Awaken Your Home With Autumn’s Aromas
Fall is fast approaching and along with the new season, we associate several of autumns traditions. One of my autumn favorites are the spicy, aromatic scents that brings to mind the fall season. Every year we are treated to these pungent fragrances in craft and departments stores and at Halloween parties, just to name a few! If you are like me and crave these spicy scents, you will be pleased to know that there are many simple and inexpensive ways to fill your own home with autumn’s crisp aromas!
Scented Potpourri
This is available in many of falls favorites, such as cinnamon, apple, spice and pumpkin scents. Consider sprinkling a handful in tiny baskets, terracotta pots or even teacups! Spread throughout your home. Potpourri containers can be placed in full view on decorative shelves or tables, or hidden in inconspicous places if you only want to smell the aroma.
Air Fresheners
These can be purchased in aerosol sprays, solids, plug ins and even as inserts to place inside toilet tissue holders. Air fresheners permeate your closets, bathrooms, mudrooms and any area of your home, bringing falls delicious aromas.
Spicy Scented Candles
These treats can be purchased just about everywhere now, from candle shops and craft stores, to craft fairs and department and discount stores. Depending on the size candle you choose, the largest candles can burn for up to 50 hours or longer. I recommend candles that are self contained in glass jars. These candles have lids and are safer to use when there are children in your home.
An extra treat: after your candle has been used up, clean out the wax at the bottom of the jar. You can use the glass container for storing cotton balls and toiletries in your bathroom or paper clips and gadgets in your kitchen.
Finally, your own “home made” goodies deliciously scent your kitchen and dining area. Simmering spiced tea or warm apple cider with cinammon sticks are some traditional favorites. Who can resist the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies or homemade apple pie, fresh from the oven?
As the warm days of summer draw to a close, we can celebrate the coming of autumn and greet our families and guests to scrumptious aromas that hint at the spicy scents that lay ahead in the months to come!
Here are a few potpourri recipes courtesy of Family Circle Weekend Crafts. Simmer in water or store in tightly covered glass jars to preserve their fragrance and enjoy their natural beauty.
Apple Spice
3 tbsp dried apple slices (see note)
1/2 cup pink and red carnation petals
1/4 cup dried sweet woodruff leaves
2 tbsp crumbled cinnamon or one 3″ cinnamon stick
1 whole nutmeg, grated (1 1/2 tsps)
1 tbsp whole cloves
1 tbsp julienne orange peel
3 drops of cinnamon or vanilla scented oil
Note: To dry apples, slice paper thin and place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet in 150 degree oven for 30 minutes.
Mix dried apple slices with remaining ingredients. Store in a tightly covered glass jar.
For simmering potpourri, use a teaspoon potpourri per one cup of water. Place potpourri in water, bring to a boil and simmer on low until the whole house is perfumed; turn off heat. Strain and let dry if you wish to save and reuse the potpourri.
Regency Rose
1/4 cup each of rose petals, jasmine flowers and lavender buds
2 tbsp each of whole cloves and whole allspice
1 tbsp julienne orange peel
1 tbsp rose hips (or 10 rose hips)
2 drops rose oil
Mix all ingredients together. Store in a tightly covered glass jar.
For simmering potpourri, follow directions as in Apple Spice potpourri.
Summer Breeze
1/4 cup each of marigold or calendula petals and honeysuckle flowers
1/4 cup lemon-scented leaves (such as those of lemon verbena, lemon balm, lemon geranium, lemon thyme)
3 tbsp dried and crumbled lemon and orange peels
1/2 vanilla bean or 1 tonka bean (chopped)
2 drops lemon oil or orange-blossom oil
Mix all ingredients together. Store in a tightly covered glass jar.
For simmering potpourri, follow directions as in Apple Spice potpourri.
Recommended Reading:
This is one reference book that I read cover to cover, not wanting to miss a single wonderful idea. I bought the book mainly because I have a huge rose garden and wanted potpourri recipes, but I was enraptured by every chapter, including making sachets, door hangings, and dried arrangements, and the section on the centuries-old “meanings” that have been attached to many flowers. There is even an intriquing recipe for making “wet” potpourri, a concoction that I had never heard of before but now intend to try! This book is beautiful, nicely organized, and well written. I could almost smell the scents and see the colorful gardens as I read. A must have selection.
Gail has been a stay at home mom for 7 yrs, since the birth of her first son. She resides with her husband and 2 sons (7 & 5) outside of Scottsdale, AZ. Originally from NY, she has her bachelors degree from the University of Massachusetts, in Fashion Marketing. She has always loved the study of color and design, and have a passion for decorating! She currently writes an ongoing “decorating on a budget” column for several moms newsletters and magazines.
