Decorating the house for holidays – no matter what those holidays are – is one of the things that creates a special tradition. While you’re adding ornaments, wreaths, and garlands, you should take time to stop and think about adding fragrances as well.
It’s not just a minor detail – scientific studies have shown that fragrances have beneficial effects on our well-being. Pot pourri blends add luscious fragrances to your home without artificial or harmful chemicals. And, you can create multiple variations for variety.
Here are a few ways to add wonderful natural citrus-infused scents to your home.
Method #1: The Scentuous Simmer
3 oranges, thinly sliced
2 lemons, thinly slices
6 cloves, whole
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 inch ginger, thinly sliced
Optional:
1/4 cup cranberries, dried
6 star anise, sub for the cloves
- Place the ingredients in a pot or saucepan where they fill it to about 2/3.
- Cover with water, and cover the pot.
- Bring it to a simmer, and then set the heat to as low as you can so that it bubbles gently all day.
- Check every couple of hours to make sure the water hasn’t depleted too much.
- At the end of the day, simply add enough water to cover the fruits and spices, and you can do it again the next day.
- Alternatively, you can bottle up whatever is left and reheat it at another time.
Method #2: Dried Pot Pourri
2 large oranges
2 lemons
1 cup of cranberries
4 sprigs rosemary
3 cinnamon sticks
6 star anise
Overnight: Dry the cranberries
- Set the oven to 350 °F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place cranberries on the parchment paper in a single layer.
- When the oven has reached 350, place the cranberries inside, and then turn the oven off.
- Without opening the oven, leave it overnight.
3-4 Hours: Dry the fruits & rosemary
- Slice the oranges and/or lemons thinly, and discard any seeds.
- Set the oven to 200 °F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the fruit slices on the sheet in a single layer, and the rosemary sprigs. Place in the oven.
- The rosemary will be done in about 20 minutes – you don’t want them completely dried.
- Let the orange slices bake for 3 to 4 hours, flipping every 30 minutes or so.
- They’re done when they’re firm, and the tackiness has dried out.
Assemble
- Gather the dried fruits and rosemary, along with the remaining ingredients, and place in a bowl. Or, you can store it in a jar for future use.
- Optional: Add 2 apples to the mix, and dry them out in the same method as with the citrus fruits, BUT make sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before placing in the oven.
- Optional: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils, such as balsam fir, clove or sweet orange.
