How to Make Potpourri

People have used potpourri for centuries to decorate and add fragrance to their homes. Customize homemade potpourri to different seasons and decor styles by thoughtful use of color and textural materials. Making homemade potpourri requires little time, but the finished product lasts for years.

Things You'll Need

• 4 to 5 cups fragrant dried flowers, leaves, roots and seeds
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup dried citrus peel
• 4 to 5 tbsp. crushed spices such as cloves, nutmeg or cardamom
• 5 to 6 drops of essential oils
• 2 tbsp. fixative such as orris root or gum bezoin
• Texture elements: bark, shells or pinecones
• Large bowl
• Non-metal spoon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by mixing ingredients together in a large bowl. Potpourri should primarily be composed of fragrant herbs and flowers, for example lavender, lemon balm, rose, sweet pea and rosemary. To provide accent colors, up to a quarter of the dried flowers can be tulip or peony petals, bachelor's button and/or foxglove. Choose additional brightly colored flowers to intensify desired color.

2. Smell the mixture. When the blend of scents is satisfactory, continue on to the next step. If not, try adjusting the ratios of different herbs until you are pleased.

3. Pour mixture into a covered container.

4. Store 4 to 6 weeks in a cool, dark area to allow the scent to develop. Shake or stir every 2 to 3 days.

5. Arrange potpourri in dishes, trays, baskets or glass jars. Use potpourri to fill sachets.

Tips & Warnings

• Select texture elements based on seasons or room themes; a summer potpourri can have shells while a holiday themed potpourri has pine cones or holly berries.

• Use culinary herbs for a creative and appetizing kitchen potpourri.

• Fixatives should be available at most craft stores.

• Use only thoroughly dried herb and flower parts when making potpourri, otherwise the mixture may rot.

• Don't use too much essential oil. The fragrance in essential oils is very concentrated and can overpower the dried flowers if not used sparingly.