5 Easy Ways to Change Your Space on a Budget to Fit a Different Vibe

5 Easy Ways to Change Your Space on a Budget to Fit a Different Vibe

Your living space reflects your personality and plays a significant role in setting the mood and atmosphere of your home. Sometimes, however, you might find yourself craving a change—a different vibe that better aligns with your current tastes and preferences. The good news is that transforming your space to suit a new aesthetic doesn’t have to break the bank. In this article, we will explore five easy and affordable ways to change your space on a budget for a fresh look and create a different vibe.

5 Easy Ways to Change Your Space on a Budget to Fit a Different Vibe

1. Change the Paint Color:Ways to Change Your Space on a Budget

One of the most effective and inexpensive ways to transform any space is by changing the paint color. Paint has the power to completely alter the ambiance of a room, making it feel vibrant, cozy, or sophisticated. When selecting a new color, consider the atmosphere you want to create. Warm tones like terracotta or mustard yellow can add a cozy and inviting feel. While cool blues or greens can provide a refreshing and calming effect. Opting for neutral shades like beige or gray allows for versatility and provides a backdrop for accentuating other elements in the room.

2. Create a Feature Wall with Paint or Wallpaper:

If you want to make a bold statement without committing to changing the entire room, creating a feature wall is an excellent option. This technique involves highlighting a single wall with a different paint color. Or using wallpaper to add texture, pattern, or even a mural. A feature wall can instantly transform the look and feel of a space, becoming a focal point that adds character and personality. Choose a wall that naturally draws attention. Such as the one behind a bed, sofa, or fireplace, and let your creativity run wild.

3. Clutter Clear the Space and Donate Decor and Things That No Longer Feel Right:

To create a new vibe, it’s important to declutter your space and let go of items that no longer align with your desired aesthetic. Start by evaluating yourWays to Change Your Space on a Budget belongings and consider donating or selling items that you no longer need or resonate with. This step not only helps you clear physical clutter but also declutters your mind, allowing you to focus on the new vibe you want to create. By letting go of unnecessary items, you’ll have more space to curate a cohesive and intentional aesthetic.

4. Move the Furniture Around or Take Out Items That No Longer Fit the Feel of the Space:

Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh arrangement of furniture to completely transform the energy of a room. Experiment with different layouts and positions to create a better flow and maximize the functionality of your space. If certain furniture pieces no longer fit the feel you’re trying to achieve, consider repurposing them in other rooms or donating them to someone who will appreciate them. Removing unnecessary items can breathe new life into a space. And make room for new additions that align with your desired vibe.

5. Incorporate Affordable Accessories and Statement Pieces:

Once you’ve made the foundational changes to your space, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Accessories and statement pieces can make a significanthome decor ideas impact on the overall vibe of a room without breaking the bank. Look for affordable options like decorative pillows, rugs, curtains, artwork, or plants that complement your desired aesthetic. These small additions can inject personality and create the desired ambiance, tying the entire room together.

Transforming your space to fit a different vibe doesn’t have to be a costly endeavor. By implementing these five easy and affordable tips, you can breathe new life into your living space without emptying your wallet. Whether you choose to change the paint color, create a feature wall, declutter, rearrange furniture, or add accessories, remember that the goal is to create an environment that aligns with your current tastes and preferences. Let your creativity flow, and enjoy the process of transforming  your space into a haven that truly reflects your unique style and personality.

5 Eco Friendly Curtains

5 Eco Friendly Curtains

We all love the feeling of coziness curtains bring to our home. But did you know that most conventional curtains today are made from synthetic fabrics and artificial dyes that are not always eco-friendly or healthy for your family? Never fear, because there are also several eco-friendly solutions out there so you can enjoy the comfort of a beautiful curtain without any guilt! In this blog post, I’m diving deep into 5 amazing environmentally friendly curtains perfect for moms living a more conscious lifestyle. Learn about some sustainable materials and inspiring designs – including unique ways to hang & style too!

