How to Make Holiday Themed Potpourri

Potpourri has been around for hundreds of years. This simple concoction of naturally scented ingredients is an easy and affordable way to keep your home smelling great. Holiday themed scents will definitely make your home a festive location for family and friends.

Things You'll Need

• Cinnamon sticks
• Cloves
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Dried apple
• Dried orange rind
• Small pinecones
• Large jar
• Pot

Instructions

1. Combine the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, dried apple, orange rind and three or four pinecones in a large jar. Seal the jar and allow the ingredients to combine for at least a week.

2. Shake the jar and remove the lid to allow the potpourri scent to be released into your home. Close the jar when you are done with the potpourri to keep the scents from drying up too fast. This is the best method to use if you just want a subtle holiday scent in your home.

3. Pour the ingredients from the potpourri jar into a large pot on your stove top. Add approximately 3 cups of water. Allow the mixture to come up to a light simmer. Be sure to use a pot that you will be using only for potpourri.

4. Turn the stove off and allow the ingredients to steep together. This heating will bring out the most in your potpourri and will leave a very powerful holiday scent throughout your home.

5. Leave the pan on the stove for up to a week, reheating as necessary. Warming the ingredients will release the remaining essential oils they contain, allowing you to get the most enjoyment from your holiday scented potpourri.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when choosing your ingredients. Some items are extremely powerful and may be overwhelming when heated.

• Do not use utensils that you will be eating with to heat or stir your potpourri. Some ingredients will stain your utensils, altering the appearance.