The aroma of warm spices and fresh citrus join festive cranberries in this colorful, easy-to-make mix that is perfect for gift giving.
Printable gift tags included above recipe card.
My very thoughtful friend, Anne Besterman, is to thank for this festive recipe, which although made of edible ingredients, is not intended for consumption.
Christmas potpourri rather, is a mixture of fruit and spices that simmers on the stovetop, producing a warm, fragrant aroma.
Since Anne first shared the recipe with me, I have made many batches. It takes only a minute to assemble the ingredients, and the light scent that permeates the kitchen and wafts into our family room feels like a small gift to myself－and inexpensive aromatherapy.
Even a few days after simmering, I can walk into the room and detect a faint but lovely hint of citrus and cinnamon lingering in the air. Notably, it’s not heavy like some commercial potpourris I’ve smelled. And the guys in my family enjoy it as much as I do.
Cleverly, Anne has packaged the ingredients in a wide-mouth jar or cellophane bag and given as a thoughtful gift over the years, including the simple simmering instructions. She mentioned that the potpourri is a great gift when you’re not sure what someone’s food restrictions or preferences may be.
Given the ongoing pandemic, I think this would make a thoughtful “just because” gift all winter long. In that case, you could call it cranberry or orange spice potpourri. Or winter potpourri. The same holds true for friends who celebrate a holiday other than Christmas.
However you may be celebrating this year, I send my warmest wishes－and special thanks to Anne for sharing this feel-good recipe. Perhaps this winter is a good time to remember the old saying, “It’s the thought that counts.” A simple bag containing the potpourri ingredients may just be the bright spot someone needs on a dark day, and a reminder that someone really does care. ❤️
Download printable gift tags with instructions here:
Click here: Printable Christmas Potpourri in a Jar Gift Tag Sheet
Looking for another “just because” gift to brighten someone’s day, no holiday required? Following are three easy, non-food ideas to keep in mind all year long:
- Easy Sugar Scrub requires just three basic ingredients and a few minutes to stir together. It smells heavenly, doesn’t leave a greasy residue, and is my go-to solution for dry, cracked hands all year round, but especially during the cold winter months.
- Homemade Dog Treats offer another non-food item (at least not people food!) that pet lovers are sure to appreciate. If you don’t feel like rolling the dough and using a cookie cutter, you can simply roll into balls and flatten as shown in the top photo.
- Parents with young kids (and more on their plates than usual) are bound to appreciate a batch (or two) of Homemade Play Dough. It’s moldable, as play dough should be, but it’s softer and not as dry. That means you don’t end up with all those messy little play dough crumbs everywhere. Play dough offers a lovely idea for grandparents to make for grandchildren they aren’t able to see right now. Make sure to ask for photos of their creations! (Check out the gel color options at craft stores like Michaels or online, as they create a vibrant assortment of colors. Think fuchsia, purple, lime green, and more.
Christmas Potpourri
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 1 small orange (a clementine works equally well)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves or allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg*
- Wide-mouth, quart jars or cellophane gift bags (if giving as a gift)
Instructions
- Slice the orange, and then bring 3 cups water and all of the ingredients to a simmer over low heat, uncovered, in a small to medium pot. Check the water from time to time, adding more if it starts to get low.
- If giving as a gift, place all of the ingredients in a wide mouth jar or cellophane bag, tie with a pretty bow, and include the simmering instructions.
Notes
Leave a Reply