle Range - a scenery of 350-million-year-old carved gorges and pools surrounded by a soft, green covering of grassland. Explore Sydney Harbour’s secret beaches – there are some beautiful sandy spots along the harbour including Watson’s Bay and postcard pretty Parsley Bay Take the train – there are some amazing cross country train journeys including Adelaide to Darwin, or Sydney to Perth. Such a relaxing way to experience the beauty of our unique landscape. Marking Personal Milestones Scented Space Celebrate Candle We no longer need to have pared-back pandemic celebrations meaning there’s no excuse not to mark personal milestones – birthdays, anniversaries, a new job, or simply getting through the day – we should all take time to pause and mark the occasion. It doesn’t have to a big party with banners and balloons, you could take some time out for yourself and acknowledge what you’ve achieved. Perhaps some retail therapy, a trip to the cinema, a dinner party or coffee with friends. We’ve curated a selection of beautifully perfumed ‘Celebrate’ candles to fully immerse you in that precious moment and make it even more memorable. Interiors Trend: Healing Homes Apsley and Company Luxury Vesuvius Candles Apsley and Company Luxury Vesuvius Candles If you’re in need of colour, warmth and feel a need for reconnection with yourself and nature you will be pleased to hear white walls and minimalist styling are going. We will be surrounding ourselves with colours from the natural world from earthy oranges to rich greens. We will have ‘wellness corners’ featuring cocooning chairs and soft lighting to help ease stress and anxiety. We will also use fragrance to help create calm by “scent-scaping” areas of the house. Whether you go for a well-placed candle, diffuser or room mist, home fragrancing will become part of your self-care routine. For more information and advice on this, take a look at our article – ‘How home fragrance can help improve your mental health’ – we have lots of recommendations and advice for creating your own oasis of calm! A Year of New Openings SkyFarm, Melbourne © SkyFarm 2023 will see the opening of many amazing developments and rebuilds across Australia – from the landmark Queen’s Wharf riverfront precinct development in Brisbane to the inspiring, environmentally sustainable rebuild of Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island after its devastating destruction in the bushfires of 2020. As Melbournians, one project we are particularly excited about is the Melbourne SkyFarm. This inspirational venture will see a disused 2,000 sq m rooftop carpark (owned by Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre) turned into a sustainable urban oasis with event spaces, a café and productive gardens. Visitors will be able to tour the working farm and orchard, taste the freshest of honeys direct from the rooftop beehives, and even visit the environmental education centre for bespoke sessions on sustainability. You could end the trip with a cheeky drink on the deck whilst enjoying the Yarra River views. Music to Our Ears Riley-McFarlane Photography Last year, due to the pandemic after-effects, we could go to live performances but on a much smaller scale. 2023 promises to be a year of full-on theatre tours, arena gigs and festivals and we can’t wait to get out there and be fully immersed in the joy that is live entertainment. There are so many to mention but one of the most exciting events has to be one of the most famous Mardi Gras festivals of all time: WorldPride 2023 There is going to be a mega WorldPride Mardi Gras festival in Sydney this year. Sydney was selected to host this year’s global LGBTQIA+ Festival, which has been going since 2000. It’s a huge honour not only for the city but for Australia as this is a first for the southern hemisphere. Sydney WorldPride will feature all the favourites – the infamous Mardi Gras Parade, concerts, parties, arts, sports… all to celebrate Australia’s brilliant and diverse LGBTQIA+ community in a city renowned for its diversity and inclusivity. Sport for All In Australia we are renowned for our team and individual sporting activities, whether that be competitive or just for the love of making the most of our great outdoors. Every year we host some of the most celebrated global events across a number of sports and this year is particularly exciting, Just a few include: The Australian Open – Melbourne, January 2023 Melbourne Park once again hosts this annual Grand Slam tennis tournament where you will experience world-class entertainment and non-stop