DIY Winter Woodland Simmering Potpourri | Natural Holiday Home Scent

During the winter months, I walk the Wildwood Tree Farm Forest collecting fallen evergreen branches along with a few pinecones. Back in the kitchen, I take cuttings from these branches and lay out small bowls of spices. Now I have the makings for a holiday simmering potpourri. The following recipe is one I make every December. Once these ingredients are simmering on your stove, an enchanting forest fragrance will easily waft throughout your home.

What you will need:

3-4 sprigs of Doug Fir, Noble Fir, cedar leaves, and/or pine needles. (I use the first 3)

2 cinnamon sticks

1 Tbsp cloves

½ Tbsp allspice

4 strips dried orange peel

1 star anise

1 bay leaf

What to do:

Cover the potpourri in 4-5 cups of water. Simmer the pot on low and add additional water as needed. The heat can be turned off anytime your home smells suitably delightful. As the scent fades, reheat the potpourri for a fresh infusion. This blend may last 2 or 3 days if it is stored in the fridge overnight.

*Note: There was a time when I lived in the city and did not have evergreen trees growing nearby. Christmas tree lots often keep boxes of Doug Fir and Noble Fir cuttings. Every December I was able to get the evergreens needed to make winter woodland simmering potpourri. Usually there was no charge.

Bundling individual recipes in cellophane bags is a wonderful gift for family and friends.