Learn How to Make Potpourri with oranges, apples and the perfect trifecta of fall and winter spices. This homemade potpourri recipe is so simple, and with a few tips and tricks you’ll have a warm and cozy natural fragrance!
Gift it to your friends and family during the holiday season to warm their homes and hearts.
I love gift giving any time of the year, but it’s also wonderful just before Thanksgiving – before the hustle of the holidays, when it’s a little unexpected. I like to consider it a little “thankful for” gift.
This homemade potpourri can be enjoyed on the holiday itself simmering on a stove top or all winter long in a dish. It’s a perfect project for a cold afternoon at home and will fill your home with fragrance!
A great potpourri begins with great grocery store ingredients. There are no right or wrong ingredients, it’s all a matter of preference. However, I love this combination of fruits and spices in fall and winter.
I’m a huge fan of calming, subtle fragrances in our home, just like my Stovetop Potpourri recipe. Don’t skip this post if you are too: 8 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Great!
Homemade potpourri is both fragrant and beautiful, which makes it perfect for gift giving. I love a good homemade gift, because they come straight from the heart! Don’t miss 40 Easy Homemade Christmas Gifts, my favorite Hostess Gift Ideas, and 40 Creative Christmas Ideas!
What is Potpourri?
It’s been around since ancient! In fact, you might remember a dusty (likely ancient) bowl of potpourri in your grandmother’s bathroom, if you’re anything like me!
The word “potpourri” translates from the French word pot-pourri, which might have come from words for “stew” and “pot” quite literally.
Potpourri is a blend of dried, naturally fragrant plant materials. When blended and enhanced, they provide a gentle scent in your home in a more natural way.
Why You’ll Love this Homemade Potpourri
- So easy to make
- Natural ingredients
- Great alternative to synthetic scents and room sprays
- Doubles as both fragrance and decor
- Perfect for gifting
Shopping List
- 1 apple (sliced in rounds)
- 1 orange (sliced in rounds)
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 teaspoons cloves
- 5-6 star anise
Homemade Potpourri Ingredients
*For full ingredients and instructions, see printable recipe card.
- Apples – Fresh in round slices! Any of your favorite variety will do. I really enjoy the fragrance of Pink Lady and Gala apples.
- Oranges – Fresh, sliced in rounds. The more popular Navel oranges work wonders for a potpourri with oranges, but if you want more of a variety for the holiday season, try Cara Cara or Blood oranges.
- Cinnamon – Cinnamon sticks are beautiful, long lasting and hold scent exceptionally well.
- Cloves – This is the one spice that sings all things holidays to me. Keep a jar on hand for all your holiday recipes.
- Star Anise – I really like the sweet, licorice scent of star anise, especially during the holidays. The whole stars make a beautiful presentation for the potpourri gift, too!
Variations
- Try pretty dried orange peels for an added decorative element.
- Add dried flowers (whole or petals) for another pretty touch.
- Want it to be a little stronger? Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
- To make a truly Christmas potpourri, try adding touches of dried cranberries and pine cones.
How To Make Potpourri
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
- Slice the apples and oranges.
- Place on baking sheets and bake.
- Once dry, blend with remaining ingredients.
- Place inside a jar for gifting. Allow to “marinate” for a couple days before using or gifting.
Tips
- Use a mandoline to slice the fresh fruit for the best thin and even slices.
- Placing the sliced fruit in a single layer ensures the slices will dry evenly. Use two baking sheets, if needed.
- Apples will continue to crisp once they’re removed from the oven. Oranges will stay about the same texture.
- Allow the flavors to meld together for one day before gifting.
- Want it to be a little stronger? Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
- To make a truly Christmas potpourri, try adding touches of dried cranberries and pine cones.
How to Use Homemade Potpourri
- Homemade potpourri can be placed in a dish for up to a few months… the perfect time frame for those long winter months.
- Get a little extra life out of your dried potpourri by using the stovetop method before disposing of it.
- For the stovetop method and one-time use, boil two cups water, add potpourri and reduce to a simmer. Just make sure to check it after a few hours, as the water will start to reduce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Homemade potpourri will last around three months. You can add drops of your favorite essential oils to help the fragrance last longer.
Move it around here and there to re-activate the fragrance. Drops of essential oil will also help renew the fragrance.
How to Wrap Christmas Potpourri
- Place in a pretty glass jar with a lid.
- Wrap in a clear cellophane bag and tie with a lovely bow.
- Place inside simple muslin sachets.
- Use these printable gift tags for a customized touch.
How to Store
I like to store and gift my homemade potpourri in classic weck jars. The clear glass makes for a beautiful gift. Small mason jars would work, too.
Is this potpourri intended to be hydrated and simmered, or just left in the jar? Thanks for the lovely and natural idea!
You can do either! Enjoy!
How long will they last? That is to say how long will they smell for?
Quite a while in an air tight container.
Do you have a ration of each ingredient or how much of each you typically use? This potpourri will be part of my Christmas basket I am working on. Thanks, Ann
I don’t – honestly, I just make it a pretty mix of ingredients and it comes out beautifully every time. Enjoy!
Hi Julie
I have a rather hot oven, I’m scared I might burn it. You cook them for 2hrs and then take them out?
Will an sort of apples do?
ThanksTeresa
Yes, to dry the fruit. You can adjust the temperature if needed.
I love the simplicity and wonderfulness of this! I am making them for my coworkers (as long as baby doesnt come too early!). Do you have a recommendation for a type of apple?
Thank you! I always use whatever is on sale. Enjoy!
i was just looking at this recipe and scrolling thru the comments and thought oh wow another Tessa. Then i realized that was from me last year. ps never made it last year but im making it as a late gift this year.
Ha! I love it! Looks like you need to put it on your short list. Happy New Year!