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Thursday, December 18, 2014

WINTER POTPOURRI


Need a last minute gift for a teacher?  Neighbor?  Co-worker?  Mailman?  The "Oh No, I forgot a gift for you" person?  Or could your house just benefit from a yummy-smelling concoction?

With just a few simple ingredients and about two minutes, you can throw together some cute bags of Winter Potpourri.  My sister-in-law shared this recipe with me about 10 years ago, and I've used it in the past but had forgotten about it until recently.  I saw someone (please remind me where I saw it if it's you!) refer to something similar on Instagram and it sparked my memory.


Here's the basic recipe:



1 orange, 1 lemon, 4 cinnamon sticks, 20 whole cloves, 2 bay leaves
*I didn't use the bay leaf, but saw these cute star anise packs at the store, so I substituted those. They're mainly for looks, they kind of smell like licorice.  Nothing is set in stone, you can play with the combo of ingredients.  I've switched up the fruit in the past also, using limes or grapefruit instead.

Now, that recipe is actually enough for 2 rounds.  You'll want to half the orange and lemon, and slice up those halves.  Save the other halves for later.  Half everything else in the recipe and combine it with the fruit slices, along with about 2 cups of water.  Simmer in a pot or in a mini-crock pot.  This mixture will last for 2-3 days, then you can use the portions you reserved for another batch.

To gift, put all ingredients in a clear or seasonal cellophane bag and tie with a pretty ribbon.  I should have printed the recipe and instructions out on a card to attach as well, but I didn't get to that yet.  ;) Another tip, I used the smaller mandarin type oranges, just because they fit in the bag better.


These are a thoughtful little gift on their own, or would be terrific party favors or that little extra something to tuck in and add to a gift you already have.


I've had a batch simmering for the past two days and the kitchen smells lovely!


7 days and counting!  I'm needing to finish up my shopping today and tomorrow before the kids are out of school.

This will most likely be my last post for the year, so I wanted to leave you with my sincere thanks for reading and following along here.  It still amazes me that people are actually interested in my projects!  I hope you all have a blessed and joyous Christmas, and that you know the Savior that was born for us to bring us hope, peace, and new life.

See you in 2015 for lots of new possibilities!


Would you like to comment?

  1. Love the potpourri idea as a fabulous gift. Yours are wrapped so pretty also. I wish you and your family all the Blessings of the season. Merry Christmas. God Bless

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  2. Kristin Strickler CadwalladerDecember 18, 2014 at 9:13 AM

    Such a great idea for a teacher gift! I have to run out today and grab some gifts for the teachers for tomorrow and I think I'll add this in :)

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  3. Stephanie @loveolympiajune.bloDecember 18, 2014 at 4:51 PM

    Great post! Have a Merry Christmas as well!
    p.s.- I really liked reading your last sentence about our Savior. He is the reason for the season! :)
    Stephanie

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  4. Heather @ Encouraged at HomeDecember 18, 2014 at 7:30 PM

    Yours are so fun with the polka dot/plaid bows! Think maybe I'll use this for open house favors next year. Have a joyous Christmas, Jennifer!

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  5. The plaid plus dots is so great, love the combo. Thanks for sharing the potpourri recipe; I'm going to make it in the next couple weeks while my boys are home, they'll love it if I let them poke the cloves into the fruit, ha! I love your blog so much. I've been a reader/stalker for quite a while but not sure if I've commented or not. But tonight I just had to comment on what you said about Jesus bringing us peace, hope, and new life. In my ministry this month I've been sharing Jeremiah 29:11, so what you wrote made me smile. Peace and hope! Such encouragement! Enjoy the rest of the year!

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  6. Do you follow Jenn @ Clean and Scentsible? That may be what sparked your memory! She posted a similar potpourri recipe a week or so ago :) Great idea!!
    Lindi @ Love Create Celebrate

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  7. Jennifer, I tried this recipe and it turned out great! Thanks for the idea. I used it all day long and it worked great to reduce the smell of the salmon I baked too!
    Steph @ Casa Watkins

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  8. Caitlin @ Candyfloss & PersieDecember 31, 2014 at 12:23 PM

    how cute!

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  9. These are great gifts and I love how simple it is!

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