Why Eco-Friendly Curtains are important

Eco-friendly curtains play a vital role in promoting a greener and more sustainable living environment. EmbracingEco Friendly Curtains environmentally-friendly materials and practices in our home decor not only contributes to the well-being of our planet but also significantly benefits our personal health. By opting for eco-friendly curtains, we reduce the amount of harmful chemicals and toxins released into our homes from conventional, synthetic materials. This, in turn, promotes better air quality, reduces allergens, and creates a healthier living space for ourselves and our families. Moreover, eco-friendly curtains often feature energy-efficient designs that help in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and reducing energy consumption, effectively lowering our carbon footprint. By making this conscious choice, we become an integral part of the global movement towards a sustainable future while transforming our homes into safe and nurturing sanctuaries.

Benefits of using Natural Fabrics for Curtains

The benefits of using natural fabrics for curtains extend far beyond their aesthetic appeal; they provide several environmental and health advantages. These eco-friendly textiles, often derived from renewable resources like cotton, linen, and silk, offer unparalleled versatility, durability, and airflow characteristics. By opting for natural fabric curtains, you not only contribute to conserving our planet by reducing the demand for synthetic materials, which require fossil fuels for production, but you also improve the air quality within your living space. As natural fabrics are not treated with harmful chemicals or artificial coatings, they tend to be hypoallergenic and kinder to those who suffer from allergies or skin sensitivities. Elevate your home’s charming appeal, promote sustainability, and take care of your health by embracing the many benefits that natural fabric curtains have to offer.

Different Types of Eco Friendly Curtains that you can ChooseEco Friendly Curtains roundup from

In recent years, people have become increasingly aware of the significance of environmentally sustainable practices in their lifestyle choices. One easy way to bring eco-friendliness into your home decor is by choosing the right type of eco-friendly curtains. Various sustainable materials and designs are available, ensuring that your choice aligns with both your aesthetic preferences and your commitment to the environment. For instance, consider selecting organic cotton or bamboo for a naturally breathable and durable curtain fabric. These materials not only utilize fewer resources during production but are also biodegradable.

Alternatively, you can opt for curtains made from recycled materials to further reduce your carbon footprint. Aside from material choices, look for curtains with energy-efficient features such as thermal insulation or UV protection to control the temperature within your living spaces and reduce your reliance on air-conditioning units or heaters. Ultimately, choosing eco-friendly curtains allows you to effectively blend style with sustainability within your home.

Tips on How to Care for Your Eco Friendly Curtains

Caring for your eco-friendly curtains is an essential task that allows you to prolong their lovely appearance while preserving our environment. A homeowner might feel overwhelmed by this challenge, but with a few well-chosen techniques, you can master the art of maintaining your environmentally conscious draperies. The key is to be gentle andsustainable curtains to make use of all-natural materials and cleaning agents. One helpful tip is to vacuum them regularly, using a soft brush attachment, to remove dust and allergens. When it comes to washing, opt for a mild detergent made with plant-based ingredients and avoid bleaches or harsh chemicals.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper washing and drying methods, as various eco-friendly fabrics have different requirements. If your curtains need ironing, choose the lowest heat setting and use a cloth between the iron and fabric to prevent damage. By adopting these straightforward strategies, your curtains will stay vibrant, fresh, and ready to accentuate your home’s eco-conscious atmosphere.

How to Incorporate Eco Friendly Curtains into your Home Decor for a Cozy Space

Incorporating eco-friendly curtains into your home decor not only contributes to a healthier environment but also creates a cozy and comfortable space. When selecting eco-friendly curtains, opt for natural and sustainable materials such as organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo. These environmentally responsible fabrics help reduce the negative impact on our ecosystem while providing an appealing aesthetic for your room. Furthermore, consider choosing curtains with built-in insulation qualities or ones that are energy-efficient as they help maintain the desired room temperature throughout the year, ultimately saving you energy costs.

One must also pay attention to the production process and certifications, ensuring that the curtains are made ethically and sustainably. Experiment with light and vibrant colors as they can transform the aura of the room while maintaining the theme of sustainability. Adding eco-friendly curtains to your home truly brings a sense of warmth and tranquility while showcasing your commitment to preserving our planet’s resources.curtain design at home

In conclusion, eco-friendly curtains offer a wide range of benefits that are great for the environment and your home. Natural fabrics help keep your air clean and also last longer than traditional synthetic options. From bamboo to recycled cotton, there is a variety of eco-friendly options available to choose from. And with a few simple maintenance tips, you can keep your eco-friendly curtains looking beautiful for years. What’s more, these curtains complete the look of just about any type of home decor and create a space that is as cozy as it is stylish. No matter what type of curtains you decide to hang in your home, choosing an eco-friendly option can help ensure that your home looks great while also helping reduce its environmental impact.

