How to Make Pine-Scented Potpourri

Whether you're looking to recapture the aroma of a vacation cabin in Maine or trying to liven up an artificial Christmas tree by bringing the scent of pine into your home, this crisp, clean forest blend ought to do the trick.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 tbs. orrisroot fixative
• Scotch pine essential oil
• 1 cup miniature pinecones
• 1 cup balsam needles, dried
• 1/2 cup juniper berries
• 1/2 cup sachet-quality cedar chips
• 1/4 cup star anise
• 1/4 cup small white feathers, optional

1. In a large resealable plastic bag or nonreactive (glass or plastic) bowl, combine fixative and 10 to 15 drops of essential oil. Toss or shake gently to combine.

2. To the fixative, add pinecones, balsam needles, juniper berries, cedar chips and star anise. Toss or shake to combine.

3. 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 1 week to see if the fragrance is strong enough. If desired, add more essential oil.

4. When ready to display potpourri, stir white feathers into the mix. Pour into decorative bowl or vase. Note: Do not add feathers if you are planning to simmer this potpourri.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot find balsam needles, substitute dried rosemary needles instead.
• Refresh this-or any-potpourri by adding a few drops of essential oil periodically.
• Keep this and all potpourris out of the reach of children and pets.

Resources

• Source for Scotch pine essential oil