We'll be honest, we didn't know outdoor candles were a thing until recently, when we returned home covered in tiresome mosquito bites after an evening soiree. Now, we're never going back. An insect repelling citronella candle is one thing - handy and pretty nice when you get a whiff of it, too - but a luxury outdoor candle with that same bug-banning greatness and a high-end scent? We are listening.
Yep, that's right. Brands like Diptyque and Yankee Candle have all come through with the goods this year, and you can enjoy vanilla and waterlily scents all evening long while avoiding the sting of the summer mosquito rush.
We'll be nabbing M&S' sand blast candle with its generous four wicks and a scent that reminds us of s'mores by a fire. Affordable and in minimalist packaging, it ticks all the boxes for us.
Elsewhere, if you have a little more money to spend, the White Company's domed candle lantern is just gorgeous (and lovely enough to bring indoors come the winter months). Opt for the brand's signature Seychelles scent for summer freshness or, if you're prone to many-a bug bite, you can swap in your own citronella pillar candle. The world is your oyster.
M&S COLLECTION Sand Blast Citronella 4 Wick CandleRibbed Domed Glass Candle Holder With Tray - LargeSeychelles Large Pillar CandleFor more from GLAMOUR UK Commerce Writer Lucy Smith, follow her on Instagram @luceeeeesmith.
Scroll for our full edit of the best outdoor candles.
Outdoor table candlesLos Poblanos Citronella CandleBurn time: N/A
Weight: 16oz
Why we love it: In a gorgeous terracotta pot that'll feel right at home in the fresh air of your outdoor space, this citronella candle is made from high-quality soy wax and will repel pesky bugs from your dining table during all manner of bbqs and outdoor buffets on a balmy summer evening.
Save money on natural soy wax candles for your garden party with these Free People discount codes.
Outdoor candles citronellaCitronelle/Lemongrass Candle 1.5kgBurn time: 120 hours
Weight: 52.9oz
Why we love it: Diptyque candles are tried and tested and certainly well-loved by us, so you can estimate how thrilled we were to see that the brand now stock stylish candles for outdoor use. We love the herbal mix of lemongrass with the bug-repelling citronella here, not to mention the garden candle pot is gorgeously designed and makes for a wonderful outdoor dining centrepiece.
Outdoor candles for bugsM&S COLLECTION Sand Blast Citronella 4 Wick CandleBurn time: N/A
Weight: N/A
Why we love it: In a neutral colourway candle holder that reminds us of old town Ibiza or perhaps Tulum, this M&S citronella candle is a top pick for garden dining, big enough with its four wicks to protect everyone at your soiree from getting bitten by the pesky mosquitos. We're big fans of the gourmand ‘edible’ scent, and with so many wicks, it'll serve as an excellent night light, too.
Save money on insect repellent candles with these M&S promo codes.
Weatherproof outdoor candlesConcrete wax candleBurn time: N/A - flameless candle
Weight: 79.3oz
Why we love it: If manually lighting six of the best outdoor candles or, worse, tealights, isn't your cuppa tea, then chances are a flameless LED candle will be just the ticket for you. Weatherproof and battery powered, this pick from Waitrose Garden will save you money in the long run and provides that same glowy alfresco ambience you're looking for. Only upgrade would be if it was solar powered!
Save money on outdoor LED candles with these Waitrose discount codes.
Outdoor scented candles UKYankee Candle Outdoor Collection - Linden Tree BlossomsBurn time: 110-150 hours
Weight: N/A
Why we love it: Yankee Candle is one of the OG brands, and their clean cotton scent is up there with one of the best. This one, suitable for outdoor garden use and equally useful for purchase as a gift set, features notes of wisteria, water lily and citronella oil, and will freshen up your garden all the while serving as a bug repellent. Dreamy.
Save money on everything from solar lanterns to essential oil garden candles with these Very discount codes.
Large outdoor candlesHabitat Citronella Candle- LargeBurn time: 33 hours
Weight: N/A
Why we love it: One of the most affordable picks on the market, this Habitat citronella candle is not only giving us coastal grandmother chic with its pastel blue holder but, with a reactive glaze on each ceramic, it means that no two pots will be the same. Yep, you can get bespoke independent potter-style candles for a reasonable price - thanks, Habitat.
Save money on everything from sofas to citronella tea lights with these Habitat discount codes.
Outdoor lanterns for candlesSeychelles Large Pillar CandleRibbed Domed Glass Candle Holder With Tray - LargeBurn time: 135 hours
Weight: 33.5oz with the holder
Why we love it: The White Company's Seychelles scent is summer encapsulated, hence why we're all over their outdoor pillar candle and garden lantern. While it might cost you a little more, TWC's products really do burn slower than their budget counterparts, not to mention this one is so chic it'll look just as at home in your living room.
Best outdoor candlesLSA International Gio Lantern Candle Holder, H28.8 cmBurn time: N/A
Weight: 47.7oz
Why we love it: For starters, the pillar candle in this candle lantern is included, which isn't always a given. Secondly we love LSA International glassware and this ribbed pick for the garden takes the idea of a ‘glass jar’ candle to the next level. We love the dipped opening and the fact that you can swap in your choice of a plain or citronella scented candle for outdoor use is oh-so-handy and offers buyers much more longevity.
Save money on everything from tea light candle holders to hanging lanterns with these John Lewis promo codes.
Outdoor candles to give your garden a glow upAcqua di Parma Aperitivo In Terrazza Candle, 200gBurn time: 50 hours
Weight: 7oz
Why we love it: Smaller than the rest but as such perfect for grabbing at the last moment to bring outside, this Acqua di Parma luxury candle is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and smells so delightful and citrussy, it'll transport you right into the heart of italy.
Save money on everything from eucalyptus to citrus candles with these John Lewis discount codes.
Windproof garden candlesLarge Outdoor / Indoor Citronella Essential Oil Wooden Crackle Wick Soy Cement CandleBurn time: N/A
Weight: N/A
Why we love it: While the weight might not be disclosed, these sturdy guys are potted in cement, so they're not flying away come rain or shine. We love the idea of a crackle wick to create that fireside feel even on a balmy summer evening, and the option to choose from a citronella or essential oil scent is an added bonus - we'll take the rosemary and mint.
Outdoor scented candles to light up your gardenDiptyque Large Indoor & Outdoor Figuier Scented Candle, 1500gBurn time: N/A
Weight: 52.9oz
Why we love it: Boxed beautifully so you can send it as a gift set, this indoor/outdoor candle from Diptyque comes in our favourite figuier scent with notes of fig wood and its milky sap - perfect for outdoors. The green pot is just beautiful for garden dining and, well, we'll take five.
Save money on citrus, geranium and woody scented candles with these John Lewis discount codes.
After more outdoor content? We've found the best picnic blankets for gatherings in the park, the best picnic bags for transporting your boxed wine and the best umbrellas to keep you dry if the rain makes an appearance. Head this way for the best pizza ovens for al fresco dining, over here for the best BBQs for the ultimate garden party feast and over here for the best patio heaters so you can kick back and never get cold. We've even got fire pits for a Love Island-style garden makeover, the best hanging egg chairs for your patio and the best garden furniture sets. You are most welcome.
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