Create a Festive Atmosphere with Essential Oils This Christmas!
There’s nothing quite like the enchanting aroma of Christmas wafting through your home, and essential oils are a wonderful way to achieve that. Imagine filling your space with:
- The invigorating scent of peppermint, reminiscent of joyful candy canes.
- Sweet orange, which takes me back to my childhood favorite, the scratch-and-sniff book The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia Scarry.
- The fresh fragrances of spruce and fir that evoke memories of selecting the perfect Christmas tree.
These scents truly encapsulate the spirit of the season!
Explore Creative Ways to Use Essential Oils During the Holidays
While I love utilizing a classic ultrasonic diffuser to disperse these delightful fragrances throughout my home (you can find over 25 Christmas diffuser recipes here), it’s not always practical. Sometimes, there isn’t a nearby outlet, or I may prefer not to operate a diffuser in every room constantly.
This is why I enjoy creating Christmas room sprays (recipes available here) and homemade Christmas reed diffusers (DIY instructions and recipes can be found here). Moreover, I’ve discovered the joy of using a charming potpourri diffuser, which is not only visually appealing but also a fantastic alternative for scenting areas where traditional diffusers may not be feasible, such as bathrooms or cozy nooks without electrical outlets.
Crafting Your Own Essential Oil Potpourri Diffuser
Note: This website contains affiliate links, meaning if you click on certain links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Step 1: Start with a Mason Jar Featuring Air Holes in the Lid
Tip: Although I used a large jar for the diffuser shown here, you can create these diffusers in various sizes. Smaller jars can be adorable tucked among other decorations, or you can group several together for a striking visual effect.
Tip: Look for mason jar lids with holes at craft stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby, or find them online here or here.
Tip: Ensure you select the appropriate size lid for your jar. I recommend wide-mouth jars for this project, as the larger opening makes it easier to arrange the potpourri inside.
Step 2: Gather Your Potpourri and Decorative Elements
For my diffuser, I used:
- Pinecones
- Evergreen sprigs
- Berries
- Ice crystal picks
- A slice of wood
- Colorful decorative balls
Tip: Craft stores are excellent places to find these types of festive décor.
Tip: Pick at least a few items that can absorb and diffuse the essential oils. Wood slices and natural pinecones work wonderfully, and materials like felt and wool are also effective for this purpose.
Step 3: Infuse Your Potpourri with Essential Oils
Tip: The amount of essential oil you use will depend on your jar’s size. For the large jar featured in these photos, I typically add about 20-25 drops of essential oil.
Tip: You can refresh the potpourri by adding more essential oils as the scent fades. Depending on the oil strength, jar size, and room dimensions, the fragrance can last anywhere from a day to over a week.
Tip: Below, you’ll find suggestions for essential oils and Christmas essential oil blend recipes to use with your diffuser.
Step 4: Layer Your Items in the Jar Diffuser
Tip: Begin by placing a few larger items at the bottom of the jar and then fill in gaps with smaller pieces for a balanced look.
Step 5: Add More Decorative Elements
Tip: As you layer items into the jar, check the arrangement from the side to ensure it looks visually appealing when displayed on a table or counter.
Tip: Position your most attractive items against the glass for maximum impact.
Step 6: Complete Your Diffuser with a Lid and a Beautiful Ribbon
Essential Oils and Recipes to Enhance Your Christmas Aroma
Single Oils That Evoke the Spirit of Christmas—Choose Any One and Add 20-25 Drops to Your Diffuser
- Peppermint
- Spruce
- Sweet orange
- Cinnamon (limit to 10 drops, as it has a potent aroma)
Blends of Essential Oils That Capture the Essence of Christmas
- 15 drops sweet orange + 3 drops cinnamon + 6 drops spruce
- 8 drops spruce + 8 drops sweet orange + 2 drops clove + 2 drops cinnamon
- 8 drops frankincense + 8 drops myrrh + 8 drops sweet orange
- 15 drops peppermint + 7 drops ylang ylang
- 14 drops eucalyptus + 8 drops juniper berry + 2 drops sage
- 6 drops cinnamon + 8 drops sweet orange + 10 drops fir
- 12 drops sweet orange + 12 drops peppermint
- 12 drops sweet orange + 7 drops cinnamon + 5 drops clove
- 12 drops fir + 12 drops cedarwood
- 12 drops fir + 6 drops grapefruit + 6 drops frankincense
How to Use Your Potpourri Diffuser
- For optimal results, place your diffuser in a small, enclosed space, such as a bathroom, bedroom, or cozy kitchen.
- Feel free to refresh the potpourri by adding more essential oils as the scent diminishes. Depending on various factors, the aroma can linger from a day to over a week.
Where to Find Your Supplies
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- Wide-mouth quart mason jars (find here)
- Frog-style open-air mason jar lid (find here)
- Mason jar lid with snowflake cutout (find here)
- Wood slices (find here)
- Pinecones (find here)
- Other potpourri and décor items for your diffuser (find here)
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Please note: The products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor regarding your health care, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read on this site.
Disclaimer: This website contains affiliate links. If you click on certain links and subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.