How to Scent Your Home for a Holiday Party

Christmas smells are enticing, and chances are between the piney smell of the tree and the aroma of the food, you won't need to add much - especially if you're mulling wine or spicing cider. But if your kitchen reeks of garlic - or if your party's being catered and your nose is underwhelmed - try this.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cinnamon Sticks
• Dried Herbs
• Dried Orange Peels
• Herbal Teas
• Lemons
• Limes
• Oranges
• Spices
• Vanilla Extract Or Bean
• Large Saucepans
• Lemons
• Oranges
• Limes
• 8 c. water

1. Fill a large saucepan halfway with water - about 8 cups - and set on a hot burner to boil quickly.

2. Gather some yummy scented things: citrus (fresh lemon, lime or orange - or use dried fruit peels), cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, allspice, juniper berries and bay leaves.

3. Toss in anything else you can find that smells good - herbal tea bags, rose water, dried fruits, lavender or rosemary or a snippet of redwood from the garden, a vanilla bean or a few drops of vanilla extract.

4. Bring to a rolling boil and then turn down to simmer.

5. Leave the pot to simmer uncovered.

Tips & Warnings

• Strain out ingredients and toss (and pour out the water) before guests arrive to make sure no one assumes you've prepared a particularly original holiday punch - and, of course, to make them think you've been baking all day!

[nessalh19]

on 12/19/2008 What a great piece! I love the smell of simmering cloves and orange peels!

[iamageniuster]

on 12/18/2008 Very neat article. Thanks for sharing.

[intherough]

on 12/17/2008 my guests would be like, "whatcha making?"

[Haoie]

on 12/16/2008 Unusual but cool tip.

Air freshner is what most would use.

[writer7]

on 12/15/2008 These are really great ideas! Thanks! Scented holiday candles are also a good choice.