How to Easily Create a Feature Wall

How to Easily Create a Feature Wall

Everywhere you turn, business and homes have people creating a feature wall and some make it look easy. Others make it look incredibly difficult and unattainable.

I’m here to tell you, it’s really easy to create a feature wall that will have others wanting to come take all the pictures! All it takes is a little wallpaper, a bit of patience, and a love to see something different. I will tell you ahead of time, not all wallpaper is created the same. And can cause several curse words to get the perfect look if you aren’t careful!

How to Easily Create a Feature Wall

How to Easily Create a Feature Wall

My vision and dream was to create a wall and space in our Short Term rental property which made people feel like they were in an Instagram or blogging scene every day they wake up. I wanted it to look boho and islandy, and beachy, yet still comfortable. I knew I wanted to include wallpaper, palm tree frawn, wicker, and several plants. Because it is a short-term rental and I can’t expect my guests to water the plants. So I knew fake plants were going to be the way. And honestly, when doing home decor, the most low maintenance is often the easiest focal point to create.

I had a color scheme of green, white, and copper in my mind, and even mixed in a bit of blue and brown for the wicker color. What I didn’t plan on adding but realized they worked so well were pink flowers, and a yellow polka dot pot. It’s important to have coordinating colors in small spaces to not overwhelm the rest of the room or home.

This room has another end that has completely different accent walls and is right off the living room making it important to have fun but coordinating living spaces, even if you don’t see it in these photos. If you’ve been thinking of doing the same, here’s how to add a feature wall.

Feature Wall Wallpaper

Wallpaper has come a long way since I was a kid back in the 90s when wallpaper was at an all-time high in popularity. The wallpaper feature I remember was at the top of the ceiling in a thin strip down the wall. Or above the chair rail. Not often did you see an entire wall or a single wall covered floor to ceiling in wallpaper.

Things have changed quite a bit. Many people are using wallpaper to create beautiful experiences in their homes and entire walls as I did on a few walls in our short-term rental. A good wallpaper today can feel like a real piece of art.

Peel And Stick Wallpaper

I chose to use a peel and stick paper instead of one that needed paste or something complicated. Because this was my first time working with wallpaper, I wanted something that could remove and restick if it wasn’t right the first time.

I also chose the peel and stick in case I ended up not liking it and I would be able to remove it easily. If you need to remove wallpaper and restick it, you can get the adhesive to help keep more stickiness if it’s gone. This is the best pro tip I could give you, because after all, applying wallpaper takes real practice!

My favorite brand was Scott Living by the Scott Brothers. It was super easy to work with, had good repeating patterns, and had enough stickiness if I needed to remove and fix. This is the exact one I used on this wall. My next favorite is NextWall and it was a bit harder to work with when I needed to move and manipulate it. The least favorite was the Opalhouse line by Target. It is hard to work with, not easy to pull up and reapply. But I figured it out after a while.

Feature Wall ideas

This photo shows this chair, but I’ve moved it somewhere else in the house 🙂

Feature Wall Accessories

Once you decide what wallpaper and which wall you want to create, apply the wallpaper completely. Depending on the vibe you are trying to create, choose where you want to put your accessories like plants, flowers, chairs, etc. Because I was creating a corner and space, I didn’t add anything to the feature wall other than a window cling of colored palm prints. If you want to let the light in, it’s not necessary to do the window film like I did, however, I think it pops even more. Here’s the one I used.

I then added a hanging boho chair a bit in front of the wall for people to sit and have a moment. Little side note about this chair – I actually bought it back in January of 2018 and never hung it. It sat in the box until I opened it to hang in this spot. Guess it was just meant to be here all along and I didn’t know it! If you don’t have a large beam lying around, make sure you grab this hanging set. And ensure you find a stud to hang on so it doesn’t fall down.

