Christmas Potpourri Recipes & Ideas: Fill your Home With Festive Aromas

Potpourri typically contains a mixture of dried flowers, fruits, spices, and other naturally-scented materials. They serve a two-fold purpose – scenting the space and adding visual appeal.

Natural Christmas potpourri recipes are slightly different in that they use an assortment of Christmas spices, dried fruits, and Christmas essential oils. Think orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, clove buds, and nutmeg shavings. Flowers are rarely used in these creations.

These enchanting blends of fragrant ingredients serve as delightful home decor and 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 you can try at home.

10 Festive Natural Christmas Potpourri Recipes

The instructions for making all these recipes are the same, only the ingredients vary. I’ve included the instructions below for the Christmas potpourri recipes with ideas for how to use them at home. You’ll also find ideas for creative ways to wrap your homemade potpourri for gifting.

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 more 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. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

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.

This apple cider essential oil blend has a lovely refreshing aroma, that’s great for scenting homemade potpourri.

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 one of these Christmas essential oils and blends just before putting it out in a bowl so 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 gifting your creations.

Below you’ll find ideas for each.

Creative Ways To Use Homemade Christmas Potpourri Around The House

1. Potpourri Bowls

Place potpourri in small decorative bowls in your guest bathroom so it stays smelling fresh and inviting.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.

4. Tree Ornaments

Hang potpourri-filled ornaments on your Christmas tree for a fragrant and decorative touch.

5. Scented Wreaths

Add a small sachet of potpourri to your holiday wreaths for an extra burst of fragrance when guests arrive.

6. Linen and Clothing Drawer

Tuck a sachet of potpourri among your linens and clothes to keep them smelling fresh and seasonal.

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

Look for 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.

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 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!