Homemade herbal potpourri for Christmas. Now is the time to make it

Potpouri has been a symbol of Christmas since the time of our grandparents, yet it is found less and less in our homes. Why is that? Well, the fact that a really good potpouri is almost impossible to find these days is probably the main reason.

What is sold as potpouri tends to be far from the real great smelling stuff . So, to enjoy the real stuff why don’t make it at home? We have an herbal potpouri recipe for you, so you can experience what our grandmothers had.

Herbs, spices and dried flowers – this is the true base of Christmas purple

Photo: Pixabay

Here is the list of ingredients you can use and it is quite long. So, choose the ones you have at home or which you like the most. This list should serve as an inspiration.

• oregano,
• lavender,
• lemon balm,
• thyme,
• sage,
• wormwood,
• rosemary,
• coniferous spruce or pine,
• raspberry, blackberry leaves or similar
• marigold,
• roses,
• heather,
• chamomile
• clove,
• cinnamon,
• nutmeg,
• fennel.

Choose spices you like best and blend it or crush in a mortar to make sure that all the components are the same size. This is important if you want an even release of the aroma.

Enhance the mixture by adding essential oil

Sometimes, the mixture may not be enough to scent the room sufficiently. You can make your potpouri stronger by adding essential oils. You will need about 15 drops for 4 tablespoons of potpourri and try to choose an oil that symbolizes Christmas for you. It may be citrus, vanilla, cinnamon or perhaps the scent of pine needles. Potpouri should absorb the oil well, but it may take about two weeks. However, if you don’t have the time to wait do not despair. You will still be pleased. Essential oils just add a little bit of fine touch. Do not forget to store potpouri in a sealed bag or jar to prevent the aroma from evaporating!

Preview photo: Pixabay