On the opposite side of the room, I spaced out floral rings and hung a boho print from a local artisan here in Arizona along with my fake succulents. Remember to choose accessories of all shapes, sizes, and colors to really bring the wall together and draw attention to the cool vibe.

How to Easily Create a Feature Wall

I finished the feature area off with a table I spray painted green from white. Added a few plants to the table, a little pineapple basket, a smaller basket with a throw blanket. A DIY copper spray painted palm frawn, a cute pillow from Ikea, and a white side chair and rug.

Best wallpapers for Feature Wall

Here’s a little more detail on that spray painted table.

I started with this basic white metal table I picked up from Home Goods and picked out the Rustoleum Meadow Green after looking through the various green paint colors. Then spray painted it 2 coats to ensure the color would stick and be even. Then I let it dry outside about 30 minutes. Because it doesn’t take long in the Arizona summer heat to dry and cure!

spray painted tablespray painted table for decor

 

 

 

 

 

 

I probably spent $100 total on the whole wall and got lucky to snag the palm frawns the day the tree climbers were out cutting the palm trees in the neighborhood for no more than a few prickles in my finger!

palm trees for decor

The palms started out as regular frawns off the tree. And I used scissors to shape them the way I wanted. And spray painted them with a copper spray paint to hopefully seal them and keep them like this for a long time. If you look close in the final photos, you will see another frawn behind the swinging chair. That one I used a glitter spray paint on and it just dusted the frawn with a gold glitter. And kept the green color. The exact color I used on the frawns was Pearl Champagne Pink, which makes these really pop!

More Feature Wall Ideas

  • boho feature wall
  • beachy feature wall
  • board and batten accent wall
  • modern accent wall
  • wood accent wall / wood feature wall
  • art deco accent wall
  • wall mural
  • sports-related feature wall

These are just a few accent wall ideas and architectural elements to get your brain flowing and thinking of what to do, you could also add this in an office space or dining rooms for adding wall colors to otherwise boring walls. Oh, and lastly, you don’t have to hire an interior designer, use your imagination and Pinterest to make your accent wall ideas come to life!

DIY Door Curtain

DIY Door Curtain

DIY Door Curtain

If you are like me, you usually find the perfect curtain in the most wonderful print or color but the length is wrong. No matter how many times you measure your window.

I always find the most amazing curtain that’s either too short or too long.

Never the right length.

Add in custom french doors and custom windows and the length will never be found in stock in a store. I wish our dining room was standard sized, but without looking standard.

So without needing to raise or lower the curtain rods every time you want to change the curtains, or putting a drop hem in by sewing the curtains, I came up with a better solution. Custom curtains.

DIY Door Curtain

I bought too long of curtains.

Well, I didn’t intend for them to be too long when I purchased, but it happened. 

I had a really full cart already with 2 kids at Ikea and they were an impulse purchase, but one that I really liked. But in all honesty, I don’t ever mind a DIY project either. 

Making the mistake to go to Ikea on a Sunday was the first issue. It was full of people and my Mom radar was on super high as I didn’t want anyone to steal them when I was too busy looking at the length of the curtains too long.

So I grabbed the first 3 panel curtain packets I saw, and went with it. These are the ones I grabbed. 

I also thought that our windows and doors were at least 96 inches long… not remembering that we had custom heights for them making them take longer to get in during construction. (I don’t know how I could forget that)

Anyways, I got the curtains home, put them up, and realized that they are a good 8 inches too long…

I did what every person would do.

Contemplated taking them down, raising the curtain rod, and sewing them. We have to have a window treatment for the french doors that lead from the open concept kitchen and living room so these door curtains weren’t negotiable.

I also put up another set of curtains panels which are 64 inches and you can see in the photo they are too short.

Taking them down isn’t an option since we wanted to watch tv without a glare and shutting out the light at night. 

DIY Door Curtain hack

DIY Curtains Without Sewing

 

hem adhesive

Raising the curtain rod also entails fixing the drywall and having it repainted.

Both things we’ve done about 100 times now it feels like in this process. And it’s more expensive than purchasing all new curtains – so that’s also out.

With the pandemic happening and stay at home orders in place, taking them to get hemmed professionally are not options.

So, I took to Amazon to see if I could find some double sided fabric tape to make it work.

