Homemade Thanksgiving Potpourri

Fill your home this Thanksgiving holiday by making your own potpourri with dehydrated fruits, fall spices and essential oils. This homemade potpourri is a perfect hostess gift, is made using all-natural ingredients, and makes for a beautiful centerpiece.

This potpourri recipe is one of my favorite ways to bring the scents of the season right into the home. So what makes a good potpourri? Some of my standouts are anything that reminds me of the season, freshly baked pies, apple cider, and hot cinnamon rolls.

I loved making my own stovetop potpourri for Christmas in the past. Making one for the Thanksgiving holiday has always been something I have wanted to do. They really make the best gift for your hostess and help get you into the holiday spirit. The best part about making your own potpourri is customizing it just the way you want and that it can be made without any synthetic fragrances.

To make a dry potpourri, such as for a gift, use dried fruits and spices, otherwise dig around the fridge for some fresh ingredients; its the perfect way to use up those fruits or vegetables that have been sitting in there a little too long if you know what I mean.

One more note before the recipe; in bigger houses or homes with lots of rooms, it can be difficult to disperse the fall scents throughout the whole house-one way to increase the smell is by adding essential oils to your homemade potpourri. Not only will this strengthen the scent, but it will also help it to last longer.

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BEST INGREDIENTS FOR HOMEMADE POTPOURRI

For this potpourri, we are going to use fruits, spices, and essential oils that have fall scents. This makes this potpourri perfect for Thanksgiving! You can use any ingredients you wish; below is a list of my favorite scents for the holidays. Get creative and come up with your own combos too!

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Apples- Any apples will do!

Oranges- The juicier, the better.

Pine cones- Adding in pine cones gives this potpourri a beautiful look and fall smell.

Cloves- I am using whole cloves, but dried cloves will work just as well.

Cinnamon Sticks- Again, I am using whole cinnamon sticks because they look beautiful and have a lasting scent. Cinnamon spice will work in a pinch.

Ginger- You can use whole ginger slices or spice.

Nutmeg- Just a sprinkle of the dried spice will work.

Pumpkin pie spice- This is another great scent to add in for the holidays!

Essential oils- My favorite essential oils for fall include cinnamon, clove, ginger, cardamom, vanilla and wild orange.

Container-If using all dried ingredients for the potpourri, store in a mason jar or weck jar for later use.

DEHYDRATED FRUIT FOR POTPOURRI

Using dehydrated fruit isn’t necessary for simmering potpourri on the stove. However, it does add to eye appeal! In addition, the dehydrated fruit is an excellent way to make this potpourri ahead of time since it will last in an airtight container for several months.

HOW TO DEHYDRATE ORANGES

Slice the oranges into thin, even slices.

Place the oranges in a single layer on a baking dish covered in parchment paper.

Bake at 200 degrees for 4 hours or until dry.

Remove from the oven and allow them to cool.

HOW TO DEHYDRATE APPLES

Slice the apples into thin, even slices. I do this by laying the whole apple on its side and slicing it into 1/8-1/4″ thick pieces. (see above picture)

Place the apples in a single layer on a baking dish covered in parchment paper.

Bake at 200 degrees for 1-2 hours or until apples are dry.

Remove from the oven and allow them to cool.

HOW TO DEHYDRATE GINGER

Peel the ginger.

Slice into thin, even slices.

Place the ginger slices in a single layer on a baking dish covered in parchment paper.

Bake at 150 degrees for 1-2 hours or until ginger is dry.

If you have time, you can also dry ginger by placing it in a sunny window for 4-5 days.

HOW TO MAKE STOVETOP POTPOURRI?

Making your own potpourri is so easy to do! You can make a stovetop potpourri or a dry potpourri. The same ingredients can be used for both; just the way you use them will be different. Dehydrated fruits must be used for the dry potpourri.

Ingredients

• Apple thinly sliced
• Orange, thinly sliced
• Ginger, sliced
• Dried clove buds
• Cinnamon sticks
• Nutmeg spice
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Vanilla, cinnamon and wild orange essential oil.

STOVETOP POTPOURRI RECIPE

1. Place all the ingredients (except essential oils) into a medium-sized saucepan.
2. Fill to about an inch from the top with water.
3. Heat over medium-high heat till it almost reaches a boil, reduce heat to a simmer; this allows for a long slow release of the potpourri.
4. Enjoy the aroma! Keep an eye on the water level and top off as needed.

MAKE AHEAD DRY POTPOURRI RECIPE | GIFT IDEA

1. Place all the ingredients into a cute mason jar, weck, or airtight glass bowl.
2. Add 10-15 drops of essential oils over the ingredients.
3. Decorate with ribbon, hemp, or burlap if giving this as a gift; secure a lid onto the container to trap the scent.
4. Open and enjoy it!

This makes a great gift idea.

HOW LONG WILL HOMEMADE POTPOURRI LAST?

Once opened, the dry potpourri will last for several months. As the scent begins to diminish, add one to two drops of essential oils for a quick recharge.

WHICH SPICES ARE BEST FOR HOMEMADE POTPOURRI?

There is really no wrong or right way to make potpourri as it really is a matter of preference. I like to stick to cinnamon and clove as far as potpourri goes for Thanksgiving or fall time. Something about those smells reminds me of the holiday season!

Adding in nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice makes it perfect for fall, or add in pine cones and star anise for Christmas.

Any fresh herbs, such as sprigs of lavender, rosemary, etc., are great for added scent and decor.

WHAT IS THE BEST CONTAINER FOR HOMEMADE POTPOURRI?

This is the fun part! You can find a fun container to put your DIY potpourri in at a garage sale in your basement or at the local thrift shop. Use a vintage mason jar, a festive mug, or a weck jar. It is best to use a jar with a lid to keep it closed when you are not using it to preserve the scent.