As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Full Disclosure Here
The holiday season is a time to engage our senses and cherish the magical scents that fill the air. One way to unwrap the aromas of the season is with Christmas potpourri recipes.
What’s Special About Christmas Potpourri Recipes?
Potpourri typically contains a mixture of dried flowers, fruits, spices, and other naturally-scented materials. They serve a two-fold purpose. The primary purpose is to scent the space and the second is to add visual appeal.
Natural Christmas potpourri recipes are slightly different in that they include a combination of Christmas spices, dried fruits, and Christmas essential oils that are associated with the season. Think orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, clove buds, and nutmeg shavings. Flowers are rarely used in these creations.
These enchanting blends of fragrant ingredients not only serve as delightful home decor but also make for heartfelt and aromatic gifts. To ensure your holiday season is filled with the warmest of scents, I’ve curated a collection of 10 captivating and easy Christmas potpourri recipes that you can try at home.
10 Festive Natural Christmas Potpourri Recipes
The instructions for making all these recipes is the same. I’ve included it below along with ideas for how to use them at home as well as creative ways to wrap them to be given as gifts.
1. Classic Christmas Spice Potpourri
1 cup dried orange slices
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 cinnamon sticks
2 tablespoons whole cloves
5 tablespoon star anise
Optional: Add a few drops of your favorite Fruity Christmas essential oil blend for an extra boost of fragrance.
Mix the ingredients well to create a classic fruity-spicy scent of the season.
2. Peppermint Wonderland Potpourri
1/2 cup dried peppermint leaves
1/4 cup dried vanilla beans (cut into small pieces)
1/4 cup dried orange slices
2 cinnamon sticks
Optional: Add a few drops of Peppermint Candy Cane essential oil blend to give the mix a more intense scent.
Mix the ingredients well to create the most favorite of all seasonal scents – that of peppermint candy canes.
3. Christmas Tree Potpourri
1/2 cup dried pine needles
1/4 cup dried cedarwood chips
1/4 cup dried eucalyptus leaves
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup dried cranberries
Optional: Add a few drops of your favorite Christmas Tree essential blend to fill the room with the distinctive aroma of Christmas trees.
Mix thoroughly to create a crisp, woodsy scent reminiscent of a Christmas tree farm.
4. Cozy Fireside Potpourri
1/2 cup dried apple slices
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon dried cloves
1 tablespoon dried nutmeg
Optional: A few drops of cinnamon essential oil will add additional warmth and coziness to this Christmas potpourri recipe.
Mix the ingredients well to create the most favorite of all seasonal scents – that of peppermint candy canes.
5. Vanilla Chai Potpourri
1/2 cup dried vanilla beans (cut into small pieces)
1/4 cup dried black tea leaves
2 tablespoons dried ginger
1 tablespoon dried cardamom pods
1/4 cup dried orange peel
Optional: Add a few drops of Vanilla Chai essential oil blend to give the mix a scent of sweet-n-spicy Indian tea.
Mix thoroughly to release the chai and vanilla scents.
6. Winter Woods Potpourri
1/2 cup pine needles (dried)
1/4 cup cedarwood chips
1/4 cup dried juniper berries
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup dried orange peel
Optional: To add more complexity to the mix, add a few drops of any of these Wonderful Winter Wood & Forest essential oil blends.
Mix the ingredients well to create a wonderful, refreshing woodland fragrance.
7. Gingerbread Spice Potpourri
1/2 cup dried apple slices
1/4 cup dried ginger root
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 cup dried cloves
1/4 cup dried vanilla beans (cut into small pieces)
Optional: Add a few drops of your favorite Gingerbread essential oil blend for an extra boost of fragrance.
Mix well to create a warm and spicy gingerbread scent.
8. Sugar and Spice Potpourri
1/2 cup dried lemon peel
1/4 cup dried ginger root
1/4 cup star anise pods
2 tablespoons whole cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
Optional: To give the mix a more mellow scent, add a few drops of Orange Cider essential oil blend.
Mix the ingredients well to create a sweet and spicy aroma.