court action Australian Grand Prix – Melbourne, March/April 2023 If you’re a real ‘Petrol Head’ this is for you. Albert Park is one of the faster tracks on the Grand Prix calendar – in 2018 Lewis Hamilton pole lap averaged at 235km/h!!! The atmosphere buzzes with cheering crowds, waving flags and screeching brakes as the cars whizz around the track and the drivers battle with the bumpy surface and rapid chicanes FIFA Women's World Cup – Australia & New Zealand, July/Aug 2023 This is not just about a football tournament of exciting matches and fantastic stadium atmospheres. It’s also part of sporting history with a number of firsts. Fans will see 32 nations playing 64 matches across nine cities for the first time in Women’s World Cup history. There is a new vibrant and dynamic new brand identity with distinctive cultural elements. Greatest of all is a new movement – FIFA’s Beyond Greatness™ - with the aim to unite and inspire people globally through the power of women’s football. Horse Racing One of Australia’s most popular sports. We are known for holding some of the most exciting and glamorous race days across the international racing calendar. As a nation we love having a bet and even have public holidays to mark the major events. If you fancy the thrill of a race and the jeopardy of placing a bet or three, there are many race days to choose from including The Melbourne Cup, W.S Cox Plate, The Adelaide Cup, Caulfield Cup. Each one is unique and an experience most people look forward to every year – plus it’s an excuse to treat yourself to a new dress or suit!! The Big Read After all the travel and adventure some chill time might be needed, perhaps curled up in your newly created ‘wellness corner’ with a glass of wine and a good book. You could go for an easy-going piece of chic/chaplit, read an autobiography to explore the life of a personal hero, or simply flick through a ‘coffee table’ book filled with illustrations, sketches and photographs of your favourite things. We of course would suggest lighting a scented candle for the ultimate form of relaxation and we have lots to choose from. You can have a browse here to see what takes your fancy. Hopefully, 2023 is the year we can begin putting the pandemic behind us. We’ve only touched the surface of all the new year has to offer, so let’s get out there, do what we love doing & enjoy life once again. It’s time to start creating happy memories with our family, friends and loved ones. Happy New Year from Team Apsley xxx
Learn more
Dressing For Christmas
Team Apsley just love Christmas and all the glitzy trimmings that go with it!!! To be honest, we have to hold back from decorating the office and showroom until a time deemed acceptable – October’s okay, isn’t it? There are two culprits who need real self-discipline – and yes, I am going to name and shame - the creatives, Helen (Creative Director/CEO) and Paul (Stylist Extraordinaire!!) When it comes to dressing your space for Christmas there’s no right or wrong as far as we are concerned, the hardest part is knowing where to start. Hopefully we can help you on your way with a few ideas for inspiration, but the basic underlying message is GO FOR IT. It’s your Christmas so do it your way! Decide on a colour theme and stick to it We thought we’d share a few colour palettes with you as there are so many options out there! Whether you want to be bold, retro, traditional or fanciful there should be something here for you We’ve all become more sustainably aware and feel the need to be in touch with nature. For this theme we’re talking calming colours, raw materials, tactile textures and handmade crafts. Think wooden ornaments, home baked crafts and artisanal wall hangings. Bring the freshness and beauty of the great outdoors into your home with natural garlands, wreaths and swags. Go for fragrant options like eucalyptus, wattle, rosemary and magnolia. You can create added excitement by adding sustainable homemade decorations. Still feel the need for some sparkle-factor? Intertwine fairy lights between the foliage for that bit of bling. Are you desperate to travel to pastures new and escape the four Australian walls you’ve been in for the last 18 months?? Take yourself to Lapland by going traditional with snowy scenes and rich colour tones. No surprises here, but we’re talking reds, greens, golds and silvers. If you don’t want to go too bright, tacky and predictable, swap out the bright reds for richer plum and raspberry shades. For decoration go for jewelled ornaments, silver sparkles and frosty finishes. “Blue, for