And thank goodness Amazon came to the rescue! The tape arrived in 2 days and I set out to fix them up using a diy no sew method. I have about 8 inches to hem to make them barely drag the floor, which I think will be fine.

 

Personally, I believe this will work with any curtain length – valance, kitchen curtains, cafe, longer curtains, etc.

Two rolls of this tape from Amazon should do the job. If you have fewer curtains, you may need less. If you have more, see how many it will take. Other options were available, but the shipping time was longer, and we couldn’t stand the curtains being so long anymore. Here’s my step-by-step process.

 

I simply laid the curtain across our countertop and put a towel under it to ensure I didn’t damage the butcher block. I moved the top edge out of my way in order to protect it as well. You can also fold the top to move it out of the way. If you have an ironing board, that probably works better. We don’t, so I improvised with what I had on hand.

 

DIY Door Curtain tutorial
Make A Curtain work for Any Window or door

And the other thing you need is an Iron. We borrowed one from my Mother In Law because we only have a steamer for our clothes. 

I measured out how far I wanted to bring the curtains up from the bottom hem. In my case, that was 8 1/2 inches. I put the tape at about 7 inches so I could fold the fabric, iron, and cut a new hem. I made sure to measure from the top and bottom to ensure a straight cut on the raw edges.

 

After cutting the hem and realizing how much new fabric was left on the folded edge, I decided to cut the new line so it wasn’t as thick looking when hanging. I reduced the edge of the fabric to just a few inches.

Make A Curtain work for Any Window or door
ironing curtain
Adjusting curtain length
DIY curtain hem

Final Product: Perfectly Fit

The final product is a curtain that’s not dragging the ground and custom fit to your door/window!

I will play around with the lengths as our floors aren’t completely level. For me, each door and window will need a different length.

One note – cute doggie not included 🙂 

Another note, my hubby decided he wanted to help with the project and didn’t heed my instructions to cut the extra fabric, which I did mention above, and you can see the reason. Look at Champ’s face and front area versus where is tail is. The extra fabric is a bit crazy!

 

If you don’t want to mess with curtains and you for sure don’t want to whip out the sewing machine, you can always check out window film as an option for a window covering. I have used window film on other properties that you can tie into the home decor. They work great as DIY curtains that don’t need washing, don’t ever get dirty, and don’t have a stretched rod pocket. 

 

pug by the curtains

Hopefully this is something you find helpful and useful in your home when doing projects or redesigning your space.

Let me know in the comments if you have other ideas to make a curtain fit a space you have.

Clutter Clearing and Hidden Treasures

Clutter Clearing and Hidden Treasures

I don’t know about you, but when I feel like things are out of place and not where they are supposed to be, I can’t think.

Or really function for that matter…

I immediately have to start cleaning and clearing so I can have clarity in my external environment. Until I’ve cleared and cleaned my space, I have a hard time focusing on the tasks at hand and even creating new things.

Clutter Clearing and Hidden Treasures

So today, after about a month too long, I cleared clutter from my office. I was able to clear out old books on topics I’ve read already. And things I’m no longer interested in reading. None of these were sentimental items, so it was pretty easy for me to let go. a

I think I grabbed about 30 books and card decks from my collection!

I also grabbed some books from my kiddos rooms that they have grown out of and took them to the resale shop. Much to my surprise, each and every book that I took into the store, they purchased!

 

$42 cash is what they gave me!

 

I know this might not sound like a lot, considering I probably paid at least that for 2 of the books in the collection. However, think about how much money I was getting for them sitting in my home….

ZERO.

Not only did I get to clear my space of things I no longer need, but I also received some money for them to put towards our new home purchase. And now, I don’t have to have as many boxes for moving in a few weeks! Major wins today 🙂

On this same note, I have a habit of hearing about something new that I can learn and buy books/programs/courses on this new thing that end up collecting somewhere and I don’t finish them. Today, I got rid of some of those books on topics I became interested in and never cracked the book after purchasing. This sometimes add to a cluttering problem, which can cause issues when your space is limited.

Be Minimalist.

My goal is eventually to be a minimalist in all facets of my life, and today is a step in that direction that it is actually possible for me to do!

