The Best Fall Candle Scents, and What They Actually Smell Like

Spiced Pumpkin Ginger

Pumpkin with a lively kick of fresh ginger and a warm layer of spice beneath. Autumn in a jar, whatever month it happens to be. The notes are pumpkin, ginger and fall spice. It comes in the 4 oz amber jar and 9 oz amber jar, from $16. Shop Spiced Pumpkin Ginger.

Apple Harvest

Ripe, bright apple with the spice drawer open: cinnamon, nutmeg and orange peel, finished with clove and a little vanilla. Orchard first, pie second. The notes are apple, cinnamon and clove. It comes in the 9 oz amber jar, from $24. Shop Apple Harvest.

Comfort Spice

Cinnamon and brown sugar with buttery praline, a little vanilla, and a bright bit of lemon so it never gets heavy. The best bakery you know, the morning it opens. The notes are cinnamon, brown sugar and praline. It comes in the 4 oz amber jar, 9 oz amber jar, 11 oz glass tumbler and 16 oz glass jar, from $16. Shop Comfort Spice.

Cinnamon & Vanilla

Warm cinnamon and clove folded into cream and sweet vanilla. The smell of something baking, with nothing to wash up afterwards. The notes are cinnamon, cream and vanilla. It comes in the 9 oz amber jar, from $24. Shop Cinnamon & Vanilla.

Vanilla Bean

Vanilla first, then something deeper: a little tonka and a touch of cocoa keep it warm and grown-up instead of sugary. The easiest one in the collection to love. The notes are vanilla bean, tonka and cocoa. It comes in the 4 oz amber jar, 9 oz amber jar, 11 oz glass tumbler and 16 oz glass jar, from $16. Shop Vanilla Bean.

Which to burn when

Early fall: Apple Harvest, while it still feels like orchard weather.
Halloween to Thanksgiving: Spiced Pumpkin Ginger and Comfort Spice.
When it turns cold: Cinnamon & Vanilla, which leads into the holidays.
Any time at all: Vanilla Bean.

At the Thanksgiving table

A scented candle on the dinner table competes with the food. Put Unscented on the table for the light, and burn a scented one in the entryway or living room instead.