Creating the scent of future memories
By Lori Steiner
Not long ago a friend and I walked into a bakery where a tray of apple turnovers had just popped out of the oven. “Oh, it smells like my grandma’s house,” exclaimed my friend. The scent of apples, cinnamon, and sweet dough triggered an equally sweet memory.
You can bake an apple pie for its delicious aroma. But for the scent without the calories, a potpourri mixture of cinnamon sticks, whole allspice and cardamom can do the trick.
Aromas can soothe, energize, and make you smile. During the winter months, we spend much more time in our homes, and while spring with its smells of wet grass and flowers is almost within reach, there are wonderful ways to fill our home with fresh scents.
Using potpourri, a mixture of flowers, leaves, fruit and bark, is a wonderful way to fragrant rooms. You’ve created a distinctive style in your home furnishings, do the same with scent. It is as much a statement as your country bench or Regency chair. Making your own potpourri is easy!
Looking for ingredients? Last week’s floral centerpiece can be tomorrow’s potpourri. Or stroll through your own backyard. Even in our wintery world you can gather fir needles and pinecones.
Simply spread your collection of petals, leaves, and citrus peel in a low cardboard box (to allow air circulation) and store in a cool, dry place for several weeks. Stir every day, taking care not to break petals or buds.
To ensure a lasting scent, you will need fragrant oil and orris root, a fixative. These can be found at craft stores. When the mixture is dry, place it in a bowl and add 3 drops of oil and a tablespoon of orris root for every cup of dried mixture.
Let your imagination explore the countless combinations of scent. Here are three recipes you might consider:
Spice -- Bay leaves, cloves, juniper berries with pine oil.
Sweet -- Lavender, rose petals, peonies and rose oil.
Crisp -- Mint leaves, lemon peel and geranium with lemon oil.
Pour it into bowls and set them around the house. Store the extra in an airtight container.
You now have a scent that is distinctively yours. You can also create sachet pillows for gifts. And with spring planting not far away, why not plant your potpourri ingredients in this year’s garden.
You are creating the scent of future memories. It’s your home.
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