I found a few websites online with the full version of the books I will need in the future. And I have a newfound appreciation for Kindle and Audible – mostly because I can do them in the car or when I’m traveling on the plane – with less clutter in my bags.

Clean One Room At A Time.

If you are like me and sensitive to your surroundings, do yourself a favor and go through one or two rooms of your house and clear them out of all the clutter.

Things you purchased and haven’t used, things that have seen better days, things you are holding for a rainy day or when you can fit into them again, or things that you have received from people who you have negative emotional attachment to, etc. Doing so will allow you to clear space out for things you actually want in your life and clean your home. You can then donate clothes and home goods which are still usable to charities who need these things for the people they help in the end. It also helps you feel better about the donation of your things and declutter your home at the same time!

If you struggle with bringing in clutter and things, it might be smart to hire a professional organizer to help you create spaces where you care happy and comfortable in your home, while also ensuring the clutter doesn’t come back.

Clean Living Environments For Healthier Self.

In addition, many studies have shown that when you have too many things in your environment, it can help manifest illnesses in your physical body.

You hold onto anger much longer than you should creating discomforts in your emotional, physical, and mental bodies.

For me personally, I would prefer my children to have less THINGS and more EXPERIENCES and memories for when they are older. Things they won’t remember as much, memories last much longer, positive or negative.

These are great reminders, especially now that the holidays are upon us, and smart to do before bringing in new toys, clothes, home decor, etc on those lists that come during the holidays.

Clean thoroughly.

Not only will cleaning throughly free up your mental capacity and reduce stress, but it will help improve your immune system to keep you healthy.

Let’s take the kitchen for example. It is one thing to simply declutter and clean. It is another to grab your cleaning products, clean the kitchen with warm water and a drop of dish soap, let it sit for a few minutes, wipe clean from top to bottom, AND don’t forget to hit the ceiling fan as well. That’s a deep clean. Sounds like a lot of work, but it also sounds live a clean living environment fit for a healthy family.

Not sure where to start? Start with your kitchen and bathroom. Then move on room by room. So, grab your cleaning supplies, utilize these cleaning tips, and get to decluttering and cleaning the house. You will be pleasantly surprised by the mental health benefits you realize later.

Clean your clutter. Clear your mind. Bring in new possibilities for you and yours. Start clean living today.

Oh! and you can even earn a few bucks to do something fun or pay a bill with the money you get from clearing your clutter 🙂 Double bonus!

Homemade Holiday Potpourri Recipes

Homemade Holiday Potpourri Recipes

Growing up, we always had potpourri in the house, all year long, but more so during the holidays. My Mom would leave the potpourri all year long, so we would have a Christmas potpourri smell in July if you walked by the place on the table where it was sitting. As I got older, I realized holiday potpourri makes a wonderful gift idea for those on your list. I’m not talking about the store-bought potpourri though, I’m talking about homemade potpourri that leaves a wonderful home smell for all those who enter. This is an easy and thoughtful gift for friends, family, and neighbors who may be alongside a bottle of wine or liquor.

Homemade Holiday Potpourri Recipes

Before we get too much into the holiday potpourri recipe making, I wanted to let you know I do have some affiliate links here that keep me being able to do these posts for you 🙂 So if you click on something and make a purchase, I do a little dance with my girls in appreciation and gratitude!

Making holiday potpourri is a delightful holiday activity that will scent your home during the holiday season. Most of its ingredients are found in your kitchen, can also be purchased online, and in the supermarkets.  Spices and packs of mixed nuts are also readily available throughout the holidays at supermarkets and specialty markets. Ingredients like juniper berries, whole nutmeg and allspice, cloves, and cinnamon sticks, when blended together, offer you a holiday potpourri that is pleasant in appearance with a wonderful festive scent.

 

Stovetop Potpourri: What is it?

Potpourri is a fragrant blend of spices and fruits. It can be stored in a bowl in dry form, with dried flowers, herbs, andHomemade Holiday Potpourri Recipes spices. The alternate version is to make it on the stove by simmering the ingredients. It’s frequently created around the holiday season.

 

Stovetop potpourri, often known as “simmer pot potpourri,” is created by combining naturally scented components in a small pot of simmering water on the stove, filling your home with a delightful and all-natural fragrance. Generally, when you want the potpourri to have a scent around the home, the stove will need to be on. 

