Maybe the most lasting impression you have of potpourri is that it’s that perfumey, dried stuff your grandma kept in her bathroom, but hear us out: potpourri is making a comeback. Only, instead of showcasing shriveled-up petals in a tray, turn on the stove, and follow these 5 potpourri recipes to deodorize your space.
A great homemade gift for the holidays, potpourri ingredients can be appropriately proportioned and artfully presented in a mason jar—just don’t forget to craft a beautiful label with instructions to go with it.
1. A seasonal staple
For a spicy scent to remind you that it’s the holiday season, heat up two cups of water, and throw in a couple of orange slices, two cinnamon sticks and a splash of vanilla extract. Whether you’re looking for a calming scent as you’re folding your laundry or wanting to get rid of the residual smell of your salmon dinner, this potpourri recipe has your back.
2. Sweet and sour
To channel naughty and nice with this potpourri mix, you’ll need a few lemons, whole cloves, a couple of cups of fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs and some water. We recommend thinly slicing the lemons if you’re concocting this recipe, and if you’re trying to bundle together the dry ingredients in a mason jar, we think a whole lemon topped with a smattering of cranberries makes for a cute presentation.
3. Spicy apple
There’s the expression “the apple of your eye”—may we humbly coin “the apple of your nose”? No? Okay. Well, get back to us after you concoct this potpourri mix brimming with sliced apples, orange peels, cinnamon sticks, star anise, fresh ginger, cardamom pods and whole cloves. Steep them in some hot water, and you’ve got a warmhearted scent that rivals Bath and Body Works’ line of holiday candles.
4. Minty fresh
Lean into the spirit of the season with an evergreen fragrance that has a peppermint kick. All you need is two cinnamon sticks, a few sprigs of pine and a couple of drops of peppermint extract. This potpourri recipe will not only dilute any unwanted smells—it will help soothe your senses when the stress of holiday shopping runs high.
5. Brew-tiful aroma
For the coffee lover in your life, assemble a mason jar filled with espresso beans, a baggie of cocoa powder, a few cinnamon sticks and a little vial of vanilla extract. If you decide to brew up this comforting scent, beware of the temptation to drink the coffee-infused water—the handful of cocoa powder and two tablespoons of vanilla extract will sneak up on you in a way you might not expect.
Stay on top of your game this holiday season, and come visit our store to check out our wide array of kitchen appliances!