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!
