The nuances of modern perfumery now allow a single drop to evoke an entire landscape. Amie Elizabeth White explores the native houses hitting the right notes

© HEADER DRAWINGS BY MICHAEL HADDAD/HEART Leaves Byung-Chul ...

Chestnuts roasting. Mulled wine brewing. Other people’s perfume. With the festivities comes fragrance – and it can make for olfactory overwhelm. WH reports on why scent is on your ick list

Edward Brooke-Hitching Simon & Schuster 978-1-398-53240-3 256pp (hb) £30 This is a fascinating compendium of classical curiosities, thoroughly researched and charmingly written by Edward Brooke-Hitchi

The latest wellness fragrances not only make you smell good but work on your brain chemicals to help you feel calm, energised or sensual – whatever mood takes you! Welcome to the evolving world of power per fumes.

The gargantuan, bewildering Louvre