There's something about the resinous scent of pine groves that instantly reminds me of long poolside days sat beneath towering Mediterranean pine trees in Crete, accompanied by the busy hum of cicadas and a rustling breeze.
Now, perfectly captured by Diptyque's new limited edition summer candle Pinède, I can bring that same scent straight home and enjoy it all summer long − and there's one unexpected benefit to burning it, too.
As pine notes work to naturally repel mosquitoes, it's also one of the very best home fragrances for creating the perfect atmosphere when hosting or relaxing al-fresco throughout the balmy months of warmer weather.
Pause with the relaxing summer scent of pine. This limited-edition candle features a gorgeous mosaic-inspired design by artist Mathilde Jonquière, which has found pride of place on my mantelpiece at home, and will look stunning on any al-fresco tablescapes all summer long.
In my opinion, the best candles combine a beautiful design with an equally beautiful scent, a clean burn, and a persistent, room-filling fragrance when lit. As I've learned to expect, Diptyque's Pinède effortlessly ticks off all three.
It's not just that, though, that makes it such a perfect summer scent. Pine is also a scent that deters mosquitoes, which means lighting it is also an easy way to get rid of mosquitoes in the house naturally and get rid of mosquitoes in outdoor spaces, too, like patios, balconies, and terraces.
For that reason, while I wouldn't usually pair a scented candle with a meal indoors, it's my perfect pick for giving any outdoor dining ideas an elevated look and feel.
There's plenty more to love from the whole Diptyque summer collection, too. The Citronnelle (or lemongrass) Classic Candle is another of my favorites, and lemongrass is another plant that Martha Stewart suggests for keeping your yard mosquito-free. And, for making your house smell nice without burning candles, there's also the option of the Citronnelle Incense, available at Diptyque.
Elsewhere, my favorite Diptyque Figuier, or Fig Tree, candle also enjoys a moment in the summer spotlight.
Of course, when it comes to repelling mosquitoes, a candle, and particularly one that's not specifically designed for the task like Diptyque's Pinède, can only work so effectively (though the scent and gorgeous vessel are enough to justify the purchase either way).
So, for maximum effect and a fragrant boost, I'd recommend pairing any scents with container plants that repel mosquitoes, like rosemary, lavender, and peppermint, or trying your hand at making your own DIY natural mosquito repellents, like a lemon eucalyptus spray, lavender oil spray, or using apple cider vinegar and herbs.
More to Shop
Browse more goodness from Diptyque's limited-edition summer collection below, along with more affordable alternatives for scenting your space all throughout the warmer months.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
Prefer something fresher? This iconic summer scent from Diptyque combines citrussy notes of lemongrass, verbena, and neroli, which work to lift any space in warm weather. The 190-gram size is suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.
This soy wax candle is hand-poured and finished with a cotton wick, offering a naturally clean burn with helps to avoid candle tunneling, and a 40-hour burn-time. It's also phthalate and lead-free, with a simple, minimalist design.
Scented spirals like these are one of my holiday essentials for repelling mosquitoes at dusk. This one, though, has been given the Diptyque treatment − with an exclusive oval incense holder with a gold finish.
Put a fruity twist on traditionally woodier scents with the addition of pomegranate and lemon. It's free from formaldehyde, sulfates, phthalates, pesticides, and parabens, and the glass candle jar is perfect for reusing.
It's by no means necessary, but this borosilicate glass candle holder is the finishing touch for any candle, as the aquatic glass allows the flame to filter through the colors. Each holder is mouth-blown and handcrafted in Italy.
This affordable citronella candle features notes of sugared orange, pineapple, peony, warm musk and amber, and is specifically designed for outdoor use. The three cotton lead-free wicks ensure consistent and even burning.
If you've found yourself wondering how long you should burn a candle, I usually stick to three hours at a time, which experts agree is the ideal length of time.
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