Whether you’re making this for yourself or to give as a gift, the cozy natural scent of this mix will fill the house with a gentle scent that makes me think of Christmas. This easy DIY potpourri kit can be made in bulk quickly and is perfect for a last minute gift.
Ingredients and Supplies
- Dried Citrus Slices: Use dried oranges, lemons, or limes. You can dry them yourself in a low oven or dehydrator, or purchase them pre-dried.
- Whole Spices: Cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces if needed to fit in your container, and whole cloves.
- Aromatic Extras (Optional): Pine needles, bay leaves, or whole cranberries (fresh or dried but if fresh this mix will need to be used right away to prevent molding). I also add pine chips, dyed red in beet juice to add a pop of color but those can be left out.
- Packaging: Recycled jars with lids, mason jars, clear cellophane bags, or small cotton drawstring bags.
- Tags: Small gift tags with the instructions for using the potpourri kit on the back and twine or ribbon.
Instructions
1. Measure and Mix
For one kit in a pint sized jar, measure out the following portions into a mixing bowl:
- 6 to 10 dried orange slices
- 3 to 5 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- A small handful of pine needles removed from the branch
- 1/4 cup optional extras (cranberries or bay leaves)
2. Assemble the Kits
Carefully layer the ingredients into the chosen packaging. Layering them visually makes the jar or bag look more appealing with a mix of colors and textures.
3. Create the Instruction Tag
Handwrite or print a small tag to attach to the gift. I use old Christmas cards I saved from previous years by cutting off the front of the card and pasting a printed copy of the instructions to the back. The instructions are crucial so the recipient knows how to use the kit!
Suggested Tag Text:
Festive Home Scent Instructions:
- Pour the contents of this kit into a small saucepan.
- Cover the ingredients with water (about 4 cups).
- Bring the water to a gentle simmer on the stove.
- Let simmer for hours, adding more water as needed to maintain the level. Do not let the pot boil dry.
Enjoy the cozy scent of the holidays!
I hope you enjoyed this quick project, if you make it yourself let us know what you included in your potpourri kit!