My last blog post was over 2 years ago. It was a playlist that accompanied the Spring 2021 launch (remember the Vintage Vinyl and Main Squeeze days?)
As I was working on the 2023 holiday collection after time off this year, I knew I wanted to do something similar. The time off gave me an important perspective on what I want to accomplish with Pipe Dream Candle (more on that in the New Year), and ultimately that's to help you all create the vibes you need and want in your lives. I do that mainly through scent of course, but many other elements work together to bring that vibe to life - including music!
So in honor of the 2023 Holiday Collection, I've put together a curated playlist that brings to life the personalities of this year's collection. All have unique qualities that will evoke different feelings and emotions, but each one special.
I hope you enjoy! Now without further ado:
Cabin Sweater
Song: Snow in Montana by Michigander
Cabin Sweater is all about the winter cabin life - cedar all around, wearing chunky warm sweaters in front of the fire, and of course watching the snow fall down. You could be with loved ones, or thinking about the one you love. It's soft, quiet feeling that often accompanies winter.
"Snow in Montana" embodies that feeling to a tee. With its dreamy guitar riffs and soulful vocals, the song wraps up winter in a warm cozy sweater. The song combines elements of folk, pop, and rock, creating a unique sound that is both familiar and refreshing. It's a musical escape that will leave you longing for a snowy cabin adventure of your own. So grab your chunkiest sweater, turn up the volume, and let "Snow in Montana" take you on a musical journey through a winter wonderland like no other.
Christmas by the Sea
Song: Snow on the Beach by TSwift
Christmas by the Sea is a nod to the magic of the coast mixed with the nostalgia of being a child at Christmas. Growing up in a coastal region, this scent holds an extra special place in my heart. I was inspired by my family's annual Douglas Fir tree (such a distinct childhood scent memory for me), and my love of Martha's Vineyard and the Massachusetts islands which feature frothy winter whitecaps slapping against the seawall and salty sea air whipping my hair around into a tangled mess. I created a custom fragrance myself to capture this idea of seaside holiday and childlike wonder.
Certainly a master storyteller like Taylor Swift can paint a perfect picture of this vibe, too. In "Snow on the Beach," she sings whimsically about the sheer joy and wonder of experiencing snow and sea in perfect harmony. It's a delightful reminder that life is full of surprises, and sometimes the most magical moments happen when we least expect them. It's a song that will make you want to grab your winter coat and head to the beach as the snow falls.
Classy Christmas
Song: Sleigh Ride by Ella Fitzgerald
In Season 7 of The Office, Michael plans a high-end, ritzy, and glitzy holiday party to woo back his love Holly in the beloved episodes of "Classy Christmas". Taking on the alter ego of Santa Bond, and hiring jazz musicians to play in Dunder Mifflin, Michael eschews whimsy for attempted sophistication, as only he can. This scent captures that attempt with notes of sparkling, bubbly cocktails and hollyberry.
Musically, one song came to my mind right away - Ella Fitzgerald's version of "Sleigh Ride". Ella's smooth and velvety voice adds an extra layer of magic to the song, making it impossible to resist, while the arrangement is a masterpiece in itself, with jazzy horns, toe-tapping percussion, and sleigh bells - exactly what Santa Bond was looking for.
Holiday Cheer
Song: All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey
I won't lie - for Holiday Cheer, I wanted to create a shame-free holiday spirit Bonanza. The scent itself - Peppermint + Mocha - smells exactly like walking into a Starbucks as the winter sun sets after an afternoon of gift shopping. You know what I'm talking about!
With that in mind, there was obviously only one song that would fit the bill - the iconic Christmas anthem "All I Want For Christmas is You" by the Christmas Queen Mariah Carey. This song has become a staple of the festive season, and for good reason. From the moment those jingle bells start ringing, you can't help but feel the holiday spirit coursing through your veins. Mariah's unmatched vocals soar over the joyful instrumentation, creating a perfect blend of pop and Christmas cheer. The infectious joy that radiates from every note, reminding us to embrace the magic of the season.
Pond Hockey
Song: Evergreen by Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners
Pond Hockey is the scent that kicked off my first ever collection planning. Being from New England and knowing the region's love of hockey - plus living on a beautiful pond myself - I knew I wanted to create something unique to this neck of the woods. I sought out the perfect fragrance blend, and when I smelled it blindly for this first time, I KNEW it was the one. Pond Hockey is my all-time best seller, and the notes of frosty evergreen and snow smell cold right away, but then melt into whimsy and comfort of good friends and vibes in an indescribable way. Good spirts and the glow of a firepit keep you warm and fuzzy despite the chill in the air.
Yes, the song "Evergreen" by Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners has an obvious connection to Pond Hockey in its name, but more than that, its folky melodious tones help paint a dreamlike winterscape that I think captures Pond Hockey perfectly. An impromptu pickup game with old friends on a frozen pond surrounded by snow-frosted evergreen trees is something out of a storybook. The beauty of it will make you want to pinch yourself. 
Very Merry
Song: Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee
Very Merry was inspired by my holiday trips to Walt Disney World and its renowned life-size gingerbread houses. I want people to feel like they are celebrating the holidays on Main Street USA with some holiday spice and frosted Gingerbread treats. It's a classic holiday scent that requires a classic holiday tune.
When it comes to Christmas songs, there are the classics, and then there are the classics. And one song that falls into the latter category is none other than "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee. This festive tune has been a staple of holiday playlists for decades, and for good reason. It's catchy, it's fun, and it's guaranteed to get you in the jolly spirit of the season. The song paints a picture of a lively Christmas party, where friends and family gather around the tree, dancing and singing with joy. It's a reminder of the magic and warmth that the holiday season brings. 'Tis the season to be jolly, and this song is the perfect soundtrack for that.
0 comments