Notes for a thoughtful home.

To use a wax melt, place it in the top dish of a wax melter and light an unscented tealight underneath. As the wax warms and melts, it releases its fragrance. When the scent fades, let the wax cool a … read more

A candle has a wick and burns with its own flame; a wax melt has no wick and is warmed in a melter to release its scent. Choose a candle for glow and simplicity, and wax melts if you like to change s … read more

The coziest home gifts make a room smell, look or feel warmer: an apothecary jar candle ($20), a wax melter with a few soy wax melts (from $26.50), or a Swedish kitchen set with a tea towel and two d … read more

The best hostess gifts under $25 are small, useful and easy to carry in: a patterned Turkish serving tray ($12 to $17), an apothecary jar candle ($20), a Swedish tea towel ($16), or a simple pairing … read more