9. Winter Citrus Burst Potpourri
1/2 cup dried lemon peel
1/4 cup dried grapefruit peel
1/4 cup dried lime peel
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon dried cloves
Optional: Adding any of these Traditional Christmas essential oil blends will cut through the citrusy scent, giving the potpourri an unexpected twist.
Mix thoroughly to create a zesty and refreshing citrus aroma.
10. Nutcracker’s Delight Potpourri
1/2 cup whole almonds
1/4 cup dried figs (sliced)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup dried orange peel
1 cinnamon stick
Mix well to create a sweet and nutty scent.
A Word About Adding Essential Oils To Christmas Potpourri Recipes
Adding essential oils to these Christmas potpourri recipes is optional but it does work wonders to elevate the aromas. Here’s what I generally do.
If I’m using the potpourri at home, I add the recommended essential oil just before putting it out in a bowl or when I enter the room. The essential oil aroma tends to dissipate faster so this way I get to enjoy the scent rather than letting it fade away unnoticed.
If I’m making potpourri to give to family and friends, I add the essential oil or blend just before wrapping it up. I also add a bottle of essential oil or blend along with each potpourri gift.
The scent of potpourri will fade over time when exposed to air. You can refresh it by adding a few drops of essential oil or gently shaking the mixture to redistribute the fragrant components.
How To Make Christmas Potpourri: Putting It All Together
The instructions for how to put together the different Christmas potpourri recipes are the same.
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well to distribute the individual components evenly.
That’s it!
Be gentle when mixing so you don’t break the individual spices or dried fruit. Whole ingredients elevate the visual appeal of your homemade potpourri while broken bits and pieces will cause it to look shabby.
What you do next with your homemade Christmas potpourri will depend on whether you’re going to use it in your home or you’re planning on gifting your creations.
Below you’ll find 10 ideas for each.
10 Creative Ways To Pack Homemade Christmas Potpourri For Gift-Giving
1. Mason Jar with Festive Decor
Fill a clean, clear mason jar with your homemade potpourri.
Add a decorative ribbon or twine around the lid.
Attach a small gift tag or label with the name of the potpourri scent and usage instructions.
2. Fabric Sachet Bags
Pack small fabric sachet bags with homemade Christmas potpourri. Use holiday-themed fabric for a festive touch.
Tie the bags closed with colorful festive ribbons or strings.
3. Vintage Tins or Wooden Boxes
Look for vintage tins or wooden boxes at thrift stores or craft stores.
Fill them with potpourri and decorate the exterior with paint, decoupage, or holiday-themed paper.
These reusable containers make charming and eco-friendly packaging.
4. Glass Ornaments
Fill clear glass ornaments with your potpourri. Add a small decorative ribbon or tag to the ornament’s hook.
These make wonderful aromatic Christmas tree decorations.
5. Organza Bags
Place your potpourri in small, colorful organza bags.
Tie the bags shut with satin ribbons. Attach a small ornament or charm to the ribbon for added flair.
6. Miniature Decorative Baskets
Look for miniature baskets at a craft store and line them with festive fabric or a layered combination of red, green, and white tissue paper.
Fill them with your potpourri and top with a bow or ribbon.
7. Hand-Painted Paper Cones
Create hand-painted or decorated paper cones. Fill the cones with potpourri and seal the top with a twist tie or ribbon.
8. Burlap Sacks
Place the potpourri in small burlap sacks.
Tie the tops with twine or raffia. Decorate the sack with holiday-themed stamps or paint or give it a more seasonal look.
9. Vintage Teacups or Saucers
Seek out vintage teacups or saucers from thrift stores.
Fill the cup with potpourri and place the saucer underneath.
Wrap the set in cellophane and tie it with a bow.
10. Personalized Glass Jars
Use clear glass jars with lids.
Create personalized labels or tags with the recipient’s name or a holiday message. Fill the jars with potpourri and attach the label with a ribbon.
Using creative packaging ideas shows your thoughtfulness and attention to detail and transforms an easy and budget-friendly homemade Christmas potpourri into something extra special.
When giving potpourri as a gift, always add a small card with usage instructions and details about the ingredients. This is especially important in case the recipient or anyone in their family is allergic to certain spices or other ingredients, especially nuts.
