Traditional potpourri is an assortment of dried and naturally scented plant materials like cloves, cedar, jasmine and mint to give a pleasant aroma to the insides of one's home. The origin of this word can be traced to the French word ‘pot-pourri' which means a Spanish stew involving a large many number of ingredients. However, there are some differences between the traditional and the more recent versions of this décor item. The traditional ones use mostly natural scents like the small twigs, leaves and wood shavings of lavender, rose, cedar and cinnamon bark. But the modern ones use synthetic perfumes and sprays over a fixative which performs the task of absorbing the scent and providing a gentle natural aroma for a longer period.
So, planning for a Christmas gift for someone special? These brightly colored decorative items will come to your rescue any time and can be easily purchased from a gift- shop or a store nearby. What more, you can even create your own personalized Christmas potpourri using a variety of easily available and cost effective materials. Believe it, this gesture will be far better appreciated than any other gift purchased from any shop. The very fact that you have gone to the extent of creating such an attractive and sweet- smelling gift will be highly appreciated and treasured. Apart from this, you can also use them to decorate your own home in order to get yourself and others in the true spirit of the Christmas season.
How To Make Potpourri For Christmas
Materials Required
Potpourris can be made from natural materials as well as from artificial perfumes. Learn here the tips for how to make potpourri for Christmas.
Christmas Potpourri Crafts
- Lemon peel (1/4 pound)
- Cinnamon sticks (1/2 pound)
- Whole allspice (1/2 pound)
- Whole cloves (1/2 pound)
- Whole star anise (1/2 pound)
- 4 ounces fixative (Orris root or cellulose)
- 2 to 3 ounce bottle with dropper of cinnamon
- Orange or Christmas oils
- Orange peel (two pound).
Procedures
- Collect all the above-mentioned materials and mix it together in a decorative vase except for the oil. Also if you have a garden and want to make a traditional natural potpourri, early morning is the best time to collect the seeds, twigs, leaves and the flowers.
- After the mixing part is over, add in the oil drop by drop. Make sure that sufficient oil is added to the fixative so that the aroma of the potpourri stays for a longer period. The amount of oil to be added is your own choice. You can even check the scent after a few days and add more oil if you feel the need.
- Allow the mixture to stand in a cool and dark spot for 2 to 3 weeks all the while stirring it every couple of days. Make sure that the different materials used are clean and pest-free. In addition, the materials should be spread properly to prevent them from getting decomposed.
- After it is finished, the contents are transferred to a beautifully decorated vase and a ribbon is added as a final touch. If you are preparing the potpourri for Christmas favors, then always go for the maximum scented flowers and oils.
- You can add the contents to luxurious gift bags, transparent boxes, wooden bowls or lined baskets decorated with sequins and ribbons. To make it even more special, you can even package the contents in small tulle bags or small white boxes attached with a piece of gold or silver cord along with a tag explaining about the ingredients of the potpourri.