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–+ servings
Homemade Christmas gift idea for hostess gifts or neighbor gifts.
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5 from 2 votes

Christmas Potpourri Recipe

Nothing says Merry Christmas more than this heartfelt Christmas gift idea that encompasses the joy of giving and the warmth of the holidays. This easy recipe is a festive combination of citrus, cinnamon, cloves, pine, and other fragrances to create the perfect festive ambiance in any home.
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: DIY
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Christmas, Potpourri
Yield: 2 cups

Materials

Dry Ingredients

  • Dried Apple Slices
  • Dried Orange Slices
  • Whole Cinnamon Sticks
  • Whole Cloves
  • Whole Star Anise
  • Small Pinecones
  • Dried Putka Pods

Essential Oils

  • 10 drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil
  • 3 drops Nutmeg Essentail Oil
  • 6 drops Cinnamon Essential Oil
  • 8 drops Clove Essential Oil
  • 6 drops Pine Tree Essential Oil
  • 6 drops Fir Needle Essential Oil

Instructions

  • Before you can assemble your potpourri, you'll need to dry fresh oranges and apple slices. You can find the simple recipe on how to dry orange slices here and how to dry apple slices here. 
  • In a small mason jar, mix together the essential oils and swirl to combine.
  • Place all of the dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl or a large ziplock baggie.
  • Pour the essential oil blend over the dry ingredients and either stir with a spoon or seal the baggie and gently shake to cover the potpourri with the essential oil blend.
  • Place the potpourri into mason or glass decorative jars (I used Weck canning jars) then seal each jar. Make sure each jar has each of the dry potpourri ingredients. You may need to hand select and layer the ingredients into the jar, to ensure the jars are visually appealing.
  • Add festive ribbon or twine around the lid, a cinnamon stick, a gift tag, and then secure with a bow for the perfect handmade gift.

Notes

  • Experiment with different essential oils to create unique fragrances tailored to your gift recipients favorite scents.
  • Seal jars tightly to preserve the freshness of the potpourri. Using airtight containers ensures long shelf life.
  • Repurpose old jars from your kitchen, this reduces waste and adds rustic charm to homemade gifts.
  • When placing ingredients in the jar, layer them strategically. For example, insert cinnamon sticks vertically to make them more visible, and tuck smaller elements like cloves between larger items. This ensures a visually appealing gift.
  • If you're storing the potpourri before gifting, give the jars a gentle shake every few days to redistribute the scents and keep the mix balanced.
  • Whenever possible, choose organic fruits and whole spices. They not only smell fresher but also ensure there are no added chemicals, enhancing the overall quality of your potpourri.
  • Consider placing this small gift in a basket filled with shredded paper, pinecones, or holiday ornaments. 
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