Creative Ways To Use Homemade Christmas Potpourri Around The House
1. Room Fragrance
Place a sachet of Christmas potpourri in a decorative dish or bowl in any room. As the scent wafts through the air, it will create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
2. Centerpiece
Use a clear glass bowl or vase to display your potpourri as a festive centerpiece on your dining or coffee table. Add some tea lights for a cozy, aromatic glow.
3. Holiday Mantel Decor
Scatter potpourri along your fireplace mantel or shelf to infuse your living space with the scents of the season.
4. Gift Wrapping Accent
Instead of gifting your homemade creations, you can use them as gift-wrapping accents. Attach a small sachet of potpourri to a wrapped gift as a lovely scented ornament, enhancing the recipient’s gift-opening experience.
5. Tree Ornaments
Hang potpourri-filled ornaments on your Christmas tree for a fragrant and decorative touch.
6. Scented Wreaths
Add a small sachet of potpourri to your holiday wreaths for an extra burst of fragrance when guests arrive.
7. Potpourri Bowls
Place potpourri in small decorative bowls in your guest bathroom so it stays smelling fresh and inviting.
8. Linen and Clothing Drawer
Tuck a sachet of potpourri among your linens and clothes to keep them smelling fresh and seasonal.
9. DIY Air Freshener
Create a natural air freshener spray by steeping a handful of potpourri in a spray bottle with water and a touch of vodka. Spritz it in the air to refresh any room.
10. Stovetop Simmering Potpourri
Simmer your potpourri ingredients in a pot of water on the stovetop to release the scents throughout your kitchen. Keep an eye on the water level and don’t let it boil dry.
Using homemade Christmas potpourri throughout your home can enhance the festive atmosphere and spread holiday cheer.
These creative applications will not only delight your senses but also impress your guests with your attention to detail.
Here are another 25 wonderful ways to make your home smell like Christmas.
Tips And Precautions To Keep In Mind When Making Christmas Potpourri
Use Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality, dried ingredients for the best results. Fresh, aromatic components will yield a more fragrant potpourri.
Layer Scents: When creating your potpourri blend, consider layering scents with a base note (e.g., cinnamon sticks), middle notes (e.g., dried fruits), and top notes (e.g., citrus peels) for a complex and appealing aroma.
Experiment with Ratios: Adjust ingredient ratios to customize the fragrance. If you prefer a more pronounced scent, increase the amount of certain ingredients.
Add Essential Oils: If you want to intensify the aroma, you can add a few drops of Christmas-themed essential oils like cinnamon, clove, or fir to your potpourri.
Store Correctly: Store extra potpourri in airtight containers or zip-lock bags to maintain its scent. Keep in a cool, dark place.
Fire Safety: If you decide to use potpourri as a decoration around open flames, like candles or fireplaces, exercise caution. Some ingredients can be flammable, so keep them away from direct heat sources.
Pets and Children: Be aware that some potpourri ingredients may be harmful if ingested by pets or small children. Store potpourri in areas where they cannot access it.
Essential Oils: If using essential oils, remember that they are highly concentrated. Be cautious when adding them to the mix, and don’t apply them directly to your skin.
Check for Mold: Occasionally inspect your potpourri for signs of mold or mildew. If you notice any, it’s best to discard it.
By following these tips and precautions, you can create and enjoy homemade Christmas potpourri safely and effectively. It’s a delightful way to add a festive ambiance to your home or share the holiday spirit with friends and family.
Where To Buy Ingredients For Making Natural Potpourri
These are my go-to online sites for sourcing high quality raw materials:
For high-quality dried spices: Starwest Botanicals or Amazon
For high-quality essential oils: Plant Therapy, Rocky Mountain Oils, or Barefut Essential Oils
For sachets and decorative materials: Amazon has the widest selection of all types of Holiday accessories, from decorative sachets to ribbons and everything in between.
Enjoy the festive scents of the holidays with your own DIY Christmas potpourri!
No time to make your own gifts during this busy season? This List of Oprah’s Favorite Things includes a varied assortment of gifts hand-picked by Oprah herself. With over 100 items in a wide range of prices, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your gift list.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your physician before using essential oils. See Full Disclaimer here.
