Alfresco Dining: How to Scent Your Dinner Party

There’s something undeniably magical about dining outdoors. Whether it’s a slow Sunday lunch in the backyard or a candlelit dinner with friends on a warm summer night, alfresco dining is one of life’s simple pleasures. And while the menu might take center stage, it’s the thoughtful touches like lighting and scent, that can transform the experience from ordinary to unforgettable.

If you want to create a warm, inviting space that smells just as good as it looks, here’s our guide to the best candles for outdoor dining. These fragrances are subtle, fresh, and perfectly matched to complement summer dishes and long, lingering evenings.

Set the Mood with Scent

Food and fragrance are more connected than you might realize. The right candle can enhance the atmosphere around your table without overpowering your senses -or your meal.

Choose fresh, zesty, or herbal scents that blend naturally with your outdoor setting. Fruity notes add energy and brightness, green aromas keep things clean and airy, and soft florals bring elegance without becoming too heavy.

Citrus Tonic

A sparkling choice for any outdoor table. With notes of lemon, mandarin, and peppermint, Citrus Tonic is effortlessly refreshing. Light this at the beginning of your dinner party to energise the atmosphere. Plus, it will pair beautifully with Mediterranean dishes, grilled fish, summer salads, or even with pre-drinks like a crisp white wine, or an ice-cold vermouth!

Positive Energy

Zesty grapefruit with peppermint and violet leaf - Positive Energy is exactly what it sounds like. Clean, uplifting, and subtly cooling, this scent works beautifully for daytime garden lunches or as a pre-dinner mood booster. It’s particularly lovely when sipping spritzes or light botanical cocktails.

Herbal Tea

For something more grounding yet really fresh, Herbal Tea is a calming, green scent with notes of lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile. It’s ideal for moments when you want to create a serene, easygoing mood. Light it alongside earthy dishes like roasted vegetables, flatbreads, or herbed grains.

Happy Space

With rose, amber, and geranium, Happy Space brings a gentle floral presence to your table - warm, refined, and comforting. This is the candle you light as the sky turns golden, serving grilled peaches, halloumi, or summer pastas.

Tomato Leaf

An Aery bestseller for a reason. Tomato Leaf is green, aromatic, and just the right amount of unexpected. It’s the perfect pairing for rustic dishes, tomato-based plates, or antipasti. A great talking point, too: fresh, nostalgic, and subtly summery.

Fig Leaf

With its crisp greenery and creamy coconut, Fig Leaf is perfect for twilight gatherings. Light it just as the sun dips below the trees. It pairs well with any dessert, cheese boards, fruits, ice creams or anything shared under fairy lights and good conversation.

Styling Tips for Alfresco Evenings

• Layer your candles: Mix and match fragrance families and candle sizes. Incorporate colored jars that complement your table setting for a cohesive look.

• Start early: Light your candles at the start of your gathering for an instant mood boost and to create a seamless transition from daylight to evening. We recommend letting them burn for at least 2 hours for an even burn.

• Set the vibe: As the sun sets, let candles take center stage. Their warm, flickering glow naturally creates an intimate setting that encourages relaxed, feel-good conversation.