I love the appearance of potpourri but don’t like the odor of most that are available in stores. These artificial scents give me a sneezing attack or a headache. I do like the scent of many natural materials and essential oils that are completely derived from plants. Lavender is a special favorite so I use this in my potpourri.
My basic recipe does not need to be followed exactly. Use materials that you can find. I add something different each year, depending on what I find.
The quantity is for one cellophane bag full. Cellophane is prettier than plastic and you can find bags at a craft store. Make more if you intend to use it in a large bowl or give several bags as gifts.
Cellophane bag - Small rubber band
Ribbon - Gift tag
Gold seal or a pretty seasonal sticker
Basic ingredients I always use
3 Ponderosa pine cones - 6 spruce pine cones
3 or 4 cinnamon sticks
10-12 dried rose hips
2 T dried lavender petals
Other ingredients I use (add at least two or three)
Mixed nuts with shells (these could be gilded)
Dried fruit slices (apple, lemon, or orange) To make these, slice fruit very thinly and place in a food dehydrator
Dried curly grapefruit, orange or lemon peels (use a vegetable grater in a long continuous cut)
Small twigs with green Spanish moss
Sycamore balls
Echinacea seed heads
Place a sticker on the bag while it’s flat. Start the potpourri with two of the larger pinecones. Add some of the smaller cones. Then add most of the other ingredients so the more decorative items are visible from the sides of the bag. Add the remaining pinecones and top off with a tablespoon or two of lavender petals. Place a rubber band around the top of the bag and tie on a pretty ribbon. Add a gift tag before tying the bow.
If you aren’t giving this as a gift, just arrange ingredients in a pretty bowl or clear glass container. Use more or less depending on the size of bowl. If using a bowl, add the rose hips and lavender as the last ingredients so they will be visible from the top.