The holiday season is arguably the coziest time of the year, and the time when we least mind staying in. It’s when I gladly do a little extra cleaning and even some sparse decorating. But nothing makes me and my family feel more at home than the scent of pine needles and holiday spices. Ideally, I would like to be greeted by the aroma of fresh gingerbread as soon as I walk in the door, but who has time to do that much baking? Instead, a wave of wet-dog-paws, chicken curry or ‘Take the compost out. Now.’ frequently hits me when I enter my abode. Add to that some of the social obligations of the season (now is a good time to host, since nobody feels like they should eat even MORE), and there’s trouble a-brewin’.
What’s that? You have an easy solution? Get a commercial air freshener? Light some colorful scented candles? Well… The trouble with those is that they emit toxins that go into your lungs and bloodstream. Some of them are known carcinogens, others ‘just’ burden your body’s detox system. If you’d like to know more about some of the dangers behind industrial fragrances and paraben candles, you can read on here. Looking to buy some scented products that won’t harm you? Check out these suggestions, and these brands of candles. If you have time to make your own healthy alternatives (Yay you!), follow these instructions.
Frankly, while all this is super interesting to me, it’s just too much work, during an already busy time. I’m all for 5-minute solutions, on a budget, with a big effect. SO here is what I do, to get my place to smell inviting and even a little heavenly:
HOW TO MAKE A SEASONAL “STOVETOP AIR FRESHENER”:
Fill a small saucepan halfway with water. Add one of the spice combinations below. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Set yourself a timer for ca. 10 minutes (depending on how much water you are using). When the alarm goes off, it’s time to turn off the stove. At this point, feel free to put the steaming pot into another room that could use a little cheer and magic.
You can use this ‘simmer potpourri’ more than once. Just keep the pot on the stove overnight, add water, and repeat the next day.
My Favorite Mix:
The peel of 1 orange
5 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
Variations:
Just orange slices/peel and cloves
Just cinnamon (sticks or powder)
Rosemary, citrus, star anise and cardamom
Chai tea – That’s right. Enjoy the fragrance AND the beverage!
A spoonful of gingerbread spice mix or mixed mulling spices; use fresh cider in place of water and enjoy!
A couple of drops of orange, bergamot, pine or thuja essential oils
Tips:
If you’re invited over to a friend’s house this season, stick your favorite mix in a jar (I’d go with a whole mandarin orange instead of peel, and maybe add some cranberries for a colorful pop, along with instructions) for an easy and enjoyable host/ess gift.
I use the cinnamon-only version regardless of the season. If you come over to my house in March and you think it smells nice, chances are I just did a 5-minute simmer session with a cup of water and a cinnamon stick. It’s just so easy and effective.
Are you ready for some festive smells and fragrances in your house? Are guests knocking on your door and there’s still a hint of takeout in the air? Give this a try, and let me know how it goes!