Create Your Own Potpourri
We all love being surrounded by fresh natural fragrances, and studies have proven that this can even be good for our health and well-being. Potpourri comprised of dried flowers, herbs, fruits, berries, and other accents, infused with essential oils, is a great way to bring the naturally uplifting freshness of the garden into your home, even in winter. So, the floral experts at Cascade Floral Wholesale bring you some tricks and inspiration for creating your own potpourri that lasts. The best part? You can choose exactly what does- and does not- go into your signature mix!
From the Garden
When your beautiful blooms start to wilt as the weather turns cool, preserve them for the winter by cutting and drying them! Choose blooms that will hold their color, like roses, lavender, peonies, or geraniums, and only include leaves that are hardy, like viburnum or geranium leaves. You don’t want any of your materials to crumble once they’ve dried.
From the Kitchen
Depending on your favorite scents and flavors, there are plenty of great finds in your kitchen that will enhance your potpourri. Sliced apples and cinnamon sticks broken in half will make a great fall potpourri. Use slices of orange, lemon, and allspice or cloves for a rich holiday blend. Fragrant sprigs of rosemary and thyme, as well as vanilla bean can make a sweet potpourri to warm your home.
From the Craft Store
You’ll want to include a fixative in your potpourri, which is an element that will absorb scent and allow it to mix well with the other pieces of your mixture. We recommend the orris root for its absorbent qualities. Choose your favorite essential oils to be the main fragrance in your potpourri, but be sure it will blend well with the other elements you’ve chosen.
Creative Accents
Don’t forget the pops of color and amazing texture that makes potpourri so visually appealing. Pods, cedar or sandalwood chips, dried berries, patchouli, roots, pinecones, and even decorative rocks or stones add color and texture to your potpourri, giving it a unique quality all its own.
A Simple Process
Once you’ve gathered your specific ingredients, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spread your flowers and greenery (any material containing moisture) on the paper. Mix 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil for each tablespoon of water in a small spray bottle and spritz your entire mix. Bake at 200 degrees for 2 hours. Your flowers and other materials should be dry and hard by now. Once they cool to room temperature, spritz again and combine in decorative bowls to display throughout your home. Or, fill mason jars and tie with a pretty ribbon for a gorgeous, homemade gift.
When you make your own potpourri, you get to choose the pieces and fragrance that will grace your home. Surround yourself with your favorite blends, colors, fruits, and flowers as you enjoy refreshing natural scents that calm, invigorate or inspire. The combination possibilities are endless as you enjoy your flowers long-term. Discover your passion for floral accents when you create your own potpourri and enjoy the beauty of your favorite blooms all year. For more tips and tricks for making your own potpourri, talk to the floral experts at Cascade Floral Wholesale. We’ll walk you through the process and even help you choose your favorite blooms from our large selection.