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Pomander Balls

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Scents of the Season

Fill Your Home With Festive Fragrances During the Holidays

The holidays are a delight for all the senses – the sight of twinkling lights, the warmth of a cozy sweater, the sound of carols, the taste of home-baked goodies — but the aromas of the season seem to evoke an even deeper emotional reaction.

The sense of smell is a powerful thing.  It’s been scientifically proven that certain scents can elicit physical and psychological responses. When you think of the holidays, what fragrances come to mind? Cinnamon? Spiced apple cider? Cranberries? Evergreen? I imagine you’re smiling just thinking about it.

This month, we’re sharing our favorite ways to celebrate the smile-inducing scents of the season.  They are sure to fill your holiday home with festive feelings.

Fragrant Holiday Wreath

There is nothing like the smell of a fresh evergreen wreath. We love to one on the door and lay one on the dining room table as a centerpiece with a large candle in the middle. To make the wreath more fragrant, add dried oranges and scented pinecones.

What You’ll Need:

Fresh Evergreen Wreath

Florist Wire

Hot Glue Gun

Dried Oranges  

Scented Pinecones

Instructions:

Simply wire or glue dehydrated oranges/orange slices and scented pinecones to a fresh evergreen wreath.  

Holiday Simmer Pot

Fill your kitchen with holiday scents with a simmer pot. Adjust the fragrance to your liking by adding more spices and fruit or woodsy elements.  Simmer Pot Packets make fun gifts, as well. Just add the ingredients to a cellophane bag and tie it with a festive ribbon.

What You’ll Need:

Cranberries

Oranges

Cinnamon Sticks

Whole Cloves

Whole Star Anise

Sprigs of Evergreen or Rosemary (Optional)

Instructions:

Fill a small saucepan with water and bring to a gentle boil. Add simmer pot components and continue to boil for a minute or two. Turn the heat down to a slow simmer. Keep adding water frequently so the mixture does not burn.

Make sure someone is near the kitchen at all times while the pot is simmering. Or add ingredients to a crockpot; just make sure to keep adding water

 

Cinnamon-Stick Candles

A wonderful way to add even more fragrance and flair to a holiday or unscented candle is to dress it up with cinnamon sticks. These make fun favors for dinner party guests, as well.

What You’ll Need:

3-inch Votive Candles (scented or unscented)

Plain Glass Votive Holder

Cinnamon Sticks

Hot Glue

Jute Twine

Instructions:

Hot glue cinnamon sticks around the votive holder. Wrap with twine and tie a simple bow. Add candle.

Pomander Balls

We always have a big bowl of pomander balls in the kitchen during the holidays. Pomander balls are simply clove-studded oranges. They are a fun, fragrant project.

What You’ll Need:

Oranges

Toothpicks or wooden skewers

Whole Cloves

Instructions:

Cloves are a bit prickly so it’s best to first take a toothpick or wooden skewer and poke holes in the orange. Then place the clove into pre-pierced holes. This is an especially entertaining activity for children.

Simple Holiday Potpourri

If a simmer pot isn’t your thing – try mixing up some dried potpourri. It’s so simple and can be enjoyed all season. Add sprigs of fresh greenery to the mix for added fragrance.

What You’ll Need:

Dried Orange Slices

Cinnamon Sticks

Whole Star Anise

Pinecones (scented or unscented)

Pure Essential Oils (Cinnamon, Orange and/or Fir)

Sprigs of Fresh Greenery (Optional)

Instructions:

If using unscented pinecones, add a few drops of essential oil to scent them. Blend all of the components and enjoy the scents of the season!