DIY Holiday Potpourri (for your home and to give as gifts!)
Last updated on March 12, 2026 by Jessica Healey
Originally published on November 19, 2015
There is no other time of year with such a distinct scent as the Holidays. It is a sweet, Earthy, and a bit spiced scent that can transport you years back, while still exciting you for the joy of Holiday seasons to come.
‘Holiday’ is a scent that is loved so much it is replicated in commercial candles, warmers, diffusers, air fresheners, and more.
However, the more I grow on my own #LifeFromScratch journey, the more I have come to learn about the dangers of synthetic fragrance(1) and the chemicals that are used to create scents. Many are full of toxins that are capable of causing cancers, birth defects, allergies, hormone imbalances, and more.
For the most part, I try to seek out unscented bath and cleaning supplies to avoid those unnatural elements entering my home; but, I still love the coziness of a candle and those quintessential Holiday smells.
Queue, DIY Holiday Potpourri!
So, instead of shelling out some cash for a packaged bottle of toxins (Thanks, but no thanks!), I have found that the distinct, festive Holiday scent can easily be created without the use of any chemicals using ingredients typically found in a pantry during the Holiday season. Hooray for non-toxic DIY holiday potpourri!
Cinnamon sticks, cloves, cranberries, citrus, and vanilla are all Holiday treat must-haves, so using the leftovers I create a great totally natural potpourri-like concoction that simmers on the stove all day. Within minutes my space fills with the cozy scents of the season.
This easy, truly non-toxic DIY holiday potpourri is absolutely perfect for a cold day or when you are hosting a party. Or, even just for an afternoon when you are trying to jump-start the most wonderful time year!
The DIY holiday potpourri also can double as a great gift for a hostess, teacher, neighbor, whoever. It’s also doubly clean as the ingredients look so beautiful and seasonal in a large mason jar so there is no need for wasteful wrapping paper!
Holiday Season Stove Top Potpourri
Ingredients
- 1 C cranberries
- 3 orange slices
- 2 large springs of rosemary
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 T cloves
- 1 T vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a pot, fill with water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for up to 6 hours, refilling with more water as needed.
- As a gift, the potpourri will last up to a week in the refrigerator.
Great recipes! Can’t wait to try some.
Essential oil face serum looks amazing. That’s what I want to try.
Do you drain the water before placing it in a jar?
Nope, just put all the ingredients in a jar and give the recipient the instructions on how to warm it on her stove top. It lasts about a week in the fridge.
Do you know if it works in jars using electric candle warmer?
Hi there! Well, that’s a really great question. You certainly could give it a whirl, and if it doesn’t work…you could transfer to the stove! My hunch is that it would work, though. If you try, please let us know!
I have this on the stove right now, smells amazing, thanks for sharing
Hooray! Yes, it smells devine, doesn’t it? Enjoy. 🙂