PERSONALIZING POTPOURRI
Potpourri sets a fragrant mood inside your home and looks good doing it. Why settle for hobby store ready-mixes? Customize a beautiful, aromatic bouquet of your very own.
Think It Through
Identify a scent that means something to you. Experiment blending essential oils. Aromas can transport you to a rustic cabin or Italian kitchen, set a romantic tone, conjure a hippy chic apartment, or create the sweet, fresh smell of summer.
But potpourri is as much about appearance as it is scent. Select colorful flowers, herbs and natural botanicals with texture. Does your garden grow yellow strawflowers, button mums, or purple liatris? Maybe wild goldenrod or creamy yarrow pops up at the woods’ edge, or a nearby sweet gum tree drops spikey fruits. Think beyond whole stick cinnamon and roses.
What You'll Need
Flowers, herbs, fragrant wood, citrus fruits, nuts, pine cones, etc.
Cutting board
Scissors
Sheet pan
Parchment paper
Essential oils
Spray bottle
Mixing bowl
Display and storage containers
Steps to a Successful Potpourri Arrangement
Sort/prep materials. Clean debris from hard-surface botanicals. Cut fresh flower stems just below heads. Trim herbs, bark, etc., into 4-inch pieces. Remove pulp and pith from citrus.
Line sheet pan with parchment paper. Place all botanicals on it in single layer.
Mix ratio of 10-15 drops of essential oils with 1 tablespoon of water in a small spray bottle. Spritz botanicals on pan. Rub mix on surfaces of nuts and bark for stronger scent. Use gloves.
Bake at 200 degrees for at least 2 hours or until flowers are dry but not burned. Check frequently.
Remove from oven. Spritz again. Cool and dry completely for several hours. Transfer to large bowl and mix gently with hands. Use gloves.
