Christmas Potpourri

If the thought of pot-pourri conjures up pictures of dusty dried fir cones in weird colours like turquoise and purple, you are not alone!

Potpourri is supposed to be a pretty collection of dried plant material with a subtle scent, not one that smells like toilet air-fresheners!

Try this Christmas version and see what you think.

There are two types of 'real' potpourri, the wet method and the dry method. They both take ages to 'cure' which is why they have such special long lasting aromas.

This recipe is not a true potpourri, but more of a collection of sweet smelling herbs and spices. It isn't going to last for months, but will make your home smell wonderful for the festive season

If you haven't got some of the ingredients, replace them with something else.

Ingredients

1 cup dried orange slices

1⁄2 cup cinnamon sticks, broken

1 Tbsp cloves

1 cup rosemary

1/2 cup star aniseed

1 cup pine sprigs

1/2 cup bay leaves

Pods and berries (optional)

Essential oil (optional)

Method

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well

Place in a basket or glass bowl

Occasionally stir the mix to release more of the scent, and you can add more essential oil as required.

Essential oil suggestions: Orange, grapefruit, cinnamon, rosemary, eucalyptus