One of the greatest pleasures of the holidays are the scents that go along with it. Homemade baked goods. Freshly peeled oranges. The scent of your Christmas tree perfuming the room. Wouldn't it be nice if we could activate those smells whenever we want?

That's one of the joys of using potpourri. They can help you capture the magic of the season whenever you want! The only problem is that store bought potpourri is usually filled with harmful chemicals. The good news is that you can make your own potpourri! Not only does it smell great, but there aren't any chemicals so it will beautify your environment in a natural way.

Natural Holiday Potpourri Recipe:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup chopped dried apple

1/2 cup dried orange peels

1/3 cup dried pine needles

1/4 cup dried rosemary

1/4 cup dried ginger

3 cinnamon sticks, lightly crushed

1 star anise, lightly crushed

1 tablespoon crushed cardamom

1 tablespoon whole cloves

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Add all of he ingredients except for the vanilla into a large mixing bowl.

Stir gently with a wooden spoon.

Sprinkle the vanilla extract over the top. Let it set for about five minutes.

Store the potpourri in an airtight container, or package it into pretty bags and give it as a holiday gift.

Using the Potpourri

When it comes to using the potpourri, you have a few options.

Display it. Pour the potpourri into a small dish and leave it on display until the scent fades

Sachets Make sachets using the potpourri by putting a small amount in the center of a small cloth, such as cheesecloth. These can be used to scent a clothing drawer, to hang in your closet, or even as ornaments on your Christmas tree!

Simmering potpourri. Please 2 tablespoons of the potpourri mixture into a medium saucepan. Fill the pan with water. Set the heat to low and let it simmer. As the water evaporates, add more. The scent will last for a long time!

Although this potpourri is great during the holidays, you can actually use it year round!