Christmas?” we hear you cry! But trust us, blue is not just for creating tranquil, cool and calming spaces. Choose the right shades, add a few statement pieces and you will be sure to make a majestically festive impact. A combination of deep tones like midnight blue, royal blue and indigo, lifted with rich gold highlights, creates an opulent, almost regal, feel in your home. Pretty pastels are perfect! Go for purples, pinks and lilacs highlighted with champagne and rose gold touches. For the decoration - forget your traditional snowmen and Santa hanging decs - we’re talking unicorns, rainbows, cupcakes and fairies. Throw in some brightly coloured paper-crafted pompoms and garlands and you’ve got the perfect fun palace! A simple but striking option with the impactful contrast of white against black. Add a metallic touch to the mix and you will have created a crisp, bold, contemporary statement Make your tree personal to you Real or artificial, you can make a genuine impact by applying our room theming tactics to the decoration of your Christmas tree. You could go beach-themed with blues and whites, hanging ornamental shells, starfish and seahorses. How about a memories tree? Hang your children’s homemade decorations, ornaments from your childhood or perhaps pieces you have gathered from your travels. You could clip family photographs to the tree, or even create a memories garland! Okay, so you’ve decided on your theme but where do you start!?! Here’s a few hints to get you on your way: Get in the mood! Play suitably festive tunes and pour yourself a glass of the good stuff Always start with the all-important lights. Check the lights work before you do anything! Start with the plugless end at the top of the tree, intertwine the lights both on top of and under the branches. When you reach the bottom, you can hide any extra lights behind the tree Before you add the decs, switch the lights on to make sure you’re happy with the tree coverage Before you add the decs, switch the lights on to make sure you’re happy with the tree coverage Decoration time! Hang one style of ornament at a time so you can spread them evenly Don’t forget about the back of your tree, especially if it’s in a window! Tree topper time! Traditional or radical the choice is yours, just make sure it is straight and secure! Dim the lighting, switch on your tree lights and step back to admire your work Alternatively, you could be brave, forget hints #Four and #Five and let the kids go wild! You might be surprised with the results!!! Every year my mum let my sister and I do just that – and we loved it. However, in our older years, we discovered every year she rearranged it all once we’d gone to bed!!! Rude! Rustic Traditional Playful Minimalist Memories Luxurious Living Set the kids free Set the kids free First impressions matter! We will ALL be opening our homes to loved ones this Christmas. It’s been a long time coming so let’s make the most of it! Greet your guests with a fabulously festive entryway. Decorate the front door with a wreath, adorn potted plants with decs and sparkly fairy lights, hang garlands around the porch. For the pièce de resistance place candles along the driveway, welcoming visitors on their approach to your home Light it up! Fairy lights, fairy lights, fairy lights!!! They are so beautiful, adding that all-important sparkle and glitz to your home! They can be draped across the front porch, down the banister, around plants, along shelves. Battery operated lights look amazing in vases and bowls. Candles, candles, candles!!!! You can’t beat the natural glow of Christmas candles flickering throughout your home – so calming, welcoming, and intoxicating. For the perfect finishing touch to your festive space, light a few Christmas candles (or 10!) and indulge in the ambience and fragrance they create. Heighten the ‘Christmas feels’ with authentic seasonal scents like pine, especially if you have an artificial tree. Scented Space Botanical Candle Abode Aroma Crystal Collection Apsley Glimpse Candles It’s all in the detail It’s Christmas, so let’s go all out!!! Spoil yourselves - pull out the cutlery and crockery you don’t ever use, Dress the table with fresh greenery, perhaps picked from your own garden. Add a few ornaments to complement your themed home. Welcome your guests to their seats with a name card and small gift (perhaps homemade bakes, floral posies, handcrafted crackers and bon bons). Light a few taper candles or tea lights, pop open the wine and enjoy! Wishing you all the HAPPIEST of Christmases!!!! Team Apsley xxx
Learn more