I found the recipe for this all natural Christmas potpourri a few years back in my mother’s old recipe box. It was titled “Smells of Christmas,” and that description is exactly correct. This truly smells like Christmas! I knew that it was something that I wanted to share with you as part of Sleighbell Saturdays.
I am a person who can’t do scented candles or lotions or perfumes, or even essential oils. Sad, but true. The scents overwhelm my senses and trigger my migraines, so I have learned to steer clear of them. This has always made me sad, because, prior to identifying those scents as a trigger, I always had perfume in my hair, scented lotion in my purse, and candles in each room of the house. Now the only scents I can handle wafting through the house are the scents of actual food being cooked in the kitchen. (Chocolate chip cookies, anyone?? YUM!)
Since this recipe for all natural Christmas potpourri is just pure spices in water I can totally handle it, and that makes me ecstatic! It can be prepped in a matter of about two minutes, and then my whole house starts to smell like Christmas. YAY!
This scent of this Christmas Potpourri is perfect for a holiday party or just for everyday use. I have it on the stove right now, and it is making me smile. It is subtle yet wonderful.
The process of making this Christmas potpourri is extremely quick and simple. Place three cups of water into a small pot and add the spices. If you want it subtle stick to the recipe, if you want it bold add extra spices. Heck, if you start subtle and want it more bold you can add more spices later! I have done that many times. (As you can see in the photos below, I usually end up going more bold.)
Smells of Christmas Potpourri
3 cups of water
2 cinnamon sticks (or more as desired)
3 whole allspice (or more as desired)
3 whole cloves (or more as desired)
Combine in a small pan. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat. Check periodically while simmering over low heat. Add water as needed. This smells fabulous for your guests as they arrive at your home for holiday parties!
You may also enjoy some of my family’s traditional holiday recipes and activities:
Christmas Countdown Service Chain
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I did this in our old house when we had it on the market the morning before the realtor was coming to show it; it does make the whole house smell so nice without that perfumy scent!
People don’t realize how overpowering scented “everything” can be. I love doing simple spices on the stove like this to give a nice festive touch.
I love all natural simmers! I also can’t tolerate many scented products. I am going to try to make a simmer tomorrow! Thanks for sharing for TFT!
I always prefer the natural smells versus something artificial as it frequently smells like “chemicals” to me. I have a similar potpourri and love to have it simmer on top of the stove. Thanks for sharing with Fiesta Friday.
Sarah what a fantastic idea! I am going to try this tomorrow! Thanks so much for sharing at Fiesta Friday (don’t forget to add the links in so your readers can see where you’re partying)!
I will love your Christmas Potpourri, it will smell so good! Hope you have a great week and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday!
Merry Christmas
Miz Helen