Safety is one of the most critical issues. Even though the potpourri is simmering, you should not ever leave it alone and always turn off the stove at night or whenever you leave home. Keep in mind your stovetop potpourri shouldn’t fully dry out. Setting an alarm will remind you to monitor what’s happening with the stovetop potpourri and, if required, replace or add more water.

 

How To Make Stovetop Potpourri For Gifts

Cooking holiday potpourri in a slow cooker or on the stovetop will make your house smell like the holiday season. Just add printable gift tags to your package for holiday gift-giving.

5 minutes to prepare | 1 package of serving

Ingredients:

▢ 1) 4 cinnamon sticks (crumbled) (to release the scent)

▢ 2) 1 tbsp clove (whole)

▢ 3) 1 tsp allspice berries (whole)

▢ 4) 1 tablespoon star anise (optional, but provides a licorice-like aroma)

▢ 5) 1/2 cup cranberries (fresh)

▢ 6) 1 medium orange (whole) a transparent bag, a 250 (1 cup) Mason jar, or a recycled jam jar

▢ 7) Optional: sprigs of rosemary or evergreens

Instructions:

▢ Step 1

Leave out the cranberries and fresh orange slices when making a dried mix packet. You can also increase the amount of ground cinnamon, cloves, and allspice in the mixture. The aroma of the ground spices will be released more quickly.

 

▢ Step 2

Refrigerate the cranberries and orange until ready to give as a gift. The ground spices will cling to the orange and cranberries, so leave them out.

 

▢ Step 3

In a stove or slow cooker, combine the dried mix, fresh cranberries, and sliced orange with 2 to 3 cups of water (or apple juice). Simmer on a low flame setting.

 

▢ Step 4

Keep an eye on it and add more water as needed only. This recipe can be kept for several days.

How To Make Potpourri Last Longer

If you refresh the water as needed, your holiday potpourri will last 4 or 5 days. If you’re giving your holiday potpourri as adried flower petals heart and arrow holiday gift, wrap it in craft paper or burlap and tie it off with ribbon or baker’s twine. 

 

How Long Does it Take for Holiday Potpourri to Simmer?

four (4) days

You can usually get several hours of very pleasant aromas, but if you use the same holiday potpourri, the fragrances can last up to four days. Simply keep an eye on the water level for precaution.

 

What’s the best way to make holiday potpourri smell better?

To enhance the perfume and assure the fragrance’s longevity, add a complementing essential oil to the holiday potpourri mix. For every 5 cups of the holiday potpourri, add up to 8 drops of essential oil.

You can also add dried orange slices or lemon slices, for smell and aesthetics. This addition will add a clean and fresh smell, and your house will smell amazing.

Holiday Potpourri Gift Ideas

You’ll need the following items to complete the assembly:Homemade Holiday Potpourri Recipes

 

▢ 1) Wide-mouth, Quart Jars, or cellophane gift bags – The jars are obviously more expensive, but they make the most impact. 

 

▢ 2) Holiday Wrapper – Choose wisely between kraft paper and wrapping paper. Kraft paper is stronger, while wrapping paper tends to rip apart easily.

 

▢ 3) Ribbon or thread — I prefer twine for its rustic and aesthetic vibe, but you can use everything you have on hand.

 

▢ 4) Scissors – for cutting. Keep it out for children below 12 years old for safety. 

 

▢ 5) Printer – If you don’t have a printer at home, you may have these printed the free printable potpourri recipe and holiday greetings card for a few dollars at your local office supply store.

 

▢ 6) Paper/Cardstock – I recommend cardstock over paper since it lasts longer. But it’s entirely up to you.

 

Jar Instructions:

Cover the jar lid with brown kraft paper, wrapping paper, or any other paper you want, seal with the jar lid band and put on the free printable gift tag with a ribbon or twine. 

 

Holiday potpourri in a jar that smells like Christmas is one of the most simple holiday gift ideas that can be made ahead of time. So, this homemade craft is a great idea if you want to start making homemade holiday gifts early. This gift can be created year round as the seasons change with different items which are popular during the season, not just during the winter holidays!