Potpourri can be made in large batches for many people, is totally customizable for scent preferences, and adds that special touch of aromatherapy during the stressful holiday season. It not only looks beautiful, but smells amazing with herbs that can calm the mind, ease stress, energize, and stimulate the senses.
The following recipe includes herbs that gently uplifting, energizing, and relaxing. The dry ingredients put off a scent that is almost like candy and is perfect for the holidays. When measuring the dry ingredients, pack them loosely to avoid crushing.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups red rose petals
- 2 ½ cups lavender flowers
- 2 cups each anise hyssop flowers, flowering tops of peppermint, pink rosebuds, oakmoss, and sweet woodruff leaves
- ½ cup each allspice berries, aniseed, and cloves
- 1 cup each cinnamon chips, rosemary (or pine or fir needles), holy basil tops (or sweet Annie), and chopped calamus root
- 1 vanilla bean, chopped in ¼ inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon tangerine essential oil
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon essential oil
- ¼ teaspoon pine or fir essential oil
Essential oils are optional, but will intensify the fragrance and make it last longer.
Directions:
Combine all dry ingredients and stir gently to mix. Add essential oils if desired and mix well.
Age the mixture in sealed glass jars in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks.
When the time comes to package your gifts, there are several containers that look beautiful: cut-glass punch bowls, lined baskets, or pretty tins are popular for display.
This recipe makes 5 ½ quarts.