When we lived in Florida I had a friend whose house would smell like Christmas from November through January. It always made me feel so happy and relaxed entering her house and I felt my stress melting away. Who doesn’t want that? I finally asked her why her house always smelled so amazing and she shared her recipe with me for this Christmas Simmering Potpourri. I’ve changed it a little here and there if I didn’t happen to have all the ingredients in my pantry. It’s really flexible and it smells amazing!
This post is part of the 31 days of Christmas Ideas series. Click over to the main page to see all of the 31 Christmas posts (they will be added daily).
Potpourri ingredients:
orange
2 cinnamon sticks
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon nutmeg
4 cups water
optional:
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup cranberries
pine twig
Cut the orange in about 8 slices. Add all of the ingredients to a pot filled with 4 cups of water. Place the potpourri on low and wait for the smell to permeate your house. It only takes about 15 minutes. My boys came downstairs and asked why it smelled like Christmas. Mission accomplished! I know you wish you could smell it through the screen.
Scented candles are readily available in many different Christmas scents, but there’s something peaceful and relaxing about simmering your own potpourri on the stove. Continue simmering for as long as you like, just keep an eye on the water level and add more water as necessary.
I have saved the potpourri for up to a week in the refrigerator. Place it in a glass jar then just reheat it within a week to use it again.
The potpourri also makes a wonderful gift for neighbors, friends, mail carrier, hair stylist, coaches, teachers, and hostesses. Fill a bag with all of the ingredients, tie off with twine, then attach a tag that says to add to a pot of 4 cups of water and place on simmer. I placed the nutmeg in a small jewelry bag within the large bag to prevent a mess in the gift bag. You could also attach pretty measuring spoons to the bag for an added gift.
Excuse me while I go enjoy the smells of my house. Is it too early for Christmas music?
Please join me tomorrow for the next 31 Days of Christmas Ideas post.
