So many of us have a favorite food or decoration that we associate with the holidays. But what about a scent? Instead of using chemical sprays, try a simmering potpourri. It’s so easy to do and you can create a signature scent that your guests will remember long after they’ve left for the night.
How to Make Simmering Potpourri
Fill a small slow cooker or saucepan two-thirds of the way with water. Add fresh fruit, herbs, spices, and essential oils to create the scent you’d like. Put the slow cooker on the lowest heat setting. If using a saucepan, bring to a boil then reduce heat to the lowest setting. Leave the slow cooker or pot uncovered. Check on it occasionally and add more water when it gets low.
Some of my favorite combinations are:
Fruit and Spice
- One whole orange, sliced (or 3 drops orange essential oil)
- One whole lemon, sliced (or 3 drops lemon essential oil)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 Tablespoon of whole cloves
Earthy
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh pine
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary (or a couple drops of rosemary essential oil)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole nutmegs
Gingerbread Man
- 2-3 Tablespoons of fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole nutmegs
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla