Welcome to Lifestyle

Aromatic potpourri is a popular method of naturally scenting a home. 

Often displayed in a decorative bowl, potpourri is created by combining beautiful dried petals, buds, herbs, and spices with essential oils to create a strong scent. Customise the scent with different ingredient combinations to enjoy at home or gift to someone special.

Before you start
The key ingredient in potpourri is the fixative. This reduces the evaporation rate of the plant scents which aids the longevity of your potpourri. The fixatives used in these recipes are orris root powder and gum benzoin. Each can be found in health shops, craft stores, and aromatherapy shops.

Citrus Potpourri
This recipe makes 1 cup of potpourri with a fresh, lemony scent.
Ingredients
1 tbsp crushed lemon peel
6 tbsp crushed orange peel
2 tbsp marjoram
1 tbsp crumbled bay leaf
3 tbsp lemon verbena
3 tbsp lemon balm
3tbsp lemon thyme
2 tbsp orris root powder (fixative)
2 drops orange blossom essential oil
2 drops lemon essential oil

Method
1. Mix the dry ingredients in a clean, dry glass container.
2. Add the wet ingredients and essential oils and mix well with a spoon or gloved hands.
3. Seal the container airtight and store your potpourri for one month before use.
Oriental Jasmine Potpourri
This recipe makes 3 cups of potpourri with a warm, comforting scent.
Ingredients
2 tbsp sandalwood chips
1 tbsp ginger root, crushed into small pieces
5 star anise
1 cup rose petals
1 cup jasmine flowers
1 cup citrus flowers
1 tbsp whole basil leaves
2 tsp crushed coriander seeds
2 tsp crushed cumin seeds
3 tbsp gum benzoin
6 drops jasmine essential oil

Method
1. Mix all ingredients except the jasmine essential oil in a bowl with a spoon or gloved hands.
2. Add the essential oil and continue to mix well.
3. Seal the mixture in an airtight container and store your potpourri for one month before use.

Potpourri tips
- Once your potpourri has completed the one month resting period, you may want a stronger scent. Simply add more essential oil and fixative to the jar, shake well, and return it to storage for at least two weeks.
- If your potpourri doesn’t look appealing, add dried seed pods, berries, and flowers to your display.
- To refresh the scent anytime, add a couple of drops of any essential oil you like.
- Place your potpourri in vases, bowls, and open jars for scented home décor.
- Potpourri can also be added to sachets for scenting drawers and cupboards.