During the dark winter evenings I think there is nothing more enjoyable than settling down for the night in a cosy chair, blanket close by, fluffy cat snoozing next to me, and the scent of a lovely candle. I feel it signals to me that the end of the day has arrived and I can relax.

Over the years I have tried many candles, and my favourite in recent times have been the lovely collection made by Lily-Flame. These scented candles are really beautiful, and they have many different options to choose from.

Produced in Glastonbury in Somerset these candles are presented in embossed tins. These retail for anything between £6.99 and £8.50, depending on where you purchase them. Direct from Lily-Flame you will pay 8.50- but shipping is now included. I have found Ebay to offer the best deals on these, so it is worth shopping around. You can also buy these in many outlets including John Lewis and Amazon, and independent candle shops also stock them.

The candle I prefer more than any other is one from their new collection called Parma Violets. I have a love of violets ever since my dear late grandma took me to her birthplace in the Gloucester countryside in March 1968. I was just 8 years old and we went walking down the narrow lanes together. Wild violets were growing along the roadside, and I have never forgotten the scent and sight of these purple beauties. Decades later I still smile when I think of those precious walks, and the scent of this candle evokes all those memories inside me of that spring day all those years ago. It is a lovely floral aroma similar to the fragrance you get from violet perfume and chocolates.

The candle itself is a beautiful mauve shade, and it has a burn time of 35 hours. I can certainly verify that this is accurate as I use mine most evenings for a couple of hours, and the candle easily lasts well into its third week. What I really love about this fragrance is that it perfumes the room, and the scent lasts all night, and is still discernable the next morning. In fact, at any time you can get a scent coming into your space from the candle, even when it sits unlit on the shelf.

According to their website this candle is "Parma Violets; The Sweetest Feeling." They say it takes you back to the carefree days of being six years old - I can certainly say it does for me for the reason I mentioned. It has that childhood "wellies in puddles" feeling to it - and I love everything about it!

These candles are all hand made, and there is always attention to detail in them. The Parma Violet candle has little pieces of wax on the top, also in a lilac shade, which looks very attractive. I think for the price these candles represent excellent value for money, and would certainly make lovely gifts. There are so many to choose from including my other favourites, blue hyacinth and rose petal.

I think this candle also has a Victorian feel to it, which isn't so surprising as the Victorians were very fond of violets and used them in many ways.

One of the most fragrant candles I have used, and perfect to create a cosy space as day gives way to night.

www.lily-flame.co.uk