Freshen Up Your Space with Potpourri

FRESHEN UP your SPACE

WITH POTPOURRI

Author: Andrea Bothma

By combining different plants and methodologies, anyone can create a scent that reflects their individuality and artistic nature.

There are a number of ways to make potpourri based on personal preference, kitchen recipes, or even what grows in your garden.

Benefits
Most potpourri is made from 100% organic substances, making it especially special because it signifies a healthy and natural substance in the home. It is bio-degradable and does not compromise air quality because of harmful chemical substances. This aspect allows potpourri to have a third aesthetic other than beauty and fragrance. Many people also choose to make their potpourri, provided they have a garden, time, and a good sense of smell.

Potpourri will keep your living space smelling fresh. A single potpourri bowl will quickly disperse natural and lovely scents around an expansive room.

Even if you find a natural air freshener or odour neutraliser, the cost compared to a potpourri pack can be very high. By using potpourri, you can save yourself some money.

When you purchase an air-freshener spray, chemical fragrances contain harsh chemicals and other dubious components. Potpourri is all-natural, using materials such as dried citrus, flower petals, and spices, so you never have to worry about possible interaction with harmful ingredients.

Incorporating delicious scents like cinnamon, bay leaves and essential oils, this fresh and fruity homemade potpourri will have your home smelling like fall in just a few easy steps!

DIY Potpourri
Use natural fruit and essential oils to create your own potpourri for fall.

Materials Needed
• knife
• plastic bag
• cooking rack
• decorative jar
• One orange
• One lemon
• bay leaves
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• clove essential oil
• One apple
• One pear
• cinnamon sticks
• cloves
• orange essential oil

Dehydrate Fruit
Thinly slice an orange, lemon, apple and pear, and place them on a metal cooking rack. Using your oven's dehydrate setting, cook the fruit slices until they are thoroughly dried, making sure to flip them every half hour.

Mix Ingredients
After completely cooling the dried fruit, place it in a sealable plastic bag. Add dried bay leaves, a teaspoon of cinnamon, cloves, cinnamon sticks and a few drops of orange and clove essential oils. Seal and shake the bag to mix all of the ingredients.

Package and Display
Pour the mixed potpourri into a jar of your choosing and cover the opening with a decorative cloth before sealing the lid. Give it as a cute gift or save it until you're ready to use it yourself. If the potpourri ever needs a refresh, add a few drops of essential oils to make it as good as new.

Setting out some homemade potpourri is one of the best ways to keep your home smelling fresh. And, of course, what is more, beautiful than a carefully arranged bowl of potpourri?