The folks over at diptyque shared this diptyque winter tale with yours truly, and I just had to share it with you; I hope you are as entertained as I am. And they are happily welcoming you to experience their charming fragrances of the season. So let yourself get whisked away by this redolent, poetic, luminous adventure, steeped in incomparable sensations.

A diptyque Winter Tale

On a winter’s night, just after a snow storm hit Paris, Henri found himself stuck in his shop at 34, Boulevard Saint-Germain.

In the dark, his nose at the window, Henri watched as the snowflakes swirled in the wind. A thick white blanket was forming outside, hemming Henri in, preventing him from heading home where his family waited to share a festive meal with him. As the clock ticked, he became increasingly impatient, and cold. Suddenly, he heard someone whisper his name.

“Henri!” At first, he thought it was just the wind whistling.

“Look over here, Henri!” A little paper character emerged from behind the Pollock theaters on display at the counter.

“Don’t worry, Henri, don’t be sad. My friends and I will entertain you until the storm passes.” Henri was stunned, speechless.

“Would you like to share this cold winter’s night with us, Henri?” Absolutely astonished, Henri nodded in agreement. “Draw back the purple stage curtain, and take this Henri, you’ll need it,” he said, offering him a match, as big as he was.

Henri delicately opened the paper curtain, and in the darkness of the tiny stage, a flicker of light revealed a candle. He took it, struck the match and lit the wick. The roof of the cardboard theater lit up instantly. A star-studded sky appeared. Twinkling blue light burst forth, unveiling the most incredible hovering figurines. They spread their magnificent iridescent wings, just like that of butterflies. On the stage, an orchestra of fairies with smaller but equally splendid wings held tiny musical instruments in their hands. They smiled at Henri, and began to play and sing. At that point, the candle burned brighter and brighter still, giving off an airy yet spice-tinged fragrance, a combination of incense, elemi and cloves. This was the most beautiful heavenly music Henri had ever heard. It warmed him, and brought a smile back to his face. The curtain closed at the end of the concert. The sweet smell of vanilla lingered in the air.

The little paper man reappeared. And before Henri had the chance to say a word, the figurine handed him another match. “Open the red theater curtain,” he instructed. So Henri gently opened the red paper curtain, took out the ruby red candle, and lit it. The sweet smell of gingerbread slipped out. The red theater lit up. This time the light was scarlet, intense, enveloping. The figurines inside were busy making a cake. Amidst a joyful swirl of colored paper, the “cooks” took the time to explain their secret, one-of-a-kind recipe to Henri, a blend of sparkling star anise, comforting cinnamon and warm notes of honey. The delicious aroma emanated from the oven. Henri savored the treat and was delighted. The curtain closed, and the light went out.

The paper doll popped out again, offering Henri yet another match. In a whisper he said, “Now you know the routine!” He winked and disappeared. Excited and intrigued, Henri sat down comfortably to enjoy the final act. He carefully opened the green curtain, and lit the candle inside. The incredible scent of a lush pine forest filled the air as the theater glistened like a thousand emeralds. Right in the middle was the most beautiful, majestic Christmas tree, laced in the loveliest garlands anyone could imagine. Rotating on its base, it sent dazzling reflections all over Henri’s face. At the foot of the amazing tree sat countless gifts. Little figurines then emerged from behind the enchanted tree, their arms laden with presents. The candle glowed ever brighter, filling the room with the charming fragrance of resin, cedar and mysterious patchouli flourishes. Mesmerized by the garlands shimmering lights, Henri drifted off to sleep, spellbound.

A key clicked in the store lock, awakening Henri. Squinting to see through the morning’s sun, he realized it was his associate, Corinne, coming in the door. He glanced at the counter. No more paper Harlequin. Everything was back to normal, except for three burned out matches on the ground… In the air, a slight redolence of paper lingered… amidst the fragrant waves.

diptyque is re-enchanting the year-end holidays with three new limited edition candles, inspired by this magical winter tale.

UN ENCENS ÉTOILÉ (Sparkling incense)

A burst of dazzling elemi and spicy cloves, mysterious swirls of incense and sweet vanilla.

ÉPICES ET DÉLICES (Delicious spices)

Warm gingerbread notes mingle with tasty honey laced in hints of star anise.

LE ROI SAPIN (The festive fir tree)

The incredible smell of a lush, pine-laden forest steeped in the woody tones of resin, cedar and patchouli.

And the best part is, if you are in the UAE, you don’t have to go to Paris to experience a diptyque Winter Tale. You can find the limited edition candles at diptyque Boutiques at The Dubai Mall and Dubai Festival City Mall; and Bloomingdale’s Dubai and Harvey Nichol’s. In Abu Dhabi they can be found at Areej store – Marina Mall and Tryano – Yas Mall.

xoxo