How to Make Christmas-Scented Potpourri

This charming potpourri blend will have you dreaming of a white Christmas in no time. Easy to make and customize according to your fragrance preferences, you can prepare a big batch and keep your home smelling like Christmas for as long as you would like. You can even package it in a cellophane bag and tie with a pretty bow for a sweet homemade gift. Read on to learn how to make Christmas-scented potpourri.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 cup dried orange peel
• 10 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
• 1/3 cup star anise
• 1/3 cup allspice berries
• 2 tbsp. whole cloves
• 1 cup small pinecones
• Essential oil(s) of your choice: orange, cinnamon, clove, ginger, vanilla
• Eye dropper
• Large resealable plastic bag or nonreactive bowl
• Large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

1. In a large resealable plastic bag or nonreactive (glass or plastic) bowl, combine orange peel, cinnamon sticks, spices and pinecones. Toss gently to combine.
2. Select one or a blend of essential oils. Use an eye dropper to distribute a total of 12 to 15 drops of essential oil(s) on the insides of some pieces of orange peel in the potpourri mix. Toss potpourri gently to combine.
3. If the mixture smells strong enough, do not add any additional essential oil. However, if you would like to increase the intensity of the fragrance, add a few more drops, then toss again to combine.
4. Pour the potpourri mix into a large glass jar and seal with a tight-fitting lid. Store the jar in a cool, dry, dark place for a couple of weeks to cure before using. Check the potpourri after one week to see if the fragrance is strong enough. If desired, add more essential oil.

Tips & Warnings

• The orange peel acts like a fixative in this potpourri mix. If you would rather use a different fixative, you could purchase cut orris root or oak moss instead. Simply place the drops of essential oil on the fixative and combine with the other potpourri ingredients.
• If you have forced hot-air heat (and no pets or small children), pack this potpourri into cheesecloth bags and set over heat registers. When hot air blows through the vents, the scent of Christmas will fill your home.
• Hang a small tulle or cheesecloth pouch filled with Christmas-scented potpourri from the rearview mirror of your vehicle.
• Combine 1 cup potpourri and 2 cups water and simmer on a warm (not hot) woodstove. Be sure to add water as it evaporates.
• Keep this and all potpourri out of the reach of small children and pets.
• Potpourri is flammable; keep away from excessive heat and open flame.

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