Make Holiday Parties a Hit With These Expert Aromatherapy Tips

"When a guest walks in the front door, they assess the general vibe with multiple senses simultaneously. Mood lighting and jolly jingles in the back go a long way, but you can put guests at ease and create a pleasant experience from the moment they take their first breath in your space. I spoke with multiple experts to get tips and tricks on how to hack your party atmosphere to create the ultimate festive holiday vibe."

"Everyone I spoke to has a different opinion on what "smells good." In fact, some etiquette experts advise forgoing scent entirely to avoid possibly offending anyone. But holiday parties are stinky places! Different guests have different perfumes, colognes, and other smells. There's food, there are drinks, there are probably some pets around, there's the entire bathroom to think of. Really strong smells can trigger headaches or nausea in sensitive guests, so it's best to pick subtle, people-pleasing fragrances that harmonize the space without overpowering it."

"Iryna Kolosvetova, founder of Fine Dining 4 Home, says she loves balancing "warmth, comfort, and sophistication" with scents like amber, balsam, and firewood (for coziness), or citrus, clove, and pine (for crisp, festive energy). She recommends avoiding scents that are too sweet, synthetic, or heavy-strong rose, sweet vanilla cupcake, or gardenia, for example, can feel cloying rather than inviting. She also says to steer clear of distinctive scents like peppermint or pumpkin, which can become overwhelming and often have their own olfactory associations."

Guests evaluate a home's vibe with multiple senses immediately upon arrival, and scent can shape first impressions. Subtle, people-pleasing fragrances that harmonize a space are preferable to strong perfumes that may trigger headaches or offend guests. Warm, cozy notes such as amber, balsam, and firewood create comfort, while citrus, clove, and pine add crisp festive energy. Avoid overly sweet, synthetic, or distinctive scents like peppermint and pumpkin that can be overwhelming. When uncertain, choose simple, understated aromas and prioritize guests' sensitivities by keeping scents mild and unobtrusive.

Read at WIRED