The scent of summer instantly triggers happy holiday memories and now, you can buy it in a bottle. Gabrielle Fagan sources this year’s most heavenly home fragrances

YOU may not be able to bottle happiness, but you can capture the scents of summer, whether it’s the salty tang of the seashore, a freshly-cut lawn or a rose-scented garden.

They’re gathered in a seasonal bouquet of home fragrances, which you can use in candles, diffusers and room sprays, to mimic those pleasurable aromas of the season. These aren’t just an easy way to enhance the atmosphere in rooms at this time of year, but just a hint of those wonderful whiffs can lift our spirits, conjuring images of bright blue skies, sunny days and annual escapes.

“At this time of year, we yearn for the refreshing scents of the outdoors. We get a big increase in demand for scented candles and home fragrances in summer, possibly because people want their rooms to smell fresh and airy, whatever the weather,” says Peter Burks, general manager of Trelawney Garden Leisure.

“Scented candles can add real aromatic flair to a home, and can also enhance the atmosphere if used outside at garden parties and barbecues.”

So even if summer’s delights are elusive – you’re stuck indoors working, too cashstrapped for a break, or the weather’s simply not co-operating – you can still enjoy something in the air this season.

Mood boost

Put a smile on your face that banishes the blues, especially if you’re overdosing on summer showers and grey skies. A Happiness Standard Scented Candle, £30, Neom Organics (neomorganics.com; 01423- 878-810).

Cocktail hour

Those drinks with their potent mixes and decorative garnish are a treat on hot nights. Summon up the scent but not the hangover with Kiss-Air Candle’s cocktail range, which includes Pina Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri, Frozen Margarita, Peach Bellini and Mojito, £8.50 each. (kiss-air.com)

Cream tea

Avoid the carbs and calories of a cream tea and settle for the mouth-watering aroma of a Cornish Cream Scented Candle, £6.95, from One Brown Cow (onebrowncow.co.uk; 01980-626-420), and a Sweet Strawberry Yankee Candle, £16.99, from Trelawney (trelawney.co.uk).

Sea breeze

Waves crashing on the shore, footprints in the sand and fresh coastal air are guaranteed to invigorate and de-stress.

Lie-back and breathe in the holiday vibe with a Sun & Sand Yankee Candle, £8.99, Trelawney (trelawney.co.uk).

Lemon squeezy

Transport yourself to sun-baked Italian lemon groves with the zesty, citrus scent of a Sicilian Lemon Lamp Fragrance, £12, Ashleigh & Burwood (ashleigh-burwood.co.uk).

Meadow sweet

Country walks through meadows and orchards are most beautiful in summer months. Crabtree & Evelyn’s Summer Hill Room Spray, £9.50, blends the scents of summer grasses, wild flowers and orchard fruits, available from Marks & Spencer (marksandspencer.com; 0333-014-8555).

Exotic dreams

There’s no need to get out the passport or suitcases, simply indulge the senses with the heady Eastern scent of the Indian Spice Three Wick Candle, £85, Kenneth Turner (kennethturner.com).

Country cottage

That chocolate box image of a pretty cottage wouldn’t be complete without roses round the door. No matter what your des res, enjoy the sweet smell of rose, mandarin and jasmine combined in a Florence Lamp Fragrance, £12, Ashleigh & Burwood (ashleigh-burwood.co.uk).

Take time

Most people regard thyme as no more than a culinary seasoning, yet ancient Greeks prized its strong scent, and its oil is widely used in aromatherapy. Save money on a spa and chill out with a Thyme And Olive Leaf Scented Reed Diffuser, £25, Little Mill House (littlemillhouse.co.uk).

Garden delight

While your own plot may be modest, you can still enjoy the fragrance of a variety of blooms and produce. Summer foliage, grass, citrus, lilies and a fragrant gum plant harmonise in the Matin au Jardin Candle, £25.95, Villeroy & Bosch (villeroy-boch.co.uk).

Who needs green fingers? simply savour the aroma of freshly picked rhubarb with its earthy sharp notes, blended with hints of lemon, in the Orla Kiely Home Fragrance Range Rhubarb, £24, Berry Red (berryred.co.uk; 0845-450-3937)